Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice

The module is delivered using participative lectures that introduce the fundamental structures and sources of Irish law. Lectures include short interactive tasks such as reviewing statutory provisions, identifying the ratio of a judgment or discussing recent developments in the courts, where appropriate and relevant to the module content. The module is split into an examination of core elements of the Irish Legal System, with additional time devoted to the development of key legal skills. 

Specifically, the topics covered are as follows:

1. An Introduction to the Irish Legal System:
   a. The Nature and Classification of Law
   b. The Common Law System vs. the Civil Law System
   c. The Historical Development of the Irish Legal System
2. Sources of Law:
   a. The Constitution of Ireland (Bunreacht na hÉireann) 1937 (including interpretation).
   b. Statute (including Statutory Interpretation) 
   c. Case Law and Precedent
   d. EU Law
   e. Secondary Sources of Law (International Law, Customary Law, etc.)
3. The Doctrine of Precedent
4. The Structure and Hierarchy of the Irish Courts System
5.  Legal Professions:
   a. Overview of Legal Personnel
   b. Codes of Conduct
   c. Overview of Regulatory and Compliance Obligations 
6. Conducting Legal Research:
   a. How to Conduct Legal Research
   b. Evaluating Research Sources
   c. Reading Case Law
   d. Identifying Precedent
7. Academic Writing:
   a. Legal Writing 
   b. Critical Thinking Skills
   c. Academic Integrity – Avoiding Plagiarism
   d. Referencing with OSCOLA Ireland
8. Answering Problem Questions with ILAC

Learn More

The module is taught through participative lectures that introduce key aspects of Irish civil procedure,  with a particular focus on processes routinely encountered by legal executives in litigation-related roles. Lectures integrate short problem-solving activities where learners identify the correct  procedural step in a hypothetical case, review sample pleadings or map out the progression of an action from commencement to judgment. 

Learn more

Learners may be asked to identify whether a valid offer exists in a brief scenario, evaluate whether a representation forms a term or consider whether a contract might be void due to misrepresentation. These focused tasks help learners develop analytical skills and deepen their understanding of how contractual rules operate in practice. The problem-solving skills developed in this module support learners in understanding how contractual disputes are addressed in the Civil Litigation and Drafting module.

Tutorials support learners in developing confidence with longer, multi-issue problems. Learners work collaboratively to break complex questions into parts and draft structured answers using the ILAC method. Group discussion is used to compare alternative approaches to interpreting cases or statutory provisions, supporting the development of judgment and argumentation.

Learn More

The module is delivered using participative lectures that focus on the practical application of tort law principles. Lectures often involve analysing short hypothetical scenarios to determine duty, breach, causation and the availability of defences. Learners are encouraged to critically discuss how small factual changes alter potential liability, supporting the programme’s emphasis on applied problem-solving.

Weekly online tasks encourage steady engagement by prompting learners to distinguish between similar torts, identify relevant case principles or test their understanding of defences. Hybrid delivery continues to prioritise active participation, with breakout rooms used for collaborative case analysis and short problem-based tasks. 

Learn More

Learners discuss variations in the scenario to explore how different interpretations could lead to different legal outcomes. Understanding criminal liability here provides the doctrinal foundation for the applied procedural work undertaken in Criminal Practice and Procedure. Online activities support consolidation of key principles, offering short problem exercises, definitional 
quizzes or discussion prompts. The hybrid delivery model ensures that learners can engage fully through discussion, breakout rooms and collaborative tasks.

Learn More

The module is delivered through participative lectures that introduce core land law concepts and emphasise their practical application. Lecturers often use diagrams, sample title extracts or short scenarios to illustrate complex concepts such as co-ownership, equitable interests or easements. Learners are encouraged to work through small factual variations to understand how property rights arise and interact. Knowledge of property rights and interests directly supports the applied drafting and analysis required in the Conveyancing module.

Learners may be asked to outline the key issues in a land dispute, identify relevant statutory provisions or draft a structured response to a scenario involving multiple interests. Peer discussion is routinely used to compare analytical approaches and strengthen understanding.

Learn More

Participative lectures introduce the procedural framework governing criminal proceedings, frequently referencing short practical examples to illustrate how rules operate in context. For instance, learners may trace the steps from arrest to first appearance or analyse the requirements of a bail application. These exercises enable learners to apply the doctrinal knowledge gained in Criminal Law to procedural contexts, while also enabling them to consider strategy and ethical obligations throughout the criminal process.

The in-person workshop offers a concentrated opportunity to practise professional skills. Learners complete a simulated client consultation, prepare an oral application and receive structured peer feedback on their performance. These activities help develop communication, time management, and procedural judgement skills.

Learn More

The module is delivered using participative lectures that walk learners through the conveyancing process in a structured, step-by-step manner. Content is delivered in a manner which links procedural stages back to the core principles covered in the Land Law module. Lectures frequently incorporate short applied tasks such as reviewing extracts from contracts for sale, identifying issues in requisitions on title or outlining the steps required at completion. These activities help learners build familiarity with standard documentation and common issues.

An in-person workshop provides practical experience in drafting and transactional work. Learners collaborate on a simulated conveyancing task, drafting key documents and identifying matters requiring clarification.

Learn More

Study Mode: Part-Time 1 Year

Dublin : EUR 5,950.00

Cork : EUR 5,950.00