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LLB
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU310 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 3 Years |
CAO Points | 327 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
A law degree such as this 3 year honours LLB degree is a versatile qualification providing an excellent foundation for a wide variety of careers. This accredited degree covers all of the essential core law modules together with new and emerging areas of legal study.
Successful graduates not only pursue careers in the legal profession but also law enforcement, journalism, social work, advocacy and the civil service.
This LLB is accredited by the King’s Inns (for those who wish to pursue a career as a barrister), provides the required preparation for the Law Society of Ireland FE1 (for those who wish to pursue a career as a solicitor) and is recognized as a qualifying law degree by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (Northern Ireland).
In addition to the essential core law modules, this degree has a particular focus on clinical or practical modules such as Mooting, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Legal Practice Skills, Street Law and a Work Placement, together with topical areas including employment law, human rights and media and communications law.
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 |
Family & Child LawThis module will explore the legal status and rights of the family in its various forms, the law relating to family formation and the law recognising and regulating marital and family breakdown. The module will also examine the child's right to a family (including guardianship, custody and access as well as adoption) and the protection of vulnerable family members (including child protection and domestic violence). Learning Outcomes 1. Review the law relating to families in Ireland in light of the Constitution, the domestic legal framework and international human rights law. |
10 | 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 |
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 |
2 |
Mooting‘Mooting' is the written and oral presentation of a legal issue or problem which aims to give students an understanding of the law in action in the courts, by providing them with the opportunity to represent the parties to a hypothetical case, to prepare written arguments and to deliver an oral presentation to a Moot Court. By requiring active research, preparation of written memorials and presentation of oral submissions, Mooting develops students ability to construct cogent legal arguments and improves advocacy skills. The specific aims of this module are:- to acquaint students with the concept of a Moot Court- to teach students how to examine legal materials and use them to support legal arguments – to teach students how to prepare written materials for court- to teach students how to deliver oral presentations to the court. Mooting also enhances confidence in public speaking, general research, communication and presentation skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the rules applicable to mooting |
05 | Elective |
2 |
Health LawHealth law is a theoretical and case study-based module that examines the legal framework governing the provision of health and medical care in Ireland. Through the exploration of topics such as medical ethics, consent to treatment, disability law, mental health law, medical negligence, and beginning and end-of-life issues, students come to understand the legal, ethical, and practical matters that arise in this sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe and critically discuss the legal framework (principles, provisions, policies and practices) pertinent to various factions of the health care system in Ireland, such as that pertaining to consent, capacity, disability, mental health, negligence and beginning and end of life issues; |
05 | Elective |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Human RightsThis module will: Examine the development of human rights law in an international, European and Irish context. Learners will be encouraged to critique the ever evolving devloment of human rights protections and to develop the ability to interpret and apply the principles of Europen Convention of Human Rights to hypothetical scenarios. Learning Outcomes 1. Critique the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin both International, regional and national human rights law |
10 | Mandatory |
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 |
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 |
Legal Practice SkillsThis module promotes the development of a range of skills required to be effective and competent in legal practice. The module is highly experiential with the student practising and developing skills through engaging in aspects of transactional and litigation based practice and various activities and tasks typically performed by the legal practitioner. Learning Outcomes 1. Employ interview techniques effectively to identify clients legal issue |
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 |
Law in ActionThe purpose of this model is to introduce the student to a realistic experience and understanding of how the law works in practice by participation in simulated case studies. It will culminate in the application of their accumulated legal knowledge and problem solving skills in an initial client interview with a standardized client. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate by personal experience how the law works in practice. |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Media and Communications LawThe module will provide learners with a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape pertaining to the media, focusing on the role of the media, the often conflicting rights of freedom of expression and privacy, the interaction between the media and the courts, and examining contemporary issues in media law. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe and critically discuss the history and development of the media and its role in the 21st century; |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Workplace LearningThis module provides learners with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the programme in the work environment. Learners will gain experience of professional legal practice and have the opportunity to reflect critically on their own work practices. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the duty of confidentiality within the legal environment and solicitor-client privilege. |
10 | Elective |
2 |
Street LawThis is a clinical legal education module with community engagement. It is a form of public legal education where learners teach law to a target audience using an interactive problem-based methodology. The learner's transferable skills and their understanding of the law and their own role within it are enhanced through experiential learning while providing a service to the community. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop an awareness of the community and social justice aspects of the law, the role of lawyers and their own role as law students. |
10 | Elective |
Progression
Follow-on Courses
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
Professional Recognition
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:
Advocacy
FinTech Industry
Law Enforcement
Legal Professions
Public/Civil Service
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
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