Diploma in Legal Studies

Overview

The Diploma in Legal Studies is a one-year Diploma programme designed for those wishing to obtain foundation knowledge of the core principles of Irish Law, perhaps with a view to pursuing a career in the legal field. The Diploma is geared towards learners from non-legal backgrounds, together with individuals working in the legal field who have no prior formal legal education. The course will provide an introduction to the core aspects of Irish law and the legal system. It is intended to provide an understanding of Constitutional Law principles, Contract, Tort, Criminal and Company Law issues and the law as it relates to property in Ireland. Learners will study the law from a practical perspective and classes will be based on theory combined with problem solving situations and real world examples.

Programme Aims and Objectives

Aims:
The Diploma in Legal Studies programme aims to provide learners with exposure to the core areas of law in order to work as a legal practitioner, with legal knowledge in a commercial environment, or to undertake further advanced legal studies. Learners will gain knowledge of the scope, content, and operation of the core areas of Irish law and of the legal institutions that enforce it. This programme provides learners with an appropriate base of relevant study in which to analyse legal problems, receive sound knowledge on theoretical legal frameworks and a comprehensive perspective of the legal system.

Objectives:

The programme objectives are to allow learners to:

• Understand the operation of the legal system and the core concepts and principles that underpin it.
• Comprehend the role of law and regulation within society.
• Develop knowledge of the concepts, processes, rules and regulations that govern the core areas of law.
• Acquire the analytical skills necessary to apply legal rules to factual situations of limited complexity.
• Develop foundational legal knowledge and comprehension, as well as academic and practical skills to progress further in their studies.

Assessment

Each module will be assessed by way of a final written examination only, worth 100% of the overall grade. This examination will assess all of the learning outcomes, questions will comprise a mixture of theory/essay-based questions, as well as problem-based questions, which will assess the learner’s ability to apply relevant legal theory and draw a reasoned conclusion.

Course Content

• Company Law: This module introduces the learner to the legal framework and the fundamental principles which are relevant to those who seek the benefit of corporate personality for the purposes of their businesses, while also considering sole traders and partnerships as alternative business forms. All the major areas of company law will be covered from company formation, officers, corporate finance, internal management issues, through to winding up and protection orders.
• Contract Law: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental rules and regulations that govern contract law. It focuses on four key areas, the key requirements to create a valid contract, the rules regarding contractual formalities, the vitiating factors that impact the validity of a contract, and the rules regarding contractual discharge and remedies. Furthermore, it introduces learners to the notion of employment contracts, and the key statutory requirements that must be complied within the context of these contracts.
• Constitutional Law: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of constitutional law. In particular, the module with introduce learners to the Irish Constitution, focusing on the roles and functions of various organs of states, with a particular emphasis on the doctrine of separation of powers. The issue of fundamental human rights, both enumerated and un-enumerated will also be explored, as well as the superior courts role in the recognition and vindication of these rights. Learners will also be introduced to the concept of family law within the remit of this module.
• Tort Law: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of the law of tort. It starts by exploring the elements of the tort of negligence, its defences and remedies, and then goes on to explore specific torts such as nuisance and defamation, as well as more commercially based torts, such as product, occupiers and employers liability, amongst others. It also reflects on the statute of limitations and its impact.
• Criminal Law: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of criminal law. It will review the foundational concepts of criminal law, such as the elements of criminal offences, criminal procedure and defences, as well as inchoate offences. Learners will then be exposed to the specific elements of various offences, such as fatal offences and non-fatal offences, sexual offences, and property related offences, and the penalties for the commission of these offences.
• Property Law: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of property law in Ireland, as well as the rights and liabilities arising under it. It will examine the concepts of property law, the development of property law and how property law is structured. The various estates, interests and rights which make up ownership will be considered, as well as the registration of these estates and interests. The module will also review the mechanisms for the transfer and acquisition of these estates and interests, both inter-vivos and upon death, with a particular focus on the law of succession.

Structure

The Diploma in Legal Studies is held over two evenings per week over one academic year duration. The lecturing team consists of staff that combines both academic qualifications with substantial practical legal experience, and this practical perspective is reflected in the delivery of the modules. A wide range of teaching techniques include lectures and class interaction, and case studies will form an integral part of the programme. Moodle will be used to facilitate student engagement with resources, as well as provide an interactive space for learners.

Career Opportunities

This programme will be of benefit to individuals seeking to advance their career or begin their legal education. Some graduates of the programme have used it as a starting point to gain further formal legal qualifications. Other graduates have used the qualification to improve their employment opportunities, either for career advancement in a current role or for a career change to a role involving greater legal elements. The core legal skills and understanding gained from the programme will be beneficial to any person seeking further education in this area, whether in a related or unrelated discipline.

Student Profile

Learners on the programme are those who want an introduction to law or to formal legal education and come from various different backgrounds. A number of learners are employees of legal firms who want to obtain a legal qualification in order to advance their employment opportunities. Others are employed in the financial services sector or are members of the Gardaí seeking career advancement. Some are employees with legal aid boards or involved in citizens advice organisations, as well as similar charitable organisations and interest groups. Whereas some learners are simply interested in using the programme to add to their CV and show an understanding of the Irish legal system with a qualification to support it. Furthermore, some learners who have a qualification in a non-law related discipline undertake the programme in preparation for commencing the path towards a professional legal career.

Fees

The fee for the Diploma in Legal Studies is €2,000. This is inclusive of tuition, registration, exam fees and DBS library membership.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about your course of interest. The open day will give you the opportunity to receive one on one advice and direction from leading academics in your chosen subject area, meet current students and also have your questions answered on entry requirements, student support and the admissions process. Find out when our next Open Event is taking place. The Admissions Office is located in our Aungier Street campus and you are welcome to visit the college to speak with a member of our admissions team from Monday to Fridays, 8:45am – 5:15pm. Alternatively, you can contact us by email.