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Students undertake all of the required modules needed for Law and a full suite of modules in their chosen European language.
There are additional opportunities to continue the study of other modern languages in first year and/or take up a new language as a beginner in second year. Students receive an excellent grounding in core law subjects, while also developing their linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.

Why choose this degree?

Choose from a range of European languages to match your interests.
The BCL (Law and Languages) is a four-year degree in Law combined with French, German, Irish or Spanish, opening up a range of employment prospects within and beyond Ireland.
The degree includes modules in French, German and Spanish Law or specialised modules relating to law and the Irish language, as well as classes in legal translation and vocabulary.
Students will have an opportunity to gain international experience through an integrated study abroad programme at one of our European or international partner institutions.
Students taking Irish will be expected to combine a Gaeltacht placement or Irish-language work placement of one semester with an Erasmus study placement abroad of one semester in third year.
Students interested in gaining intersectoral experience will be supported to undertake a work placement in a country where their chosen language is spoken.
Students are encouraged to source their own work placements, which are subject to approval and registration with the Careers and Employability Service.
Graduates of this programme will develop a strong capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as strong linguistic skills and a keen sense of cultural awareness.

Course Structure

1st year

30 credits of Law
30 credits of language study
Students can choose from French, German, Irish or Spanish. French, German and Spanish can be taken at beginners' or post Leaving Certificate-level.

2nd year

Continue in 2nd year with at least 30 credits of Law and 30 credits of your chosen language.
Take advantage of the opportunity to continue studying a second European language or to begin a new language via the option of a 10 credit Elective.

3rd year

All students undertake a study abroad programme after 2nd year.
Students can opt to spend their year studying abroad or a combination of both study abroad and work placement in a country/region where the language they are studying is spoken (subject to approval).

4th year

After spending a year studying or on work placement abroad, students qualify with a 4-year BCL (International) degree.

Course Duration: 4 years

Career Options:

Taking a degree in Law and Languages opens up career opportunities with multinational companies and law firms based in Ireland, with international agencies, companies and law firms based abroad, and the public service in Ireland and the EU.

Various EU institutions require the services of “lawyer linguists”, i.e. European citizens with a degree in Law and excellent knowledge of several European languages.
The public and civil services in Ireland and the EU have a need for graduates with strong language skills and a deep understanding of legal procedures and practices to work as legal translators and legal interpreters.
Graduates from this programme will have a unique set of skills that will enable them to work between two legal jurisdictions and serve clients in both.
Graduates will be eligible to enrol in the Law Society FE-1 entrance examinations. Accreditation of the degree as an approved law degree for the purpose of taking King's Inns entrance exams is currently being sought.