Course Information
BCL (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time - Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN600
CAO Points Range 2018: 522
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 125
O6/H7 in English, Irish, a third language and three other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
There’s a natural affinity between the disciplines of law and history. Each is shaped by the other. Important historical events are often interlinked with contemporary legal structures. Legal reform may be prompted by the defining events of the past.
This course allows you to acquire a highly respected degree in law, whilst also pursuing a passion for history and acquiring a deeper understanding of past events that have shaped our current legal system.
KEY FACT: UCD Law graduates have been admitted to study for postgraduate degrees at many prestigious universities, including Cambridge, European University Institute, Harvard, Oxford and National University Singapore.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
BCL (Law with History) graduates can go on to qualify as solicitors and barristers, and pursue law careers in Ireland or abroad. Graduates are also well placed to pursue careers in:
- Legal research
- Politics
- Journalism
Relevant graduate study programmes include LLM degrees in:
- International Human Rights
- European Law & Public Affairs
- Legal History
What Will I Study
First & Second Year
First year focuses on core Irish law modules, including:
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
In addition, you are introduced to modern European and Irish history.
In second year, you’ll study:
- EU Law
- Property Law
- Criminal Law
You’ll also engage with international history.
Third & Fourth Year
With a wide choice of law and history modules available, you can pursue your own areas of interest. Modules include:
- Jurisprudence
- Legal History
- Criminology
- Fascism
- Culture & Revolution
You may also be interested in taking modules offered by our Clinical Legal Education Centre (CLEC), such as Advocacy & Mooting, and Law, Ethics & Legal Practice.
You’ll attend lectures and tutorials, in addition to engaging in study and preparatory work. Assessment includes end-of-semester examinations, essays and group projects.
International Study Opportunities
Many students apply to spend time abroad during their third year at partner universities in locations which include:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- UK
- USA
Testimonial
“The opportunity to study both law and history in a combined degree ensured that the UCD BCL programme was at the top of my CAO form. Studying both subjects has enhanced my ability to argue my point of view in a convincing way and has allowed me to appreciate the broader historical context of legal decisions and how they still affect us today. Throughout my time at UCD I have also been involved with the Student Legal Service, Law Society and Law Review. The highlight of my degree was spending a semester at Utrecht University where I got to specialise in my area of interest, experience a different way of life and meet incredible new friends from all over the world.”
Sarah Murphy Graduate