Law – (BA Hons, L8, 240 ECTS) (SUSI funded)

This is a 240 ECTS degree, delivered over 5 years part-time, with 50 ECTS per year.

Stage 1 modules 

The Irish Legal System 

This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the Irish Legal System. It establishes a framework
to understand various legal subjects within the programme, with a focus on the procedural aspects of law. Students will
engage with core principles, key legal institutions, and fundamental legal terminology. Additionally, the module will
examine the influence of European Union law and international law on the Irish legal framework.

Legal Research and Writing 

The aim of the module is to introduce the student to the variety of sources available for legal
research, and to explain the significance and relative standing of each source. The module will
enable students to make effective use of those sources in a variety of legal settings.
On completion of the module, students will have the ability to present factual situations and legal
arguments in writing concisely and clearly using a variety of legal research and writing skills.

Constitutional Law

The overall aim of this course is to give students a thorough knowledge of the major provisions of the Irish
Constitution (1937) and of their effect on other areas of law. The module focusses on the impact of the Constitution
upon the Irish State and its institutions and on fundamental constitutional rights and the case law concerning those
rights. The module is designed to prepare prospective solicitors to sit the Constitutional Law exam required for entry
to Blackhall Place.

Contract Law 1 

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the study of the law of contract by providing them with a knowledge
and appreciation of both the major legal concepts and key concepts.
The module will also provide students with a critical understanding of the legal principles as applied by Courts and
Statutory Law to various Contracts/Agreements.

Criminal Law 

The aim of this syllabus is to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the core
principles of Irish criminal law. The module is designed to prepare prospective solicitors to sit the Criminal Law exam
required for entry to Blackhall Place.

Stage 2 Modules 

Legal Technology 

Most technology and law modules explain how the law regulates technology. This module does the converse. It considers how technology is
changing the practice of law, and in some cases the nature of law and justice itself. The fourth industrial revolution is re-engineering the future
of work and life, and neither the legal profession nor the law itself are immune from the march of progress. How legal professionals
communicate, do business and work are all impacted, as are various substantive areas of law like contract law. The practice of law is
changing, as are the roles available in the legal industry and
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the requirements of customers and employers.
This module aims to give students an overview of the changing legal landscape to prepare them for what lies ahead in their future
professional lives.

Employment Law

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the practical framework and legal principles of employment law in Ireland.
The module also enables students to develop legal skills such as research analysis and critical evaluation through the application of
their knowledge of employment law to authentic legal tasks.

Law of Torts 

This module is designed to introduce students to the principles of tort law and
the nature of tortuous liability. It will explain the distinction between intentional
liability and fault-based liability, and will enable students to apply principles of
tortuous liability in a variety of contexts.The module is designed to prepare
prospective solicitors to sit the Law of Torts exam required for entry to Blackhall
Place.

Administrative Law

The aim of this module is to provide students with a firm understanding of the law which regulates the organization, composition, functions
and procedures of public bodies.
The module will provide an in-depth examination of the rules that govern the conduct of administrative authorities in the performance of their
duties and the remedies available in respect of any breaches of said rules.

Data Protection and GDPR 

This module will enable students to explore some key concepts, rules and functions of data protection law and GDPR practice. This course
aims to provide students with a comprehensive and practical grounding in the changing framework for data protection law and GDPR
practice, knowledge of which will be essential for almost all businesses and public and private entities in the State. The module will include
fundamental rules in relation to the role of data controllers, data processors, the lawfulness of processing and the rights of the data subject, as
well as the oversight and enforcement of the law.

Stage 3 Modules 

Advanced Contract Law 

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the study of the law of contract by providing them with a knowledge
and appreciation of both the major legal concepts and key concepts.
The module will also provide students with a critical understanding of the legal principles as applied by Courts and
Statutory Law to various Contracts/Agreements. The module is designed to prepare prospective solicitors to sit the
Contract Law exam required for entry to Blackhall Place. The module is designed to prepare prospective solicitors to sit
the Equity exam required for entry to Blackhall Place.

Fundamentals of Equity Trust Law 

Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the principles of Irish Trust law. This module will examine the rules relating to the
creation and administration of trusts as well the various types of Trusts which can be created. The module will take into consideration the
leading Irish and English cases and authorities in the area of Trust law as well as the application of the principles in other common law
jurisdictions. The module will also consider the personal and proprietary remedies for breach of trust in particular the doctrine of tracing.

Company Law 

To introduce students to the concept of a company including the core principal of separate legal personality. Students
should understand the manner in which company law is created, regulated, enforced and administered. This module
also aims to provide students with an understanding of the functioning of company law on a everyday basis and in
particular, how the law affects outsiders dealing with a company. The module is designed to prepare prospective
solicitors to sit the Company Law Exam required for Blackhall Place.

Advanced Equity Law and Trust Law 

Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the principles of Irish Trust law. This module will
examine the rules relating to the creation and administration of trusts as well the various types of Trusts which
can be created.
The module will take into consideration the leading Irish and English cases and authorities in the area of Trust law as
well as the application of the principles in other common law jurisdictions. The module will also consider the personal
and proprietary remedies for breach of trust in particular the doctrine of tracing. The module is designed to prepare
prospective solicitors to sit the Equity exam required for entry to Blackhall Place.

European Union Law 

To introduce students to the concept of European Union Law. Students should understand how EU law applies in
Ireland, what takes direct effect and what requires transposition at domestic level by Member States. The module is
designed to prepare prospective solicitors to sit the European Union Law exam required for entry to Blackhall Place.

Stage 4 Modules 

Human Rights Law 

The aim of this module is to provide students with a general knowledge of the international, regional and domestic
sources, systems and foundations of human rights law.
Students are introduced to universally accepted human rights norms reflected in major international human rights
treaties and conventions, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Irish Constitution. This module examines
key concepts underpinning the realisation of human rights and the major international human rights treaties relevant to
Ireland.

Mooting and Professional Practice 

Mooting is a simulated court proceeding where law students argue points of law before judges, enhancing their legal research, analytical, and
advocacy skills.
Participants will receive a hypothetical legal problem, research relevant laws, prepare written submissions, and present oral arguments,
typically focusing on appellate issues.
This activity mirrors real-life legal processes, offering students practical experience in a courtroom-like setting. Mooting not only bridges the
gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application but also fosters teamwork and enhances communication abilities.

Law of Evidence 

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the rules governing the introduction of evidence
applicable in the Irish Courts, emphasising the practical application while also considering the rationales
for their existence, their foundations in constitutional jurisprudence and their development into the
future.

Jurisprudence 

To introduce students to the study of law by providing them with a knowledge and appreciation of major
legal concepts such as legal rules and rights.
To inform students the relationship between jurisprudential theory, politics, the legislative process and
judicial interpretation.

Land Law and Succession 

The overall aim of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of the body of law and equity embraced by
the syllabus, and to prepare prospective solicitors to sit the Law of Property exam required for entry to Blackhall Place.
Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge to given fact situations, citing appropriate cases and statutes in
their deliberations.

Stage 5 Modules 

Family and Child Law 

The aim of a Family and Child Law module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal
principles governing family relationships and the protection of children. The module seeks to develop knowledge and
practical skills needed to address legal issues arising within families, with particular emphasis on the rights, welfare, and
best interests of the child.

Commercial Law 

The module aims to provide the learner with a holistic overview of the core elements of
Commercial Law in Ireland, including a knowledge of the historical development and present
context of commercial law.
The module also develops within the learner an understanding of core commercial law principles
across a range of areas, including consumer protection, agency and competition law.
The module enables learners to critically analyse the legal basis of certain commercial
transactions, both domestically and internationally, and to critically analyse the law for the
purpose of providing solutions to factual scenarios.

Revenue Law 

This module aims to develop knowledge and skills relating to the law and practice of taxation applicable to individuals and limited liability
companies. The module will cover all aspects of Sources of Tax Law Revenue Audits, Code of Practice for Revenue Audits and tax liabilities and exemptions.

Alternative Dispute Resolution 

This module introduces students to methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) focusing in particular on negotiation, mediation and
arbitration. In addition to outlining the theory and uses of each form of ADR, students will participate in mock dispute resolution processes
where research of practical scenarios is required and use of national and international best practice is evidenced.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Mature applicants (over 23), or

• Leaving Certificate:

  • O6 in five subjects, including Mathematics and a language (English or Irish), or

• QQI Level 5:

  • Full award with a minimum of eight modules, or

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

  • Considered in line with TUS RPL Policy on a case-by-case basis.

This programme will be delivered in a blended Format. Lectures will take place predominantly online with selected Saturday’s per semester taking place at TUS Athlone Campus. Attendance at these days is mandatory.

Each 10-credit module normally equates to approximately 200 total learning hours. Total learning hours include the time spent in class, such as lectures, tutorials, and practical elements, as well as time spent working independently outside of college.

The balance between these varies by discipline and level of study, and learners should be aware that workload will increase at particular times, especially when assignments are due.

Applications will close on 28th August 2026 at 5pm.

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis

Programme run subject to viable numbers