Law with French Law

BCL (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

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 (more information on the following page). 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.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

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 a General Introduction to the Irish Legal System. This is combined with intensive French language training and modules covering French Public Law, French Private Law, French Law Book Club and French Fictions.

Second Year

In second year, you will study other core law modules

  • EU Law
  • Property Law
  • Criminal Law

You will also advance your French language training and continue to study French Private Law and French Public Law.

Third & Fourth Year

You will spend your third year at a partner university in Aix-Marseille, 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.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

Key Fact:

Every June, we hold a one-day Summer School which gives 5th year pupils a taste of how we teach law. We also host a Law Open Evening every October for secondary school pupils and their parents to meet law students and law faculty. Here you will have a chance to sample short lectures, listen to careers talks and hear about student experiences, including international exchanges.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

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.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“I would highly recommend studying this degree to anyone with an interest in the French language and legal system. The modules taken, and the year abroad, offer a balance between learning about Irish law and developing a detailed understanding of the Civil Law system. Graduates, fluent in French, are uniquely placed for a career or postgraduate study on a European or International level. The small class size creates a collegiate atmosphere, and the timetable allows plenty of time for extracurricular involvement. For example, as a member of the Literary & Historical Society, I had the opportunity to organise a debating competition for second level students, in collaboration with the Law Society.”

Daniel Kelly, Student 

Contact Information

UCD Sutherland School of Law, Belfield, Dublin 4

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

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