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Corporate Law
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU311 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 3 Years |
CAO Points | 319 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
This new law degree provides an excellent opportunity to gain a law degree together with specialist knowledge in corporate law. The emphasis on corporate law will cater for learners who are interested in law in the particular context of the corporate world providing preparation for a range of careers in finance, insurance and trade in addition to professional legal practice. Successful graduates will have the choice to pursue careers in the legal profession or the ever-expanding range of employment opportunities in the financial services sector with a particular focus on regulation and compliance. These opportunities will arise in large law firms, public and private in-house legal teams and private practice. This accredited degree covers all of the essential core law modules together with specialist corporate law modules such as business ethics and social responsibility, privacy and data protection law, banking, insurance and financial services law and other contemporary issues in commercial law. Graduates with expertise in these corporate law areas are in demand as individuals, businesses and companies are under pressure to ensure compliance with demanding and changing regulations.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Introduction to Legal Research Skills and MethodsThis module introduces students to the core legal research skills and methods required to successfully complete a law degree and to work professionally in the legal sector. Through practical based learning, students engage and gain competency in the use of key legal databases necessary to search for case law and legislation. Also, students gain skills in legal writing and critical thinking. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the sources of legal information and understand the weight of authority attached to each source; |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
ICT SkillsThis module will provide the student with practical knowledge of computer applications that are used today in the digital business environment as well as providing a knowledge of legal case management. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the importance of IT to the modern business |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
The Irish Legal SystemThe module is designed to introduce learners to the foundational concepts, principles, personnel and structures underpinning the origin, development and operation of the Irish legal system. It covers the origin, development, and functioning of Irish law, offering a comprehensive overview of legal classifications, sources of law, and the court system. This module equips learners with key knowledge to assist with their studies in other areas of law. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the historical development of Irish law; |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Foundations of LawFoundations of Law aims to equip students with key skills and critical knowledge of law and legal practice which will continue to be used and developed both in their undergraduate law degree, and later in their career. The module also aims to provide students with an early opportunity to reflect on what career pathways they may pursue within or outside the legal profession. Learning Outcomes 1. Appreciate the existence and importance of theories of law in the development and critique of law in society |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Constitutional Law 1Constitutional Law 1 introduces Irish constitutional history and includes a basic introduction to constitutional theory. The 1937 Constitution is examined as a constitutive instrument of statehood. There is a detailed consideration of the relationship between the organs of state and the doctrine of separation of powers as it applies in Ireland. Constitutional litigation is examined and constitutional interpretation is addressed. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a specialised knowledge of Irish Constitutional History prior to the inception of the State and the founding of the Irish State with its own written Constitution. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Contract LawThe purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the legal significance of a binding contract in Ireland. The module will consider the criteria required to create a binding contract and those which might invalidate such a contract. Additional content will include key legal principles which determine the content of a contract (through analysis of the incorporation and exclusion of clauses), the discharge of a contract, and remedies for breach. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the requirements for the creation of a binding agreement including the doctrine of privity of contract. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Constitutional Law 2This module will examine the dynamism of the Irish Constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann, and how it and in particular the fundamental rights provisions have evolved with changes in society. There will be an examination of the relevant case law in relation to both the enumerated and unenumerated rights and the recent deference to derivative rights. The impact of Constitutional changes will also be addressed as well as constitutional theory. Learning Outcomes 1. Examine the concept of the State as a juristic person, as a legal entity, how it can sue and be sued. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Criminal LawThis module will enable the student to gain an appreciation of the principles and objectives of the criminal law, to examine a range of specific offences and defences and to develop the ability to evaluate criminal liability and apply the law to problem based case scenarios. Learning Outcomes 1. Assess the function of criminal law in society; |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Employment LawThis module considers the nature of the employment relationship, the contract of employment, the gig economy and the impact of COVID-19 on the employment relationship including remote working. An analysis is undertaken of employers' statutory and common law obligations to their employees including a focus on health and safety. The module concludes with a detailed analysis of redress and remedies available in Ireland. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and discuss the relationship between the different sources of Irish employment law |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Business Ethics & Social ResponsibilityIn examining business ethics and sustainability, the focus will be on the ethical areas of corporate responsibility and the impacts these have on the reputation and success of an enterprise. Learners will develop a deep awareness and understanding of the current challenges and opportunities facing companies in their responsibilities to their many stakeholders. The aim is to sensitise learners to ethical business issues which in turn allows them to recognize potential problems and make better and more responsible business decisions. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse the principles and concepts of business ethics from a personal, organisational and social entrepreneurship perspective. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Privacy & Data Protection LawThis module considers the contemporary area of Privacy and Data Protection and the significant increase in the complexity and volume of regulation underpinning legal regulation and compliance in this area. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the relevant aspects of Constitutional law and Tort law as they pertain to privacy law |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Land and Succession LawThe purpose of this module is to outline the legal system of land ownership in Ireland. This will include the various estates and interests in land all in the context of The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009. The module will then progress to consideration of further concepts such as adverse possession, co-ownership, mortgages, succession, the registration systems and the interaction of equity. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain and understand fundamental Land Law concepts and terms. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
TortThis module aims to equip learners with an appreciation and understanding of non-contractual civil obligations. A broad range of actionable torts will be delivered with an emphasis on the characteristics, principles, judgments and legislation arising therefrom. Learners will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the function and workings of the law of tort in modern society. Learning Outcomes 1. Distinguish between the characteristics of various Torts. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Administrative LawThis course will examine the fundamental issues in public law. It will review and critique the numerous doctrines and concepts such as fair decision-making, the rule against bias legitimate expectations and how they have developed through case law. The supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court by way of judicial review will also be examined, including the scope of public law remedies and their discretionary nature. Tribunals of Inquiry and similar bodies, including an examination of their role and their relationship with the courts will be examined. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the nature scope and sources of administrative law inclusive of constitutionalism the rule of law, prerogative writs and parliamentary sovereignty. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Company Law & GovernanceThis module provides a comprehensive interpretation of The Companies Acts 2014 and relevant case law, facilitating the application of the law to various scenarios. Key areas include the procedural requirements for companies, management of a corporation, members' rights and responsibilities, dealing with insolvency, and issues around corporate governance. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse the advantages, disadvantages and consequence of incorporation, and both draft and interpret the required documentation. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Fundamentals of Banking LawThe module addresses the concept of banking regulation and supervision from an Irish perspective. It also addresses specific aspects of banking law, for example, the bank and customer relationship and the duty of banks to maintain confidentiality. The module considers banking law from a practical, theoretical and legal perspective with an exploration of cases. The module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their analytical skills as it relates to banking law issues. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the fundamental legal principles employed in banking law |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
International Business and Trade LawThis module provides the student with a working knowledge and understanding of the main legal issues that may arise in contract formation in the context of international transport situations. It also offers an analysis of the legal framework of international business transactions by focusing on the law applicable to international business transactions as well as the international dispute resolution processes available to parties involved in international contracts such as international mediation and arbitration. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the principles of International Business and Trade Law to the international carriage of goods |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
European Union LawThis module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the constitutional, institutional and procedural aspects of the European Union and of the legal and constitutional implications of Ireland's membership of this Union. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically discuss the origins and development of the EU, including the principal features of the founding and amending Treaties; |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
JurisprudenceConsider the nature, quality and functions of the law. Analyse the underlying issues and philosophies that inform the operation of the law. Compare and contrast some of the most influential legal theories. Critique existing case law by virtue of reference to established influential legal theories Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the value of jurisprudential issues. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Insurance LawThis module will provide students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of insurance law in Ireland. The module will examine insurance concepts and underline the importance of understanding key insurance documentation. The module will also examine the legal issues associated with the different types of contracts of insurance. Students will explore how insurance contracts are made and how to interpret policies against the background of insurance case law and legislation. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the nature and definition of insurance and insurance law |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Alternative Dispute ResolutionThis module focuses on the various alternative dispute resolution mechanisms which are now available and encouraged as alternatives to the court system while developing an ability to discriminate between the options and determine the most appropriate option in a given scenario. Peractical experience in both negotiation and mediation form an integral part of module . Learning Outcomes 1. Enumerate and describe the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. |
10 | Elective |
1 |
Financial Services Law & RegulationThe aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding and insight in relation to the legal and regulatory landscape of financial services in Ireland and the EU. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically analyse the main pieces of financial services legislation |
10 | Elective |
2 |
EvidenceThis module will familiarise the student with the fundamental rules and principles governing the admission, exclusion, and presentation of evidence in court and in criminal trials in particular. It will enable the student to develop an ability to relate the law of evidence to the contextual setting of fact based scenarios. The module also facilitates the development in the student of a critical appreciation of the policy considerations that underlie evidential rules and the potential for law reform. Learning Outcomes 1. Assess the nature and various forms of evidence. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Equity & TrustsThis module focuses on the history of the emergence of the law of equity with particular focus on modern equitable remedies and reliefs as well as the specific conditions regarding their use today. Areas also covered include the emergence of equity pre- and post- Judicature as well as the historical development and administration of the Trust. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain law of equity and trusts and how it applies to the legal system as a whole |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Contemporary Issues in Commercial LawThe key aims of this module are to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the law as it pertains to commercial transactions. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify key principles of commercial law |
10 | Mandatory |
Progression
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Master in Arts in Governance & IT in Financial Services (ATU Donegal) And Master’s degrees in institutes and universities at home and abroad.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 3 Distinctions |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (February 2025)
Further information on feesProfessional Accreditation
This degree is a qualifying law degree which is: an accredited law degree by the King’s inns an accredited law degree by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (Northern Ireland) Approved law degree to sit the final examination of the Law Society – first part FE1
Careers
Career Pathways
The main employers are:
FinTech Industry
Law Enforcement
Legal Profession
Public & private in-house legal counsel
Public/Civil Service
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
Banking & Finance Solicitor
Civil Service Regulatory Bodies
Company Secretary/Compliance Manager
Journalist
Legal Advisor
Legal Executive
Researcher
Solicitor or barrister
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Law, Public Service and Education
Bronagh Heverin
Head of Department
T: +353(0)74 918204
E: bronagh.heverin@atu.ie
Law, Public Service & Education