10 Reasons to Study the Diploma in Legal Studies & Practice at Griffith College
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice prepares students for a legal career through the study of 12 core legal modules. It is a QQI validated Level 7 Special Purpose Award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and can be studied part time over one or two years, offering great flexibility to students.
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice was designed with input from past graduates, members of our legal academic team, employers in legal practice and members of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives (IILEx). There are many reasons to enrol for the Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice, some of which are outlined below.
1 - Course Recognition
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice is a Level 7, Special Purpose Award validated by QQI and recognised by the Irish Institute of Legal Executives (IILEx). It is the only college law course in Ireland that is endorsed by IILEx, meaning students are eligible to become Student Members of IILEx. Upon completion, graduates gain the qualification of Legal Executive, can register as Associate Members of IILEx and use the post-nominal title AIILEx.
2 - Course Flexibility
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice can be completed over one or two years, depending on students’ work or life commitments. Lectures are held in the evening time, from 6pm to 10pm. Students also have the option of attending lectures on-site or virtually through Zoom, at their convenience.
All lectures are recorded in a classroom environment and uploaded to Moodle as an academic resource. There are also four on-campus, Saturday workshop classes during the year in the following modules: Professional and Academic Preparedness and Skills; Civil Litigation; Conveyancing; and Criminal Practice and Procedure.
3- Range of Modules & Elective Specialism
DLSP students will study 12 legal modules, to include eight theoretical modules and four practical modules. The study of the so-termed “practical” modules is unique to this course and aims to prepare students for a career as a Legal Executive. The four practical modules include: Professional and Academic Preparedness and Skills; Civil Litigation; Conveyancing; and Criminal Practice and Procedure.
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice also enables students to tailor their degree to specific areas of interest by offering elective modules. Students select two electives from the following list to study:
- Family Law
- Company Law
- Employment Law
- Probate Law
4- Academic Progression
Graduates of the Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice can apply for direct entry to year two of Griffith College’s LL.B. (Hons) law degree. The LL.B. (Hons) typically takes three years to complete, however DLSP graduates can obtain this Level 8 qualification with two years of further study.
5- Alumni Success
The Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice has over 10 years of successful alumni stories. The course was first validated in 2011 and has proved to be popular since. Each year, one DLSP student is awarded the Best Academic Achievement Award. Alisha Larkin received this award in 2021 and said “I really enjoyed taking part in the practical workshops, they boosted my confidence when speaking with others which is a very important skill to have when pursuing a legal career. I am now working as a Legal Executive, and I am delighted I completed the Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice at Griffith College.”
6 - Supportive and Experienced Law Faculty
Griffith College prides itself on offering individualised learner support, with small class sizes. The Faculty of Law operate an open-door policy and get to know each student by name. Our lecturers are experienced legal professionals with many years of experience in the legal sector and can offer students academic and career advice.
7 - Flexible Payment Structure
Students who commence the Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice have two payment options. They can either pay their total fees before term commences in September or they can sign up for the Direct Debit Scheme. The Direct Debit Scheme allows students to pay a non-refundable minimum deposit of €1,500 and split the remainder of the fees out over the following eight months, making payments more manageable. Students will be charged on the 1st of each month, from November to June. If students choose to study the course over two years then their fees are split over two years.
8 - Assessment Variety
The Faculty of Law at Griffith College appreciates the different learning styles and assessment preferences. For that reason, assessment on the Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice varies and includes a combination of assignments, case studies, examinations, workshops, and continuous assessment.
9 - Extracurricular Activities
All students can participate in the Griffith College law-related extracurricular activities which present an opportunity to develop the skills required for a career in law. All law students can join the Advocacy Society for debating, mooting and negotiation. Students can participate in prestigious international and national debates such as the annual Irish Times debate and the Silken Thomas Intervarsity Moot Court Competition. Students can also engage in our Free Legal Advice Clinic and provide legal advice. Griffith College has a Law Society that organises legal talks and events throughout the year.
Griffith College also offers students the opportunity to work as volunteers with the Innocence Project which is housed on-site at Griffith College. The Irish Innocence Project at Griffith College has assisted large groups of persons in investigating their claims of factual innocence and has supported judicial review proceedings to clarify the law in access to evidence for post-conviction DNA testing. Additionally, we have publicised the plight of those who are the victim of a miscarriage of justice, and we helped to achieve a posthumous pardon for Mr. Harry Gleeson – the first such pardon in the history of the Irish state.
10 - Established Law Library
Students can access a large variety of legal resources at the Griffith College library, minimising the expense of course materials. The Griffith College library is a subscriber to JustisOne, VLex, Westlaw UK and Westlaw.ie, HeinOnlne, Bloomsbury Professional Online and some of the world’s premier online research engines. Students can access these papers anytime, anywhere as they are all available through our online facility. Students can also avail of the Griffith College campus Library for some quiet study time.
