Introduction to Law & Legal Skills (Taster Course)
Course Overview
Students will gain an understanding of the Irish legal system.
This module will develop the understanding of the branches of the legal profession, their key roles and functions and how they are inter-related.
This course focuses on the development of professional skills; while it does not sit on the national framework, the module is drawn from Griffith College’s suite of QQI-validated programmes.
Why Study the Introduction to Law & Legal Skills at Griffith College?
This module aims to introduce students to the following:
- Explain the structure and historical development of the Irish legal system and its core institutions.
- Analyse and interpret primary and secondary sources of Irish Law, including the Constitution, statute, case law and EU legislation.
- Apply statutory interpretation principles and the doctrine of precedent to factual problem questions.
- Collaborate effectively in a group setting to interpret and apply statutory/constitutional provisions.
- Conduct legal research using authoritative sources and present written work references in compliance with OSCOLA Ireland.
- Communicate legal analysis clearly and persuasively in written and oral formats.
- Critically reflect on their own performance.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2026
- Dublin - Part-Time - February 2027
Course Details
Introduction to Law & Legal Skills
- An Introduction to the Irish Legal System
- Sources of Law
- The Doctrine of Precedent
- The Structure and Hierarchy of the Irish Courts System
- Legal Professions
- Conducting Legal Research
- Academic Writing
- Answering Problem Questions with ILAC
Timetables
Dublin Campus: This course will next commence in September 2026. It will run one evening per week (Wednesday) from 6.00 pm - 10 pm over 5 weeks.
Online Delivery: This course will next commence in September 2026. It will run one evening per week (Monday from 6.00 pm - 10 pm over 5 weeks.
Course dates are subject to change. Please contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie to request a timetable
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Mature Students
If you are 23 years or over from the 1st January of this year, you can apply for this course directly using the College’s online application form.
Under 23 Years
Old Leaving Cert (Pre 2017)
Min. 5 OD3's in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent award and 1 year's legal experience.
New Leaving Cert
Min. 5 O6/H7's in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent award and 1 year's legal experience.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
Directly to Griffith College Professional Academy.
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Campus: Dublin
Fee: € 495.83
Progression
What further study can I do?
Further to completion of this module, learners are recommended to continue their studies at Griffith College by applying for our Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice course.
