About Law (pathways) (bcl (hons)) in University College Cork

All Law students are exposed to this broad-ranging general degree or can opt to tailor subject choices to specialise in areas such as international law, business law, human rights law etc. You will also develop a strong foundation in legal research and writing, advocacy and legal reasoning. These are transferable skills which are attractive to employers in a wide variety of professions and industries. This unique structure allows you to tailor your law degree and maximise your potential and opportunities.

Entry to Law (Pathways) provides a gateway to the study of law and allows students to shape their own period of study. At the core of each degree is a world-class learning experience facilitated by experts in many specialised areas of law, and you will develop a critical understanding of key law and policy issues.

You will commence as a BCL (Pathways) student and upon completion of your first year of study, can apply to transfer to your preferred path for the remainder of your degree.

The BCL at UCC is a comprehensive three-year law degree that ensures a critical understanding of the fundamentals of Irish and international law, together with exposure to a range of interesting elective areas of legal study. Alternatively, a Law Pathways student can apply for a four-year degree path which will include one or two semesters on either a work or study abroad placement.

The BCL (International) is an exciting and dynamic four year degree, offering the opportunity to study abroad at a partner university in China, India, the US, Canada or Europe for one or two semesters; each study abroad option offers a unique experience to you and the programme director aims to match your interests with those of our partners to ensure you have the best possible learning experience during your semester abroad.

The BCL (Clinical) is a four-year degree that incorporates a unique opportunity to work within the Irish legal system and facilitates students' development of professional, organisational and interpersonal workplace skills. If you gain a place on the BCL (Clinical) pathway, you will have the chance to engage with the law in practice and to understand how it influences and is influenced by real life. Work placements take place in a wide variety of areas including Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Medical Law, Employment Law, and with diverse placement organisations including law firms, NGOs, regulatory bodies, in-house etc.

Key facts

• Comprehensive legal education
• A range of pathways
• Research-led teaching
• World-class Law School.

The BCL will provide you with a breadth of understanding of the fundamental concepts of Irish and international law, whilst also presenting you with a wide range of subject choice to build expertise in specialised areas.

The BCL (Clinical) includes a placement for at least one semester in a professional environment, including with law firms, NGOs and regulatory bodies. This programme combines the study of law with an understanding of how the law works in practice, develops workplace and interpersonal skills and adds immense value to your CV.

The BCL (International) incorporates at least one semester of study abroad at a top law school in North America, Europe or Asia. This opportunity will broaden your horizons, enhance your CV and provide you with a unique insight into the laws of another jurisdiction.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The BCL (Clinical) includes a placement for at least one semester in a professional environment, including with law firms, NGOs and regulatory bodies.

The BCL (International) incorporates at least one semester of study abroad at a law school in North America, Europe or Asia.

The School of Law operates a summer placement scheme, securing placements and internships for UCC Law students who wish to experience legal practice nationally and/or internationally during their summer holidays. This is in addition to the work placement aspect of the BCL (Pathways) and BCL (Law & Irish) degree programmes.

Skills and Careers Information

The knowledge and skills acquired by UCC Law graduates equips them for an extensive array of careers, enhances their confidence and ability in the workplace, and provides a balanced and varied foundation regardless of career path pursued.

The School of Law at UCC places a huge emphasis upon the development of transferable skills through dedicated modules, including legal writing and analysis, research skills and a compulsory moot court module, all of which enhance the presentation and advocacy skills of all law students.

The comprehensive legal education delivered at UCC and the breadth of study and placement opportunities, uniquely positions UCC law graduates for future study and employment opportunities.

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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