Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Law with Philosophy

BCL (NFQ Level 8)
I am an
Study Abroad
Sustainable Development Goals

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

Chat to StudentsContact Us
Legal systems express and reflect the prevailing moral, political, social and economic philosophy of the state. Law and philosophy are, therefore, complementary fields of study. An understanding of law is fundamentally enhanced by a deeper knowledge of philosophical theory. This course offers you a highly respected degree in law combined with an enriched appreciation of its philosophical underpinnings.

About This Course

You’ll attend lectures and tutorials, in addition to engaging in study and preparatory work.

Assessment is through a combination of end-of-semester examinations, essays and group work projects.

You may apply to study abroad for either a semester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange. UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.

Please visit the Erasmus section on the UCD Global. Students can apply for places on our exchange programmes with partner universities including:

  • University of New South Wales, Sydney
  • Université de Fribourg, Switzerland

BCL (Law with Philosophy) students can choose to study the modules necessary for legal professional recognition, which enables them to pursue legal careers as solicitors or barristers.

Graduates are also ideally suited to careers in:
  • Legal research (e.g. at the Law Reform Commission)
  • Politics
  • Media
  • Diplomatic service
  • Academia

    Relevant graduate study programmes include LLM degrees in:
  • International Human Rights
  • European Law & Public Affairs
  • Legal Philosophy
  • School of Law Office,
    UCD Sutherland School of Law,
    Belfield,
    Dublin 4
    Tel: +353 1 716 4114/4103
    Email:law.students@ucd.ie
    Web:www.ucd.ie/law

    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 - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10050 Constitutional Law: Institutional Framework of the Constitution of Ireland Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10190 Negligence and Related Matters Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10270 Civil Procedure Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10340 Contract: Formation Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10420 Legal and Professional Skills Autumn  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10060 Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights under the Constitution of Ireland Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10200 Nominate Torts Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10350 Contract: Vitiating Factors and Remedies Spring  5
    Stage 1 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW10360 General Introduction to the Irish Legal System Spring  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW20330 EU Constitutional Law Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW20370 Property Law I Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW20390 Criminal Liability Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW20340 EU Economic Law Spring  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW20380 Property Law II Spring  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW20400 Criminal Offences and Defences Spring  5
    Stage 2 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 0 of:
    You should choose both LAW20090 and LAW20170 instead of Electives to be compliant for the Irish Legal Professional Bodies.
    LAW20090 Company Law I Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 0 of:
    You should choose both LAW20090 and LAW20170 instead of Electives to be compliant for the Irish Legal Professional Bodies.
    LAW20170 Company Law II Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37580 Research Module 10 cr 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW20090 Company Law I Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30010 Banking Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30060 Equity: History, Doctrines, Remedies Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30070 Evidence - Foundations Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30090 Revenue Law: Introduction to Revenue Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30170 Employment Law: the Contract of Employment Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30240 Administrative Law: Grounds of Review Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30400 Matrimonial Law and Reliefs Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30440 Environmental Law and Policy Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30470 International Human Rights Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30610 Commercial Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30690 Advocacy and Mooting Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30700 The Lawyer, Professional Ethics & Legal Practice Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30730 Public International Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30870 Patent Law and Trademarks Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37470 Advanced International Law - The Law of Int Organisations Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37530 Financial Law of the EU Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37560 Social Inclusion Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37570 Insolvency Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37670 Copyright Law Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37700 Internet Law and Regulation Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW20170 Company Law II Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30160 Evidence - Practice and Principles Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30190 Media Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30230 Overview of Law Relating to Creation and Administration of Trusts Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30290 Administrative Law: Remedies for Unlawful Administrative Action Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30300 Criminology: Criminal Justice and Penology Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30310 Law of the ECHR Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30450 Family and Child Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30820 Private International Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37430 Jury Trials Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37460 Planning Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37590 International Economic Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37600 Migration Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37610 Medical Law Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37630 Law in the Classroom Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37680 BCL Internship Spring  30
    Stage 3 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 5 of:
    Choose six of the following, or five if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37710 Applied Legal Skills Spring  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules - Law with Philosophy
    LAW30180 Jurisprudence Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37580 Research Module 10 cr 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30010 Banking Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30060 Equity: History, Doctrines, Remedies Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30070 Evidence - Foundations Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30090 Revenue Law: Introduction to Revenue Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30170 Employment Law: the Contract of Employment Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30240 Administrative Law: Grounds of Review Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30400 Matrimonial Law and Reliefs Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30440 Environmental Law and Policy Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30470 International Human Rights Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30610 Commercial Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30640 Competition Law in Practice Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30690 Advocacy and Mooting Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30700 The Lawyer, Professional Ethics & Legal Practice Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30730 Public International Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30870 Patent Law and Trademarks Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37470 Advanced International Law - The Law of Int Organisations Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37530 Financial Law of the EU Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37560 Social Inclusion Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37570 Insolvency Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37670 Copyright Law Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37700 Internet Law and Regulation Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30160 Evidence - Practice and Principles Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30190 Media Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30230 Overview of Law Relating to Creation and Administration of Trusts Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30290 Administrative Law: Remedies for Unlawful Administrative Action Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30300 Criminology: Criminal Justice and Penology Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30310 Law of the ECHR Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30450 Family and Child Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30550 Legal History: The History of Public Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30570 Contemporary Issues in Law and Politics Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW30820 Private International Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37430 Jury Trials Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37460 Planning Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37590 International Economic Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37600 Migration Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37610 Medical Law Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37630 Law in the Classroom Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - - Law with PhilosophyA) Min 4 of:
    Choose five of the following, or four if you select LAW37580, 10-credit Research module.
    LAW37710 Applied Legal Skills Spring  5

    SDG4 SDG5 SDG 8 SDG 9 SDG 10 SDG 16

     

    The UCD Sutherland School of Law is a connected community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We work together in a culture of collaboration to support each other to thrive and achieve our full potential, in service of broader societal goals. Through our undergraduate and graduate education, research and external engagement, we aim to ensure that our students, faculty and staff thrive and contribute to sustainable well-being on our campus, in Ireland and across the wider world. Our faculty are globally recognized experts in the fields of Law and Criminology, advancing knowledge through research, engaging with government, business and civil society to enhance our world, and using their knowledge to design and offer cutting edge education within their disciplines of Law and Criminology .   

    The Law degrees at UCD incorporate a diverse range of formal and informal learning opportunities for students, delivered by excellent researchers who are leading their fields globally, and embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their educational activities where appropriate.

    Law governs many aspects of our lives. It affects many of our day-to-day interactions, transactions and personal relationships, as well as the fundamental challenges which face our societies such as climate change, human rights violations and rule of law backsliding. Law students gain a deep understanding of Law and develop real-world skills in research, communication and leadership. By integrating their legal expertise with the goals of sustainable development, our graduates can significantly contribute to advancing these global objectives and creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

    Through learning how policy makers respond to societal challenges, students are equipped to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public service or corporate responsibility to advance the sustainable development goals. The curriculum for our law degrees align with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in meaningful and impactful ways. The following are the primary areas where there is closest alignment:

    • Quality Education (SDG 4)
    • Gender Equality (SDG 5)
    • Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
    • Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9)
    • Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10)
    • Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16)

    Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

    UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

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

    ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
    showAudience-audienceInt LWW1
    Law with Philosophy
    Bachelor of Civil Law
    Commencing 2024/2025 September Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
    Non EU Undergraduates
    Apply
    * you can change options at the top of the page

    Additional special entry route(s) to Law with Philosophy:

    These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

    ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
    showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt LWW1
    Law with Philosophy
    Bachelor of Civil Law
    Commencing 2024/2025 September Access Progression Pathway
    Access Progression Pathway
    Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
    If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
    Apply