BCL (LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY)

Program Overview

The BCL (Law and Criminology) program at Maynooth University is a three-year (or four-year international) degree that combines foundational legal principles with a deep exploration of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. Through interactive lectures, seminars, and practical exercises, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing them for careers in law, criminology, and related fields. The program also offers opportunities for research, independent study, and engagement with legal practitioners and organizations.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Duration: 3 years (Bachelor of Civil Law) or 4 years (BCL International)
• Year 1: 30 credits of Law, 15 credits of Criminology, and 1 Arts subject (or Critical Skills)
• Students who successfully complete the 1st year have the option of transferring into the 2nd year of the LLB programme
• 2nd and final year: Continue with 30 credits of Law and 30 credits of Criminology
• Students may opt to spend a year studying abroad after 2nd year, and graduate after 4 years (BCL International degree)
• Structure:
• Years 1 and 2: Primarily focused on foundational legal principles, legal systems, and various areas of law
• Years 2 and 3: Deeper exploration of criminal behavior, criminological theory, and the criminal justice system
• Year 4 (if applicable): Specialization in specific areas of law and criminology through electives
• Modules: Criminology, Law in Practice, Criminal Law, Law of Tort, Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice, Penology and Policing, Law and Society, and Environmental Law
• Course Schedule:
• Lectures, seminars, tutorials, and guest lectures
• Independent study is required
• Work placement opportunities are available

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment: Written assignments, essays, presentations, class participation
• Examinations: End-of-semester exams
• Practical work: Legal research projects, mooting exercises

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Interactive lectures, small group seminars, practical exercises, research projects
• Faculty: Experienced academics with expertise in law and criminology, including international experts in criminal justice, prisons, and related fields
• Unique approaches:
• Interdisciplinary program drawing on sociology, psychology, economics, and law
• Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Opportunities for research and independent study
• Engagement with legal practitioners and organizations

Careers:

• Law: Barrister, solicitor, legal researcher, legal journalist, legal advisor, paralegal
• Criminology: Criminologist, forensic scientist, probation officer, victim support worker, police officer, intelligence analyst
• Other: Graduate studies in law, social science, or forensic science

Other:

• Students graduating from the program are eligible to take exams for entrance to the Honorable Society of Kings Inns to begin training as a barrister, and to progress to take the Law Society of Ireland's FE1 examinations to begin training as a solicitor.
• The program allows students to broaden their career prospects into the criminal justice world, opening up potential careers in the Gardaí, security services, data analytics, probation, the prison service, the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector; and national and international public administration (such as at the EU or UN).