Program Overview

Certificate in Legal Studies

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.

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.

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 2025
• Cork - Part-Time - September 2025

Related Courses

• Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice
• Certificate in Legal Practice
• LL.B. (Hons) in Law

Related Articles

• Study Law in Ireland: LLB (Hons) Degree & Career Opportunities
• 10 Reasons to Study the Diploma in Legal Studies & Practice at Griffith College

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

Introduction to the Irish Legal System

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.

Law of Contract

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.

Law of Tort

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.

Constitutional Law and Judicial Review

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.

Criminal Law

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.

Land Law

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.

Elective Modules

Probate Law

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.

Family Law

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.

Company Law

This module aims to provide learners with an overview of law related to the various forms of business, primarily Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.

Employment Law

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.

Course Contacts

Karen Sutton

Law Head of Faculty

Professional Law Deputy Head of Faculty

Professional Law Lecturer

Timetables

Certificate in Legal Studies Timetable (PDF file)

*Subject to Change

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 admissions@griffith.ie

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: €4,170.00

Cork

Irish/EU citizens living in Ireland: €4,170.00

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