Certificate in Legal Studies

Type
Undergraduate
Duration
1 Year
Validated by
QQI
Mode
Part-Time
Campus
Dublin / Cork
NFQ Level
7
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Course Overview

The one year Level 7 Certificate in Legal Studies aims to equip students with a knowledge of the concepts and principles pertaining to the core areas of Irish Law.

The modules taught in the programme provide learners with a theoretical overview of the Irish legal system, including a thorough understanding of private and public law, as well as the opportunity to study two electives of the learner’s choosing.
 

Students attend class two evenings per week (Monday and Tuesday) from 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm each evening. Students can attend lectures either on campus, synchronously via live stream or asynchronously online via recorded lectures. Students must attend examinations on campus.

Why Study Legal Studies at Griffith College?

The Level 7 Certificate in Legal Studies aims to equip learners with foundational knowledge of the concepts and principles pertaining to the core areas of Irish Law. The programme is delivered over four, eight-week blocks.

The programme objectives include:

  • To provide learners with a sound theoretical framework, knowledge and understanding of the law.
  • To provide an understanding as to how the different sources of law interrelate.
  • To support learners in the development of their research, intellectual and problem-solving skills.
  • To develop learners’ abilities to lead, participate constructively in teamwork and take responsibility for their own development.
  • To promote independent thinking and increased oral and written communication skills through self-directed learning.

The graduates of this programme will be awarded a Level 7 QQI-validated Certificate in Legal Studies.

Course Highlights

  • QQI-validated Level 7 Qualification (NFQ)
  • Wide range of academic subjects
  • The opportunity to study two electives of the learner’s choosing
  • Wide range of assessment options e.g. continuous assessment
  • Small class sizes
  • All of our lecturers are experienced academics and legal practitioners with many years’ experience in the legal sector.
  • Provides a strong foundation to study and work in a wide range of areas
  • Extracurricular Law-related Activities

Intake Dates

  • Dublin - Part-Time - September 2024
  • Cork - Part-Time - September 2024

Course Details

This one year course is completed over four, eight-week blocks. Throughout the programme the student will focus on core law subjects developing a strong foundational knowledge of a wide range of legal areas with the ability to understand and apply the law. Students may choose to study two of the four electives made available to them.

Modules

The purpose of the Introduction to the Irish Legal System module is to provide learners with an appreciation of key legal principles and an understanding of the Irish legal system and how it operates.

The module covers foundational concepts which learners require to progress through the programme, including: an appreciation for the different sources of law; how to interpret said sources; legal research; academic writing; the concept of precedent and its effects; the hierarchy and jurisdiction of the different Irish courts; court practice and the respective roles of barristers, solicitors and legal executives.

Learners are taught how to navigate research platforms such as JustisOne, Westlaw, Westlaw UK, LexisNexis etc.; how to record methods of research; how to engage with hard-copy resources (e.g. textbooks, law reports etc.); how to engage with e-resources (e.g. e-journals, the Irish Statute Book, reports etc.); how to employ their knowledge of precedent to locate relevant case law; how to analyse and solve legal issues through application of precedent and other primary/secondary sources; and how to cite effectively using OSCOLA (Oxford University .

Said learning outcomes also reflect the essential requirements of legal practice and prepare learners for further study and engagement in the professional world.

View modular descriptor.

The purpose of the Law of Contract module is to provide learners with an appreciation of key legal principles and an understanding of the Contract Law in Ireland and how it operates. It develops learners’ understanding of the fundamental doctrines and principles of the law of contract. The module Informs the learners of what is required for the basic formation of a contract, other terms which may be included, how contracts can be rendered void/voidable, how they may be brought to an end and the remedies available for breach of contract. It promotes an appreciation of the balance achieved by the courts in protecting legitimate interests and individual’s freedom of exercise in trade and business.

It evolves a clear understanding of the performance of contractual obligations and the discharge of liability. Learners develop a working knowledge of the remedies available in contract law and it enables the learners to apply contract law theory to different factual situations. The module covers foundational concepts which learners require to progress through the programme, including: an appreciation for the different areas of Contract law; how to interpret said sources; legal research; academic writing; the concept of precedent and its effects;

Learners are taught how to navigate research platforms such as JustisOne, Westlaw, Westlaw UK, LexisNexis etc.; how to record methods of research; how to engage with hard-copy resources (e.g. textbooks, law reports etc); how to engage with e-resources (e.g. e-journals, the Irish Statute Book, reports etc); how to employ their knowledge of precedent to locate relevant case law; how to analyse and solve legal issues through application of precedent and other primary/secondary sources; and how to cite effectively using OSCOLA.

View modular descriptor. 

This module aims to introduce learners to the fundamental principles of tort law including but not limited to: an understanding of general principles of negligence; employer’s liability; occupier’s liability; trespass; nuisance; defamation; defective products’ liability; statute of limitations as it pertains to torts; defences to claims and remedies. The module applies continuous assessment in its ascertain of learner competence in the abovementioned areas: two assignments are required to be completed over the course of the 8-week module. One of these assignments involves responding to a traditional essay-based question and the other is problem-based. These assessments seek to increase learner competence in the areas of legal writing, research and the effective communication of legal argument related to tort law. 

View modular descriptor.

This module aims to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and substantive rules of Constitutional Law and the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on Irish Constitutional Law. It complements the Introduction to Irish Legal System module insofar as it deepens learners’ knowledge of the separation of powers and the respective functions of the legislative, judicial and executive functions of the State. It fosters critical thinking by challenging learners to assess the current state of Constitutional law and suggest ways in which the Constitution may be amended. Finally, it develops learner knowledge of the grounds for, and procedure associated with, Judicial Review proceedings.

View modular descriptor.

The purpose of the Criminal Law module is to provide learners with an appreciation of key legal principles and an understanding of the Criminal Law both in social and strict legal terms and how it operates. The module covers foundational concepts which learners require to progress through the programme, including: an appreciation and understanding of the elements of crime. It familiarises learners with a number of specific offences, most especially offences against the person, offences against property, public order offences and inchoate offences.

The module also covers foundational concepts, including: an appreciation for the different of sources of law; how to interpret said sources; legal research; academic writing. Learners are taught how to navigate research platforms such as JustisOne, Westlaw, Westlaw UK, LexisNexis etc.; how to record methods of research; how to engage with hard-copy resources (e.g. textbooks, law reports etc.); how to engage with e-resources (e.g. e-journals, the Irish Statute Book, reports etc.); how to employ their knowledge of precedent to locate relevant case law; how to analyse and solve legal issues through application of precedent and other primary/secondary sources; and how to cite effectively using OSCOLA.

View modular descriptor

The purpose of the Land Law module is to provide learners with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and key principles of Irish land law. This module aims to provide a historical perspective on the evolution of land law, and ensure a detailed knowledge of the rules of land law. Learners are enabled to trace current entitlements from those succeeded to contractually.

The module aims to foster an understanding of legal and equitable interests in property and an understanding of the practical operation of land law. The module covers core concepts including estates, registration of land, co-ownership, adverse possession, succession, licences, landlord/tenant relationships and family property.

View modular descriptor.

Elective Modules

The purpose of the Probate Law module is to familiarise learners with the process and issues that can arise regarding the right of access to the deceased person's estate, the rights of spouses/civil partners and family members and what happens if the deceased person has not made a will. Learners are referred to the process where a court considers the many legal aspects of the will, including if it was legally created.

This module aims to impart in learner’s written skills which are central to legal professional training. Learners gain an understanding of probate law and practice, such as knowledge of the relevant forms and documentation needed to successfully complete the probate process.

View modular descriptor.

The purpose of the Family Law module is to discuss and review the concept of marriage within the law. Discuss the grounds for the dissolution of marriage, procedures for making a separation agreement, obtaining a judicial separation or divorce and describe how a nullity may be obtained.

During this module, the learner will explore the rights for couples that are not in a martial relationship, i.e., civil partners and cohabitants.

An informed discuss with reagrd to the remedies available to individuals under domestic violence legislation, the categories of people who are eligible for said remedies and the test applied by the Court’s in granting same. In addition, learners should identify the recent reforms in this area. Discuss the key areas of child law, including adoption, guardianship, custody, access, and the exercise by the State of its powers to take the child into care.

View modular descriptor.

This module aims to provide learners with an overview of law related to the various forms of business, primarily Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies. It also aims to introduce learners to details of the law surrounding the formation, orderly life and winding up of a business. The means of assessment, that of practical case study and proctored written exam enables learners to apply company law to factual, real life scenarios.

View modular descriptor.

This module aims to provide learners with a working understanding of Employment Law by offering an overview as to its fundamental principles and the core precedent upon which these are borne out. The module enables learners to specialise in this ever evolving area of law and increase their employability in this area.

View modular descriptor.

Course Contacts

Timetables

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Applicants should meet the standard entry requirements for level 7 programmes (min. of 5 O6/H7 grades, to include a language (English, Irish or another language) and have one to two years relevant legal work experience. Students over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of admission may apply as mature students. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age and may be interviewed in advance of admission.

How to Apply

Applicants under the age of 23:

We will require the identification as stated above, in addition, we will also require a copy of your leaving certificate results, an up to date curriculum vitae, detailing any experience in a legal environment. If you do not meet the work experience requirement but have sufficient prior legal studies you can submit transcripts and course descriptors for this purpose.

Applicants over the age of 23 (Mature students):

You will need to supply proof of identification, this must be photographic identification such as a passport or drivers licence. This can either be attached to the application form or emailed to [email protected]e

Click the 'Apply Online' button and fill in the application form , uploading a copy of the following;

  • Photo I.D. (passport or driving licence)
  • Detailed C.V.
  • Transcripts from previous studies

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Dublin

Irish/EU citizens living in Ireland: €4,020.00

 

Cork

Irish/EU citizens living in Ireland: €4,020.00

Progression

Academic Progression

Graduates of this course have the option to continue their studies at Griffith College. We offer a number of options including:

  • Certificate in Legal Practice
  • Diploma in Legal Studies & Practice
  • LL.B. (Hons)
  • Certificate in Mediation

You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.

Career Progression

Through the Certificate in Legal Studies, learners gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be utilised in a wide range of employment settings, including:

  • The Legal Sector
  • An Garda Síochána
  • Civil Service
  • Banks and Building Societies
  • Business and Consulting
  • Insurance and other regulated industries 

 

Ready to take the next step?