Certificate in Legal Studies

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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