Program Overview

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Law - International Law PG Cert

Course Fact File

• Code: PCIL
• Duration: 1 Year Part-time
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
• Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
• Start Date: 8 September 2025

Course Outline

On the Postgraduate Certificate in International Law, you will study the policy and context for international law and the operation of international law in practice. The course will be of interest to students and practitioners from a range of different fields including law, social policy, political science, public administration development, history, international relations, and social sciences.

Students choose modules to the value of 30 credits from the following:

• LW6009 Climate Change and Energy Law (10 credits)
• LW6550 International Criminal Law (10 credits)
• LW6572 Contemporary Issues in International Law (10 credits)
• LW6584 International Refugee Law (10 credits)
• LW6585 Migration Law and Human Rights (5 credits)
• LW6606 International Human Rights Law (10 credits)
• LW6622 Sale, Insurance and Carriage of Goods at Sea (5 credits)
• LW6623 Global Maritime Security (5 credits)
• LW6627 International Environmental Law (5 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Classes are in seminar format. This participative and interactive format of teaching is suitable for postgraduate level. You will receive advance reading lists and/or materials for each seminar. Seminars take place in two-hour blocks between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 10 credit modules run for 12 weeks and 5 credit modules run for 6 weeks.

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 1 year.

Assessment

You will be examined by continuous assessment throughout the year. Individual module assessments can be viewed in the Book of Modules.

Why Choose This Course

This specialised Postgraduate Certificate builds upon the School’s considerable research and teaching expertise in the field of international law. You can advance your studies in International Law by building on the Certificate to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (International Human Rights Law and Public Policy) or an LLM in International Human Rights Law and Public Policy (provided you get an honours mark in your Certificate).

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of this course are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers with international organisations, in legal practice, in policy bodies and in aid and development.

Requirements

Candidates must be approved by the School of Law and must normally:

• (a) hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours Law degree (NFQ, Level 8) or
• (b) have such other relevant third level educational qualifications and/or professional experience as, in the opinion of the School of Law, qualifies the candidate under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in International Law.

The number of places available in any given year is dependent on resources and all qualified candidates may not be admitted.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

• Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
• Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please enter the names and email addresses of 2 referees.

The School of Law uses a system of offer rounds to facilitate decision-making and early notification to applicants. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.