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Law with French Law

BCL (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This is a highly valued degree by employers both in Ireland and in Europe. Language proficiency is increasingly important in the modern business world and this qualification gives graduates a distinctive point of differentiation when seeking employment. Students will learn about the common law system, practised in Ireland and the UK and the civil law system which is used throughout Europe.

About This Course

This is a highly valued degree by employers both in Ireland and in Europe. Language proficiency is increasingly important in the modern business world and this qualification gives graduates a distinctive point of differentiation when seeking employment.

Law with French Law is one of two French Law Courses offered by Sutherland School of Law, the other being the dual degree - the BCL/ Maîtrise. All students interested in the French Law Courses enter the BCL (Law with French Law) in first year. Both degrees offer the exciting opportunity for immersion in two of the world’s major legal systems. Student will learn about the common law system, practised in Ireland and the UK (and in some form, in most of the English-speaking world) and the civil law system which is used throughout Europe.

The BCL (Law with French Law) degree provides students with a qualification in Irish law, while acquiring a broad knowledge of French law and a very high level of competence in French language and French legal terminology. French Law classes are small, and students are encouraged to interact throughout, thus enhancing their spoken French. On graduation, students may choose to pursue a career in an Irish legal context but this degree will also have given them the opportunity to gain valuable comparative insights, which inform an enhanced critical perspective on Irish law.

This degree is four years in duration with third year spent at a leading law school in France.

All French law modules studied at UCD are taught through French.

First Year

First year focuses on the core law modules of Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Tort Law. Legal and Professional Skills and General Introduction to the Irish Legal System. This is combined with intensive French language training and modules covering French Public Law, French Private Law and French Law Book Club.

Second Year

In second year, you will study other core law modules including: EU Law, Property Law and Criminal Law. You will also advance your French language training and continue to study French Private Law and French Public Law.

A non compulsory peer-to-peer French Law Clinic provides additional supervised tutorials led by students. These are organised and taught by third and final year dual degree students from Toulouse.

Third and Fourth Year

You will spend your third year at a partner university in Aix-Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Paris, Strasbourg or Toulouse. You will return to UCD for the final year of your BCL degree and will be required to complete a dissertation in French on French law.

The French Law Dissertation is in fact most of the time a Comparative work about French law and Irish law, or can be in European law or International law.

You will also study some modules, such as:

• Jurisprudence and Equity • Environmental Law and Policy • Migration Law • Environmental Law and Policy • Migration Law • European Human Rights Law • Medical Law • Criminological Theory

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 by clicking on the International Office link at the top of this page.

This degree ensures that graduates are well placed to pursue careers with international law firms, EU and international organisations, diplomacy and government departments, or Non-Governmental Organisations.

Past graduates have progressed to study at prestigious institutions in the EU and internationally and others have obtained scholarships to the renowned College of Europe in Bruges.

UCD Sutherland School of Law

Tel: +353 1 716 4110
e. law.students@ucd.ie


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
LAW10050 Constitutional Law: Institutional Framework of the Constitution of Ireland Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10190 Negligence and Related Matters Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10300 French Public Law 1(Introduction to French Constitutional Law) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10340 Contract: Formation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10420 Legal and Professional Skills Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10480 French Law Book Club Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
FR10130 French Fictions Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10060 Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights under the Constitution of Ireland Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10200 Nominate Torts Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10350 Contract: Vitiating Factors and Remedies Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10360 General Introduction to the Irish Legal System Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
LAW10430 French Private Law 1 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
FR20020 French language II a: Grammaire et syntaxe françaises Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20330 EU Constitutional Law Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20370 Property Law I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20390 Criminal Liability Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW27290 French Public Law 2 (Introduction to Administrative Law) Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
FR20040 French Language II b: Expression française écrite et orale Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20340 EU Economic Law Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20360 French Private Law 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20380 Property Law II Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
LAW20400 Criminal Offences and Defences Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
You should choose both LAW20090 and LAW20170 instead of your Electives to be Compliant for the Irish Legal Professional Bodies.
LAW20090 Company Law I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
You should choose both LAW20090 and LAW20170 instead of your Electives to be Compliant for the Irish Legal Professional Bodies.
LAW20170 Company Law II Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
LAW30630 French Law Dissertation Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
FR30310 French Language 3a: Expression avancée Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW20090 Company Law I Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30010 Banking Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30060 Equity: History, Doctrines, Remedies Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30070 Evidence - Foundations Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30090 Revenue Law: Introduction to Revenue Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30170 Employment Law: the Contract of Employment Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30180 Jurisprudence Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30240 Administrative Law: Grounds of Review Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30400 Matrimonial Law and Reliefs Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30440 Environmental Law and Policy Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30470 International Human Rights Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30610 Commercial Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30640 Competition Law in Practice Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30690 Advocacy and Mooting Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30700 The Lawyer, Professional Ethics & Legal Practice Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30730 Public International Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30870 Patent Law and Trademarks Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37470 Advanced International Law - The Law of Int Organisations Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37530 Financial Law of the EU Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37560 Social Inclusion Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37570 Insolvency Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37670 Copyright Law Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37700 Internet Law and Regulation Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
FR30320 French Language 3b Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW20170 Company Law II Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30160 Evidence - Practice and Principles Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30190 Media Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30230 Overview of Law Relating to Creation and Administration of Trusts Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30290 Administrative Law: Remedies for Unlawful Administrative Action Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30300 Criminology: Criminal Justice and Penology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30310 Law of the ECHR Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30330 Employment Law: Employment Rights Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30450 Family and Child Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW30820 Private International Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37430 Jury Trials Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37460 Planning Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37590 International Economic Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37600 Migration Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37610 Medical Law Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37620 Law and Hate Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37630 Law in the Classroom Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
LAW37710 Applied Legal Skills Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 9 of:
Choose 9 of the following:
SSCI20030 Building Resilience 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)

I highly recommend this degree if you have a keen interest in the French language and legal studies. It provides insight into the common law system in Ireland and the civil law system in France. It equips students with fundamental knowledge essential for pursuing traditional legal roles such as a Barrister. For those targeting careers within EU institutions, this degree presents an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of another legal system while honing your French language proficiency skills. The smaller class size in French law facilitates a seamless integration into college life, fostering a closeknit class. The opportunity to study abroad for a year is a bonus!

Cian Ó Tuama, Student

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.

Language/ Other Requirement / Recommendation: French A Level B IB HL 6

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

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt LWS6
Law
Bachelor of Civil Law
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Closed
showAudience-audienceInt LWS6
Law
Bachelor of Civil Law
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN600
Law
Bachelor of Civil Law
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

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

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 LWS6
Law
Bachelor of Civil Law
Full-Time

Commencing September 2025
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