Law with Social Justice
BCL (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllThe BCL with Social Justice course, the first of its kind in Ireland, combines the study of Law with rigorous analysis of social injustice, its causes and remedies. It will appeal to students who are interested in issues of equality, diversity and disadvantage, and who want to look in-depth at the social context in which law operates. On completion, you’ll be uniquely equipped to offer a critical perspective on issues such as the adequacy of our criminal justice system, the legal treatment of women and minority groups, and the underlying causes of social and economic injustice.
First & Second Year
First year focuses on core law modules, including:
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
It combines this focus with an introduction to key themes and concepts in social justice and a choice of modules addressing gender; global justice; and inequality in Irish society.
In second year, you’ll study:
- EU Law
- Property Law
- Criminal Law
At the same time, you’ll also take modules to develop your understanding of human rights and social justice; political economy; racism; and gender, power and politics.
Third & Fourth Year
With a wide choice of law and social justice modules, you can tailor your studies by choosing modules that reflect your areas of interest. Modules include:
- Criminological Theory
- Environmental Law
- Public International Law
- Employment Law
- Matrimonial Law
- Family & Child Law
- Inequality in the Labour Market
- Discrimination: Law and Society
- Gender, War and Violence
- Masculinities
- Childhood & Global Justice
Clinical Legal Education Centre (CLEC) modules are also available, including Advocacy & Mooting, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Law, Ethics & Legal Practice.
Throughout the four years of the degree you will have the opportunity to further your understanding of key social justice issues in a stimulating and supportive learning environment. You may get involved in UCD’s Student Legal Service, which offers legal information clinics to students.
You’ll attend lectures and tutorials, in addition to engaging in study and preparatory work.
Assessment includes end-of-trimester examinations, essays and group projects.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why I chose Law at UCD
As part of your Law with Social Justice degree you may apply to spend time abroad during your third year at one of our partner universities. Students from this programme have chosen to undertake study in universities in Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Asia.
This degree will provide an ideal platform for careers in:
- Legal practice as a solicitor or barrister.
- National and international Governmental and Non- Governmental Organisations as legal advisors or researchers
- Public policy
- Human Rights practice, Advocacy and/or research
Relevant graduate study programmes include:
- International Human Rights
- Criminology
- Equality Studies
- Gender Studies.
“I have always been passionate about equality and human rights, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to study Law with Social Justice in UCD. This programme allows students to see the logic and reasoning behind the law while also showing its impact on people’s daily lives. One of the best parts of studying law in UCD is that it allows students to extend their legal knowledge beyond the curriculum. My experience as Editor-in-Chief of the Student Law Journal has played a pivotal role in my legal education. Additionally, being involved in the Choir and Tennis Club over the years has added immensely to my UCD experience. (Sarah is currently studying to become a solicitor).”
Sarah McGee, Graduate
UCD Sutherland School of Law
Belfield, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 4110
Email: law.students@ucd.ie
