This course combines a full legal education with specialist study in criminology and criminal justice. You’ll build strong legal foundations while exploring key questions about crime, justice, and punishment and develop the critical thinking, advocacy, and analytical skills needed for careers in law, policy, and beyond.

Year 1
You’ll begin with core legal modules while building a solid introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system.

Core Modules:

• Contract Law
• Constitutional Law
• Tort Law
• Understanding the Law
• Criminology
• Criminal Justice

Optional Modules:

• Critical Thinking for Lawyers, Family & Child Law, or Legal Languages (French, German or Irish)

Year 2
This year deepens your legal and criminological knowledge, with a focus on communication, advocacy, and the psychology of crime.

Core Modules:

• Criminal Law I & II
• European Union Law I & II
• Evidence I & II
• Mooting
• Advanced Criminology
• Advanced Criminal Justice
• Forensic, Abnormal & Clinical Psychology

Optional Modules:

• Labour Law, Disability Rights, IT Law, Legal Languages

Year 3
Shape your experience through study abroad or professional placement. Students taking Legal Irish will spend one semester at our Gaeltacht campus and one in an Irish-speaking workplace.

Year 4
You’ll round out your degree with advanced legal subjects and criminology topics like policing and victimology, plus a guided research essay.

 Core Modules:

• Land Law I & II
• Equity Law I & II
• Company Law I & II
• Policing
• Victimology
• Guided Research Essay

Optional modules:

• Administrative Law
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Animal Law
• Law of the Sea
• Comparative Competition Law
• Disability Rights
• Environmental Law
• Equality and Law
• Industrial And Intellectual Property Law
• IT Law
• International Trade Law
• Jurisprudence
• Labour Law
• Law and Analytics
• Lawyering, Technology and Innovation
• International Protection of Human Rights
• European Human Rights Law - Systems & Themes
• Languages (Legal Irish, Legal French, Legal German)

 Please note: Course structure and module offerings are subject to change.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Only university in Ireland offering a full law degree with a Criminology and Criminal Justice specialisation
• Professional Work Placement: Gain hands-on experience with leading organisations like Gearoid Geraghty & Company Solicitors, the Policing Authority, Irish Penal Reform Trust, and the Department of Justice.
• Career-Ready Graduates: Be prepared to sit the professional entrance exams for solicitors (Law Society of Ireland) and barristers (King’s Inns).
• Specialised Criminology Focus: Study modules in criminology, forensic psychology, criminal justice, and policing that give you unique insights into the justice system.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can spend a year abroad at leading partner universities worldwide, gaining a fresh global perspective on law and criminology.
• Access to Expert Academics: Learn from nationally and internationally recognised researchers and industry professionals who influence policy and practice.
• National & International Internships: Apply for competitive summer internships that offer valuable work experience and networking opportunities.
• Mooting Experience: Develop your advocacy and communication skills in our state-of-the-art Moot Court through practical mock trials and seminars.
• Scholarship Support: Eligible students can apply for the Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship (worth up to €10,000) and the RDJ Diversity Scholarship (valued at €5,000).

Graduates of the Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice degree develop a strong mix of legal knowledge and understanding of criminal justice systems that prepares them for a wide range of career paths in law, public service, and human rights.

Sectors and Industries
Graduates are in demand across diverse sectors including:
• Criminal justice agencies such as the Gardaí and Courts Service
• Government departments and statutory bodies
• Non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups
• International organisations and research institutes
• Corporate and public sectors where legal regulation matters

Employers of Our Graduates
Our graduates have found roles with organisations like the Policing Authority, Irish Penal Reform Trust, Department of Justice, Gearoid Geraghty & Company Solicitors, and other regional, national, and international employers.

 Graduate Roles
Graduates are ready to take on roles such as:

• Trainee solicitor or barrister
• Policy advisor or legal analystCriminal justice officer
• Researcher or caseworker in NGOs
• Compliance officer or regulatory associate in public and private sectors

Skills for the Future
This course builds skills employers value, including legal analysis, critical thinking, advocacy, research, and communication. Graduates develop a deep understanding of law and criminal justice, giving them the edge in a range of careers, especially in emerging areas like cybercrime, forensic analysis, and international human rights.

Next Steps to Legal Practice
Graduates can sit the Law Society of Ireland’s exams to qualify as solicitors. Those who complete the Legal Profession modules can also sit the King’s Inns exams to train as barristers. Work placements and internships provide vital practical experience to support career progression.

The Law (BCL) Criminology and Criminal Justice programme offers students the chance to spend Year 3 studying abroad at one of our international partner universities. This is an optional opportunity, but students are strongly encouraged to apply. Places are competitive but widely available across both EU and non-EU destinations.

Where can I go?
You can choose from a wide range of partner universities in Europe through the Erasmus+ programme, or apply for a non-EU exchange in countries like Canada, the US, Australia, India, Brazil, and more.
Partner institutions include:
• McGill University (Canada)
• University of Iowa College of Law (USA)
• University of Technology, Sydney (Australia)
• IE Madrid (Spain)
• University of Göttingen (Germany)
• University of Bologna (Italy)
• University of Toulouse (France)
• FGV Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
• University of Graz (Austria)
• University of Leuven (Belgium)
• Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (Hungary)
• Jagiellonian University, Kraków (Poland)

When does it happen?
Students who opt into the study abroad pathway complete their third year abroad, before returning for final year. The year is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Language of study
Many of our partnering institutes offer courses are taught through English. Others destinations offer courses delivered through French and German which support students studying a language to further develop their linguist skills.

Students studying Legal Irish will complete a semester at the University of Galway’s Gaeltacht campus in An Cheathrú Rua and spend the other semester on placement in an Irish-speaking legal environment.

Skills and benefits
Studying abroad develops your independence, global awareness, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills. You’ll gain insight into different legal and criminal justice systems, enhancing your understanding of crime and justice in an international context, a valuable asset for both postgraduate study and careers in Ireland and abroad.

Cost and funding
You don’t pay tuition fees to the host university. Erasmus+ students may receive a grant to support living costs. Additional funding may be available depending on destination and eligibility.

Legal Irish stream
Students who select Teanga an Dlí (Legal Irish) follow a distinct path in Year 3:

• One semester studying at University of Galway’s Gaeltacht campus in An Cheathrú Rua
• One semester of work placement in a professional Irish-speaking environment

 

In Year 3, students can choose to complete a year-long professional work placement, gaining real insight into the criminal justice system before returning to University of Galway for final year.

Legal Irish student, will have the opportunity to complete one semester of professional placement in an Irish-speaking setting such as TG4 .

Tailored Preparation
Placement preparation begins in Year 2 and includes:
• Advisory sessions to outline the process
• CV and cover letter workshops
• Interview skills training and mock interviews

Students receive full support from our placement team to help secure roles that align with their interests and future goals.

Placement Partners
Our students have completed placements with a range of organisations working in law, policy, and criminal justice, including:
• Department of Justice
• The Policing Authority
• Irish Penal Reform Trust
• Gearóid Geraghty & Company Solicitors

What students do
Placement roles vary but may involve casework support, legal research, policy development, advocacy, or regulatory oversight, giving students a chance to experience the criminal justice system in action.

Benefits
• Build hands-on legal and policy experience

• Apply course learning to real-world settings
• Strengthen your CV with real-world insight
• Develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills
• Gain confidence and direction for your future career
• Open doors to post-grad employment or further study

The Law (BCL), Criminology, and Criminal Justice degree is formally accredited by the Honorable Society of King’s Inns, the institution responsible for the training and admission of barristers in Ireland.

Opportunities presented to graduates
Graduates who meet the entry requirements are eligible to sit the King’s Inns Entrance Examination. Successful candidates may then progress to the Barrister-at-Law professional training course, the final step toward qualification as a barrister in Ireland.

Recognition outside of Ireland
While the accreditation specifically applies to the legal profession in Ireland, the Law (BCL) Criminology and Criminal Justice degree  is a common law degree and is widely recognised internationally. Graduates often pursue further professional training or postgraduate study abroad and may qualify in other common law jurisdictions—such as the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia—subject to local conversion requirements or bar admission processes.

Additional requirements post-graduation
In order to practise as a barrister in Ireland, graduates must first pass the King’s Inns Entrance Examination and complete the one-year Barrister-at-Law degree. Admission to the Bar of Ireland is granted upon successful completion of this professional training.

Note: Students intending to pursue a career as a barrister should ensure that they choose the appropriate law subjects throughout the programme to meet King’s Inns requirements.

Dr Diarmuid Griffin
Dr Rory Kelly
Dr Róisín Mulgrew
Prof Donncha O’Connell
Dr Ciara Smyth
Dr Conor Hanly
Dr Charles O’Mahony
Mr Lawrence Donnelly
Ms Ursula Connolly
Dr Connie Healy

 

The Law (BCL), Criminology and Criminal Justice degree at University of Galway offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary learning environment that blends legal education with a deep exploration of criminal justice systems, policy, and practice. This programme equips students with the analytical and research skills required to understand, critique, and work within legal and criminal justice frameworks.

How Will I Learn?

Lectures and Tutorials – Students explore key topics in law, criminology, and criminal justice through lectures and smaller tutorials. These sessions develop critical thinking, case analysis, and an understanding of how laws apply to real-life social issues.

Case and Policy Analysis – Students analyse legal decisions, legislation, and public policy, learning how to evaluate complex issues such as sentencing, incarceration, victims’ rights, and rehabilitation.

Criminological Research and Data Skills – Training in research methods equips students to gather and analyse crime statistics, legal records, and social research data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Mooting and Mock Trials – Students take part in simulated courtroom arguments, developing advocacy, public speaking, legal reasoning, and persuasive communication.

Interactive Learning – Activities such as debates, policy workshops, and group presentations enable students to test ideas, argue positions, and collaborate on real-world problems in law and justice.

Professional Work Placement (Optional) – In Year 3, students can undertake an eight-month work placement in a law firm, public service agency, justice organisation, or advocacy body.

Study Abroad (Optional) – Alternatively, students may choose to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our partner universities, gaining international perspectives on law and criminal justice.

Technology-Enhanced Learning – Students benefit from access to online platforms, legal and criminological databases, and research tools to support both coursework and independent study.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Examinations –  Written  exams test students’ legal knowledge, analytical thinking, and written argumentation. For modules required by the legal professions, a two-hour closed-book exam format is required to meet accreditation requirements.

Continuous Assessment – Essays, case commentaries, legal problem questions, criminological reflections, and group projects form an important part of assessment throughout the programme.

Research Projects and Reports – Students produce academic reports and research papers, enhancing their ability to think critically, present evidence, and draw conclusions based on law, policy, and data.

Moots, Presentations and Debates – Students present arguments in moot court settings and structured debates, gaining confidence in advocacy and public speaking while learning to defend their reasoning under scrutiny.

Collaborative and Practical Projects – Some modules include teamwork-based assignments that simulate real-world challenges in law and justice, building leadership, organisation, and collaboration skills.

RDJ Scholarship
The University of Galway School of Law has partnered with RDJ’s Galway office to offer the RDJ Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship.

Two scholarships are now available to support students from backgrounds under-represented in the legal profession and to promote greater diversity within the School of Law

Each scholarship is valued at €5,000, and recipients will also participate in a summer work placement at RDJ’s Galway office.

Mooting Success 2024
A standout year for the extracurricular mooting programme, with University of Galway Law teams winning 7 of 8 competitions entered, including victory in the inaugural Nell McCafferty Women in Law Moot (Jenna Smyth & Ruth Collins) and back-to-back wins at the National Moot Court Competition (Jenna Smyth, Colman Monaghan & Patricia Geciova).

 

Research at the School of Law – University of Galway

The School of Law at University of Galway is a leader for innovative and socially impactful legal research. Its research spans a wide range of themes, supported by several specialised research centres and a strong international network.

Key Research Centres

• Irish Centre for Human Rights: Globally recognised for research in international law, human rights, migration, gender, and climate justice.
• Centre for Disability Law & Policy: Focuses on disability rights, legal capacity, UN and EU law, and reform in support of independent living and de-institutionalisation.
• Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy: Addresses legal and policy challenges related to housing and homelessness.
• Centre for Law, Religion and Society: Explores the role of law in religious and ethical contexts.

Research Strengths and Community

The School promotes interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research that informs teaching and contributes to global and national debates. It hosts individual and collaborative projects and publishes the University of Galway Law Review, a peer-reviewed, student-led journal.

 

Course queries:
law@universityofgalway.ie 

 

 

Q: Will this degree allow me to become a solicitor or barrister?
A: Yes. This degree meets the subject requirements set by the Legal Services Regulatory Authority for entry to the Law Society (solicitor route) and is recognised by the Honorable Society of King’s Inns (barrister route), provided the relevant modules are completed.

Q: What kind of student is this course suited to?
A: If you're curious about how and why crimes happen, how the justice system works, and want to explore both legal and psychological perspectives — this course could be a great fit.

Q: Can I practice as a lawyer abroad? 
A: Our undergraduate law courses are common law degrees. Many of our graduates have qualified as lawyers in foreign common law jurisdictions – in England and Wales, Australia, Canada and in New York. The entry requirements to practice as a lawyer vary for each country and will usually involve some form of conversion examinations. We recommend that you look at the entry requirements for the country you wish to practice in. 

Q: What is Mooting? 

A: Mooting is a mandatory second-year module simulating courtroom experience. Using a hypothetical set of case facts, students learn to identify legal issues, prepare written submissions, and present oral arguments. It includes lectures, practical seminars, and a mock trial. The final moot court competitions are presided over by a sitting member of the Irish judiciary. 

Q: What is the Guided Research Essay in final year? 
A: Students complete a Guided Research Essay on a law topic that they are interested in. Students will greatly benefit from the guidance and supervision of an assigned academic mentor who will meet with them to discuss their research essay and provide feedback on their work. 

 

Minimum Entry Requirements 
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate including Irish, English, another language, and any three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

 

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,  

 

 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€3,593	€3,000	€19,000	€140	€3,140	€6,733	€19,140

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship
University of Galway is delighted to partner with global law firm DLA Piper for the Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship. The scholarship, which is named after Terry O’Malley, Chairman Emeritus (US), will provide funding to support students in financial need studying at University of Galway School of Law.

The Scholarship will support the successful Scholar throughout their degree to a minimum value of €7,500. The Scholarship is open to applicants who have made a formal application through the Central Applications Office for a first year place on one of the full-time undergraduate designated programmes of study in University of Galway School of Law. Find out more here.

NEW RDJ Scholarship
University of Galway School of Law has partnered with one of Ireland’s leading corporate law firms, RDJ to offer the RDJ Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship. There are two scholarships available that promote diversity within the School of Law by providing financial support to students who are under-represented in the field of law. The scholarship is valued at €5,000 and scholars also have a summer internship opportunity in RDJ’s Galway office. Find out more here.

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for entry of the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.