MCL Common Law

Program Overview

The Masters in Common Law (MCL) is a two-year program designed for non-law graduates seeking a legal degree. The program offers a comprehensive understanding of the Irish legal system through core modules in tort, contract law, and EU law, preparing graduates for careers in law, including as a barrister or solicitor in Ireland or for roles in the commercial field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: Masters in Common Law (MCL)
• Program Type: Graduate Taught (Level 9 NFQ, 120 credits)
• Duration: Two years
• Target Audience: Non-law graduates seeking a law degree
• Program Description: The MCL is a unique program designed to introduce students to the main areas of the Irish legal system.
It covers a range of modules, including Tort, Contract Law, and European Law.
• Program Objectives:
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the principal branches of law.
• Develop effective oral and written communication skills, including the use of ICT for legal research and presentation.
• Work effectively as part of a legal team.
• Career Relevance: The MCL provides the necessary qualifications for pursuing a career as a barrister or solicitor in Ireland.
It also equips graduates with a strong legal background for careers in the commercial field.
• Vision and Values:
• The program aims to provide graduates with a profound understanding of Irish law, both in theory and practice.
• It fosters highly active, motivated, and autonomous learners who are conscious of the social, cultural, and political dimensions of law.
• The program encourages students to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through individual and group work.
• Program Outcomes:
• Apply legal knowledge and understanding in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of Irish and EU legal systems.
• Identify relevant legal sources and frame original legal arguments.
• Make informed judgments, considering relevant political, social, economic, historical, and ethical issues.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program is delivered over two years, with modules offered in both Autumn and Spring semesters.
• Core Modules:
• Year 1:
• Autumn:
• Advances Property Law 1 (LAW41890)
• Advanced Criminal Law 1 (LAW41910)
• Advanced EU Constitutional Law 1 (LAW41930)
• Advanced Contract Law 1 (LAW41950)
• Advanced Tort Law 1 (LAW41970)
• Advanced Constitutional Law 1 (LAW41990)
• Spring:
• Advanced Property Law 2 (LAW41880)
• Advanced Criminal Law 2 (LAW41900)
• Advanced EU Economic Law (LAW41920)
• Advanced Contract Law 2 (LAW41940)
• Advanced Tort Law 2 (LAW41960)
• Advanced Constitutional Law 2 (LAW41980)
• Year 2:
• Autumn:
• Advanced Administrative Law 1 (LAW41810)
• Advanced Company Law 1 (LAW41830)
• Advanced Equity (LAW41850)
• Advanced Evidence 1 (LAW41870)
• Spring:
• Advanced Administrative Law 2 (LAW41800)
• Advanced Company Law 2 (LAW41820)
• Advanced Trust (LAW41840)
• Advanced Evidence 2 (LAW41860)
• Optional Modules: Students can choose up to four optional modules (20 credits) in Year 2.
A list of available options is provided under "View All Modules."

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Legal Writing Assessments: These help students develop their legal writing skills.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures:
These provide a broad overview of the subject matter.
• Fortnightly Graduate Seminars: These offer a more in-depth exploration of specific topics.
• Faculty: The program is taught by some of the best law lecturers in Europe.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes active learning and encourages students to work individually and as part of a team.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Barrister or Solicitor:
The MCL provides the necessary qualifications for pursuing these legal professions in Ireland.
• Commercial Field: Graduates can leverage their strong legal background for careers in various commercial sectors.
• Opportunities: The MCL is one of the Kings Inn's approved degrees, opening up opportunities for professional training as a lawyer.
• Outcomes: The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for a successful career in law or other related fields.

Other:

• Testimonial: The context includes a testimonial from a former student, Margaret Heavey, who highlights the program's unique learning environment and the diverse backgrounds of its participants.
• Small Class Size: The program benefits from a small class size, which allows for more personalized attention and interaction.
• Diverse Backgrounds: The program attracts students from various disciplines, creating a dynamic learning environment.

EU Year 1 - € 8400 nonEU Year 1 - € 22600 EU Year 2 - € 8080 aanonEU Year 2 - € 21520 Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. We also offer scholarships for EU applicants. All applicants who apply to a masters programme before May 31st will be considered.