Diploma in Law

Course details

This Diploma has been developed to provide students with an opportunity to study the law in an engaging and flexible learning environment.

An intensive diploma spread over eight modules; this course is designed for those who require an introduction to the discipline of law in a number of key core areas. This course is unique in that it integrates the academic theory with the practice of law. Our lecturers and tutors are experienced practitioners and are well placed to provide instruction in the various substantive topics of law with the added benefit of being able to relate to the real life practice of law when required. In addition guest lectures will be provided from time to time by specialised practitioners.

Course structure

Our innovative blended learning approach affords ultimate flexibility in terms of accessing our course and this may appeal to those who are working or based outside Dublin whilst undertaking the diploma. Lectures may be attended onsite, ‘live’ online, or played back on demand. Lectures can also be downloaded to our app and accessed via iPhone or iPad to be viewed later when no internet connectivity is required.

Lectures are held weekly on a Wednesday evening from 6.00 to 8.30pm with a monthly block release weekend on a Friday and Saturday. The Saturday workshop sessions form an integral part of the course design and are intended to consolidate what is learned in lectures. They offer an opportunity to participants to work in smaller groups, facilitated by experienced practitioners working through relevant problem-based case studies. Each module will also comprise a skills session tailored to the particular topic and there will be additional specific workshops on legal writing and examination techniques.

This course comprises eight modules:

SEMESTER 1

Introduction to Legal Systems

• Module 1 [Constitutional Law
• Module 2: Criminal Law
• Module 3: Contract law
• Module 4: Tort

First Semester Examinations January 2016

SEMESTER 2

• Module 5: Company Law
• Module 6: EU Law
• Module 7: Property Law
• Module 8: Equity or Employment Law *

"Students have a choice between these two electives

Second Semester Examinations June 2016

Two year options

We also offer the option to take the course over two years. Students can choose to study two modules in each semester across two academic years. Module electives must be made in advance of the commencement of the course. In addition if it is more suitable it is open to students to begin with the semester 2 modules.

Learning outcomes

This course will focus on the practical know-how in addition to the academic knowledge. On successful completion of this course, participants will have:

• Gained substantive knowledge in the eight foundation areas of law
• Achieved valuable legal writing skills
• Learnt how to effectively and efficiently carry out independent legal research
• Become well-versed in the professional skills expected of lawyers
• Developed essential legal skills through practical workshops and problem-based learning

Who should attend?

This course is open to non-law graduates from any discipline or suitable non-graduates with a demonstrable level of work experience in the area of law. This course will be of interest to anyone hoping to begin their career in law as well as to anyone who would like to have an improved knowledge of law to enhance or persify from their existing role.