Choosing your law degree is a major academic and career decision. You should know how the programs work before you apply. After all, Irish law degrees are a combination of rigorous legal study and practical skills. Here, we'll explain the key requirements, degree types, modules, costs, and professional routes available to you.
Key Takeaways
Irish law degrees combine academic study with practical skills such as legal writing, research, and case analysis.
You can choose from BCL, LLB, combined law degrees, and part-time or online options depending on your learning style.
Entry routes vary. CAO points are the main pathway, but mature students, international learners, and access routes are all available.
Law degrees include core subjects such as Contract, Tort, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Property, Equity, and EU Law.
A law degree opens multiple pathways, including becoming a solicitor, barrister, or pursuing non-legal careers in business, policy, and research.
Course duration, fees, and module structures differ by university, so comparing programmes carefully is essential before applying.
Law study is demanding, but students gain critical skills in reasoning, ethics, communication, and independent research.
A law degree can open the doors to some of the most respected and versatile career paths in the country. Whether you want to become a solicitor or a barrister, you'll start with a law undergraduate degree. Most law degrees offer a structured combination of academic study and practical learning. What exactly you'll learn will depend on the degree, and some are better suited for certain legal roles.
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Overview of Law Degrees in Ireland
Irish law degrees combine academic legal study with practical skills training. Programmes typically cover foundational legal subjects, legal research, case analysis, and core professional competencies. Whether studying a BCL, LLB, or combined degree, students gain the knowledge needed for FE-1 exams, King’s Inns entry, and a wide range of careers.
What a Law Degree Actually Teaches You
Understand how Irish law works across areas like contract, tort, property, and constitutional law.
Learn how to analyse cases, interpret legislation, and apply legal principles to real scenarios.
Develop strong legal writing skills for drafting essays, memos, and legal arguments.
Strengthen research skills using databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or Justis.
Build the ability to construct persuasive, structured arguments, which are essential for exams and legal practice.
Gain familiarity with the Irish courts system, legal institutions, and how legal processes operate.
Academic vs Practical Learning in Irish Law Schools
Academic Learning
Read cases, statutes, and academic commentary to understand the logic of Irish and EU law.
Attend lectures and seminars that explain legal theory and doctrine.
Complete essays, problem questions, and exams that test legal analysis.
Practical Learning
Take part in mooting competitions that simulate real court arguments.
Work on legal writing tasks, such as drafting pleadings and case summaries.
Attend legal clinics, internships, or placements that expose students to real clients and practitioners.
Participate in group projects that develop negotiation, teamwork, and communication skills.
Who a Law Degree Is Suitable For
Students who enjoy reading, writing, and researching detailed material.
Learners who can think critically and evaluate multiple sides of a problem.
Those interested in justice, public policy, business, or how society is regulated.
People who want a broad qualification that leads to both legal and non-legal careers.
Applicants aiming for solicitor or barrister pathways who need FE-1 or King’s Inns preparation.
Mature learners or career changers seeking structured training for professional advancement.
Students comfortable balancing theory-heavy study with practical skill development.
While you don't technically have to study a law degree, there are a lot of advantages if you do. | Photo by Scott Graham
Entry Requirements for Irish Law Degrees
To get onto any law degree in Ireland, you'll need excellent academic results. While each university sets its own points and subject criteria, most ask for strong Leaving Certificate results. Most students will enter a law degree via the CAO pathway, but there are also mature-entry, FET/QQI progression, and foundation-programme routes, though it's always worthwhile looking at which is better suited for different roles, especially if you want to become a barrister.
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Minimum Entry Requirements
Most Irish universities require strong Leaving Certificate results and meet matriculation requirements in English, Irish, and a third language. Applicants should check CAO points, subject requirements, and whether the degree includes core modules needed for FE-1 or King's Inns entry.
CAO Points and Standard Entry Routes
Check the most recent CAO handbook each year, since law points change frequently based on demand.
Aim for strong performance across your six best Leaving Cert subjects since CAO points are calculated from these only.
Prioritise Higher Level English and other essay-based subjects to strengthen your profile for competitive law programmes.
Attend university open days to compare course structures, placements, and the reputation of each law school.
Review whether your chosen degree satisfies FE-1 or King’s Inns requirements, especially for combined degrees.
Use practice papers early, as students applying for law benefit from a strong exam technique.
Irish law degrees typically require
450
CAO points or more, depending on the university.
Mature Student and Access Routes
Apply directly to universities through their mature-student admission systems rather than CAO points.
Prepare a strong personal statement showing motivation, work experience, and commitment to academic study.
Expect assessments such as interviews, written tasks, or online evaluations, depending on the university.
Consider Access/Foundation courses (e.g., Higher Education Access Route, disability access routes, or pre-university law programmes).
Gather employment history and relevant qualifications since universities value real-world experience for law applicants.
Check closing dates early; mature student deadlines are often earlier than CAO.
There are options for those in other lines of work to transition into law or start a law degree. | Photo by Vitaly Gariev
English Language Requirements for International Students
Provide proof of English proficiency through approved exams (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English).
Check each university's minimum scores, as many require IELTS 6.5 or higher, with no band below a set threshold.
Submit certified translations of academic documents if they were issued in another language.
Ensure your visa application meets academic and English-language criteria for full-time study.
Review whether your chosen degree requires higher proficiency due to legal terminology and reading load.
Contact the university's international office for guidance on documents and timelines before applying.
Types of Law Degrees Available in Ireland
There are different law degrees available. Each has its own structure, entry route, and career advantages. There's traditional legal education, interdisciplinary degrees, and flexible online options. Look carefully at the subjects each includes and how they prepare you for solicitor or barrister professional training.
Degree Type
Typical Duration
Primary Focus
Best For
BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law)
3-4 years
Traditional Irish legal foundation; core subjects for FE-1
Students wanting strong theoretical and Irish law grounding
Those pursuing accelerated or internationally recognised paths
Combined Law Degrees
3-4 years
Law + another discipline (Business, Criminology, Politics)
Students seeking interdisciplinary skills and broader careers
Online / Part-Time Law Degrees
Varies (3-6 years)
Flexible study for working or mature students
Learners needing flexible scheduling or remote learning
BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law)
Choose this degree if you want the classic academic legal foundation offered by universities like UCD, UCC, UL, and NUIG.
Expect strong emphasis on core Irish law subjects, including Contract, Tort, Criminal, EU Law, Property, Constitutional Law, and Equity.
Take advantage of broad elective modules to shape your interests (e.g., human rights, commercial law, criminal justice).
Use the degree's structure to prepare efficiently for the FE-1 exams, as most core subjects overlap directly.
Look for opportunities such as moot court competitions, Erasmus exchanges, and legal research modules.
LLB (Undergraduate or Graduate Entry)
Select an undergraduate LLB if you want a more internationally structured, law-focused programme.
Choose a graduate-entry LLB if you already hold a Level 8 degree and want a faster conversion into legal study.
Expect more intensive legal modules and faster academic pacing than a BCL, especially in graduate routes.
Check whether your LLB includes all FE-1 subjects or King's Inns core modules, as graduate LLBs vary by university.
Use this degree if you plan to pursue postgraduate legal studies or specialised areas such as international law.
University isn't for everyone, but it's probably one of the best options for those looking to practise law. | Photo by Mikael Kristenson
Combined Law Degrees (Law & Business, Law & Criminology, etc.)
Pick a combined degree if you want strong employability across both legal and non-legal sectors.
Expect to divide module time between law subjects and your paired discipline (e.g., economics, politics, criminology).
Use this route if you aim for careers in corporate roles, public policy, compliance, regulation, or justice-sector organisations.
Confirm that your combined degree includes the required subjects for FE-1s or King's Inns, as some electives may need to be added later.
Leverage interdisciplinary study to broaden your analytical and professional skillset.
Online or Part-Time Law Study Options
Choose online or blended law programmes if you need flexibility due to work, family, or career-change commitments.
Expect remote lectures, online tutorials, and asynchronous learning supported by virtual libraries and digital resources.
Use these programmes to prepare for FE-1 while maintaining employment.
Double-check accreditation and ensure the degree meets FE-1 or King’s Inns subject recognition requirements.
Plan your study schedule carefully since online programmes require strong self-discipline and time management.
Comparing Irish Law Degrees
BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law)
Traditional Irish law degree
Strong theoretical foundation
Ideal for FE-1 preparation
Broad range of electives
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
Often graduate-entry or accelerated
Internationally recognised structure
More focused legal curriculum
Suitable for King’s Inns requirements
What You Study in an Irish Law Degree
Since most Irish law degrees follow a structured academic pathway, there's significant overlap. There are three or four years of study. Core modules cover key legal concepts, while electives give you a better option for specialisation. On top of all that, you can build analytical, research, and communication skills for your future career. In any case, it's worthwhile looking at the salaries in law in Ireland as some will help you make your decision.
Most Irish law degrees last up to
4
years, depending on the structure and university.
Core First-Year Modules
Learn the structure of the Irish legal system and how legislation and case law interact.
Study key foundational subjects like Contract, Tort, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Law.
Build core academic skills, including case analysis, statutory interpretation, and legal writing.
Develop confidence with legal terminology and academic reading.
Complete introductory research assignments that prepare you for more advanced modules.
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Core Law Modules
Irish law degrees include core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Contract, Tort, Criminal Law, Property Law, Equity & Trusts, and EU Law. Students also take research modules, practical skills training, and professional development components.
Second- and Third-Year Electives
Choose from specialist areas such as Commercial Law, Human Rights, Family Law, Employment Law, Criminology, or Media Law.
Deepen your knowledge with advanced modules like Equity & Trusts, EU Law, and Company Law.
Participate in mooting competitions or legal clinics for hands-on advocacy experience.
Take part in Erasmus or study-abroad options to broaden your understanding of international law.
Use electives strategically to prepare for pathways such as FE-1, King’s Inns, or postgraduate study.
Studying law requires a lot of self-study. | Photo by Redd Francisco
Skills You Develop During a Law Degree
Master legal research techniques and learn how to use databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.
Build advanced writing skills for drafting legal opinions, memos, essays, and case analyses.
Strengthen analytical thinking by comparing arguments, evaluating evidence, and applying legal rules.
Gain oral communication skills through presentations, advocacy workshops, and group projects.
Develop critical soft skills, including time management, teamwork, ethics, and decision-making.
Learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world legal problems, clients, and scenarios.
Nine months after graduation,
71%
of Irish law graduates are in employment.
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Dean
I enjoy exploring captivating stories in literature, engaging in thought-provoking conversations, and finding serenity in the beauty of nature through photography.
🏫 What subjects do I need to study to study law in Ireland?
Most Irish universities don’t require specific Leaving Certificate subjects for law, but strong performance in English, History, and a foreign language is helpful. What matters most is achieving the CAO points needed for your chosen degree.
📅 How long does it take to complete a law degree in Ireland?
Irish law degrees typically take 3–4 years, depending on the programme, whether it includes placements or Erasmus study, and whether you choose a combined or graduate-entry route.
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