Law with Politics
BCL (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllLaw and politics are inextricably linked by the legislative process. This course allows you to obtain a highly respected law degree, whilst also acquiring a deeper understanding of political theory and the political process. Many UCD law graduates have progressed to political careers. Others have become high-profile political commentators.
First & Second Year
First year focuses on core Law modules, including:
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
In addition, you’re introduced to political theory and Irish and international political systems.
In second year, you’ll study:
- EU Law
- Property Law
- Criminal Law
You’ll also take modules that engage with political theory, comparative politics and international relations.
Third & Fourth Year
With a wide choice of law and politics modules, you can choose to pursue your own areas of interest. These include:
- Jurisprudence
- Media Law
- Human Rights Law
- Contemporary Issues in Law & Politics
- Foreign Policy
- Political Economy
- Middle East Politics
Clinical Legal Education Centre (CLEC) modules are also available, including Advocacy & Mooting, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Law, Ethics & Legal Practice.
Law students are often very active in university politics and in the Students’ Union. As a BCL (Law with Politics) student, you may be interested in developing your practical skills through participation in the legal information clinics of the UCD Student Legal Service.
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.
Law with Politics Sample Timetable (.pdf)
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why I chose Law at UCD
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
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- UK
- USA
BCL (Law with Politics) graduates are well equipped to pursue careers in:
- Legal practice
- Politics
- Broadcasting
- Journalism
- Legislative drafting(e.g.in Office of Parliamentary Counsel)
- Academia
- Non-Governmental Organisations
- Public Service
Relevant graduate study programmes include:
- International Human Rights
- European Law & Public Affairs
- International Relations
“I am a final year Law with Politics student at UCD. Throughout my degree, I have had the opportunity to closely observe the interplay of law and politics in history and the contemporary world. UCD provides you with diverse opportunities to engage with research and practical application of your skills. I have had the opportunity to network with some of the largest international law firms in Ireland and the EU through UCD, which has provided me with excellent work experience and professional skills. UCD is a global university and, with its student societies and events, provides a chance for all students to interact with cultures and traditions from all across the world. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at UCD and the preparation it has given me for my professional and personal life ahead.”
Eshita Bahadur, Student
UCD Sutherland School of Law
Belfield, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 4110
Email: uglaw@ucd.ie
