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PhD (NFQ Level 10)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Arbitration is a widely used alternative to litigation before the Courts. The use of arbitration is on the increase, and new legislation, the Arbitration Act, 2010, was introduced in 2010 to make Ireland a world leader in the field of arbitration. The Diploma is the only one of its kind in Ireland and will equip you with the competence required to conduct or participate in arbitrations.

The Diploma in Arbitration is taught by means of lectures and seminars over the course of an academic year. Lectures are held once a week (in January-April) and are supplemented a number of seminars on Award Writing and Arbitration Skills (in June-July). Lectures in the Irish Law and Legal Procedure component for non-lawyers are held on one additional evening per week (January -April). The Programme Commences in January.

About This Course

The doctoral programme in law is a structured programme. The core element in the programme is of course the carrying out of research leading to the completion of a thesis.  Students are also required to complete a minimum number of taught modules (30 credits).

These modules include one compulsory course - Introduction to Advanced Research in Law - Optional courses which a student might choose to take include a course in qualitative and quantitative research methods, in substantive areas of law or in other areas where the student feels skills might  be required to advance his or her PhD studies, for example languages or economics.

Students are assigned to a main supervisor before arrival at the Law School. The supervisor, in turn, is supported by a team of two other members of academic staff with expertise in the field of research. The supervisor plus the other staff members constitute your 'doctoral panel'.

At the end of the first year of the PhD programme each candidate is required to complete a transfer process in order to move from the first to the second stage of the PhD programme. This process provides an opportunity for students to review the progress they have made in the first year. It also enables the School of Law to ensure that all candidates are making sufficient progressing towards completion and accruing the transferable skills which PhD studies are designed to foster in a student - independence of research, originality of thought and competence in advanced research methodologies and skills.

Apart from being the highest level of academic achievement, obtaining a PhD is now regarded as an essential feature in the curriculum vitae of anyone aspiring to a career in academia. Many graduates of UCD Law School's PhD Programme are now themselves academics either in or outside Ireland. Graduates in recent years from UCD Law School's PhD programme have been appointed to academic positions in HEC Paris, the Queen's University Belfast, the University of Portsmouth, the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, University College Dublin, the University of Maynooth, Dublin City University and NUI Galway, among other institutions and universities.

Of course, PhD graduates don't just end up in academia. For those who decide that they would prefer a career in legal practice, we have an excellent Careers Development Centre here at UCD, designed to help you with information regarding future employment or studies. UCD hold a number of graduate events throughout the year including a dedicated law fair at which  at which many of the big law firms are in attendance. The School of Law has a dedicated careers advisor on its academic staff and a staff member from the careers office is in attendance at the School of Law on a number of occasions throughout the academic year.  To see the full range of services offered by the careers office go to http://www.ucd.ie/careers/

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LAW50030 Advanced Research in Law  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 GSBL50050 Approaches & Techniques in Qualitative Research  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40060 International Commercial Arbitration  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40120 Foundations of Environmental Law  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40150 International Competition Law  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40280 Trade Mark Law  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40360 Advanced Issues in European Competition Law  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40670 Corporate Governance  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40760 NGOs: Law, Governance and Social Change  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40780 Law of the ECHR  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41040 Law and Governance of the EU  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41090 Climate Change Law and Policy  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41150 Online Regulation  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41270 Data Protection and Privacy: National and International Perspectives  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41450 International Tax Law  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41500 White Collar Crime  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41730 Foundations of Environmental Law SBES  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42000 Copyright Law  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42010 Financial Regulation  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42020 Law of Armed Conflict  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42040 Culture, Heritage and Human Rights  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42170 Behavioural Laws  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 GSBL50050 Approaches & Techniques in Qualitative Research  7.5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40060 International Commercial Arbitration  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40120 Foundations of Environmental Law  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40280 Trade Mark Law  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40360 Advanced Issues in European Competition Law  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40670 Corporate Governance  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40760 NGOs: Law, Governance and Social Change  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW40780 Law of the ECHR  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41040 Law and Governance of the EU  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41090 Climate Change Law and Policy  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41150 Online Regulation  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41270 Data Protection and Privacy: National and International Perspectives  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41450 International Tax Law  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41500 White Collar Crime  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW41730 Foundations of Environmental Law SBES  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42000 Copyright Law  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42010 Financial Regulation  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42020 Law of Armed Conflict  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42040 Culture, Heritage and Human Rights  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW42170 Behavioural Laws  10
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
PhD students are required to complete 30 taught credits over the course of their programme (as outlined in Section 7 of the Academic regulations). A list of modules considered appropriate by your School is given below, and from which you can select module(s) subject to timetables/capacity. Please, ensure that you have discussed your choice with your supervisor. If your supervisor has recommended a module that does not appear below then please follow the advice on registration to taught modules published on the Graduate Studies website.
 LAW50030 Advanced Research in Law  5

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London, and students awarded the Diploma will be eligible for election to Membership of the Institute (M.C.I.Arb.) and exemption from the Institute’s Fellowship (F.C.I.Arb) and Chartered Arbitrator examinations - credentials which are recognised worldwide. Further details of the Institute's fellowship requirements may be obtained directly from the Institute's website at www.arbitrators.org. Local information may also be obtained from the institute's Irish Branch at Merchants House, 27-30 Merchant’s Quay, Dublin 8, Tel: 01-7079739, e-mail ciarb@iol.ie


PhD Law (B142) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7130
nonEU    fee per year - € 13730

PhD Law (B142) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7130
nonEU    fee per year - € 13730

PhD Law (B143) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4710
EU          fee per year - € 4710
nonEU    fee per year - € 9200
nonEU    fee per year - € 9200

***Fees are subject to change


Applications will be considered from




  • Practising barristers or solicitors

  • Barristers or solicitors actively engaged in legally connected employment,

  • Graduates holding an approved university degree or law-based interdisciplinary university degree,

  • Persons with other academic and/or professional qualifications and/or such experiences as would satisfy the School that they are able to participate on this course.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Law:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
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PhD Law
Doctor of Philosophy		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Graduate Research Apply
showAudience-audienceEU B143
Law
Doctor of Philosophy		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Graduate Research Apply
showAudience-audienceEU B142
Law
Doctor of Philosophy		 Commencing 2024/2025 January Graduate Research Opens 01 Oct 2024
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