Program Overview

Overview of the Law and German Program

The Law and German program at Trinity College Dublin offers students a unique opportunity to study core and specialized legal modules alongside the language, culture, and political systems of Germany. This four-year full-time program leads to an LL.B./B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8) and is designed to equip students with a grounding in Irish Law, fluency in a second European language, and knowledge of the general culture, political, economic, and sociological make-up of Germany.

Program Details

• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Degree: LL.B./B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• Places: 15
• CAO Points: 552 (2024)
• CAO Code: TR019

Admission Requirements

Leaving Certificate:

• H3 in German

Advanced GCE (A Level):

• Grade C in German

International Baccalaureate:

• HL Grade 6 in German

English Language Requirements

All applicants are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language, meeting Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

First and Second Year

Students study a variety of legal modules alongside students reading for other undergraduate law programs. They also develop their language skills through studying modules on German language, politics, and cultural studies.

Third Year

The third year is a compulsory year spent studying legal and language-related modules in one of Germany's top-ranking universities. This year abroad is designed to enable students to enhance their knowledge of German law while perfecting their fluency in the foreign language.

Fourth Year

In the final year, depending on the pathway taken, students have the opportunity to focus on developing areas of interest in Law and/or German modules on literature, culture, history, and society. They are also required to complete a research project on a topic of their choice.

Assessment

A combination of assignments and aural, oral, and written examinations is used.

Career Opportunities

The increasing Europeanisation of legal practice means that graduates of this program have much to contribute to the legal and other professions in Ireland, as well as enjoying career opportunities in Europe. Graduates also find employment in business, journalism, accountancy, banking, insurance, politics, foreign affairs, and diplomacy, and public services.

Further Professional Qualifications

No law degree entitles a person to practice law as a solicitor or barrister. If students wish to go on to obtain a professional qualification, the governing bodies for the profession require that they study certain modules in their primary law degree. The Single and Joint Honours Law degree programs are designed to ensure students have the opportunity to take these required modules.

Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Pathways

The pathways available are Single Honours, Major with Minor, and Joint Honours. Students considering a career in the legal profession after their degree will have the opportunity to take all the required modules if they choose the ‘professional pathway’. Nevertheless, there will still be ample opportunity to continue with studies in German.

Graduate Skills

Legal training requires the ability to think logically and critically, precise and careful use of language, good writing skills, and a faculty for articulate expression are key attributes for legal scholars. The Law and German program is designed to foster these skills, along with fluency in a second European language and a deep understanding of the cultural, political, and sociological context of Germany.

Conclusion

The Law and German program at Trinity College Dublin offers a unique and comprehensive education that prepares students for a wide range of careers in law, international relations, business, and beyond. With its strong focus on language, culture, and legal systems, this program provides students with a distinctive set of skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their future endeavors.