Law with French Law

Program Overview

The BCL (Law with French Law) program offers a comprehensive legal education in both Irish and French law. It equips students with a deep understanding of legal principles and proficiency in the French language. Through immersive study abroad experiences and innovative teaching methods, students gain valuable skills for international legal careers in law firms, EU institutions, and NGOs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: The BCL (Law with French Law) program aims to provide students with a comprehensive legal education, encompassing both Irish and French law.
It equips students with a strong foundation in Irish law and a broad understanding of French legal principles.
• Program Description: The program is designed for students interested in studying Irish law in depth while gaining a comprehensive knowledge of French law and developing proficiency in the French language and legal terminology.
It prepares students for legal careers in Ireland and internationally, offering valuable skills and knowledge applicable to various professions.
• Learning Environment: The program fosters an active learning environment that encourages individual and collaborative work, promoting leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Small group teaching, online collaboration, and practice-based learning are integral components.
• International Focus: A year of study at a partner French university is a core element of the program, providing students with an immersive experience in the French legal system and culture.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The BCL (Law with French Law) is a four-year full-time degree program.
• Stage 1:
• Core Modules:
Constitutional Law, Law of Tort, Law of Contract, Introduction to French Public Law, Legal and Professional Skills, French Law Book Club, French Fictions.
• Stage 3:
• Study Abroad:
Students spend Stage 3 at one of four leading French law schools: University of Paris II (Panth?-Assas), University of Paris X (Nanterre), University of Aix-Marseilles III (Aix-en-Provence), and the University of Toulouse I (Toulouse).
• Stage 4:
• Core Modules:
French Law Dissertation.
• Optional Modules: French Language 3a: Expression avancée, Company Law I, Banking Law, Equity: History, Doctrines, Remedies, Evidence - Foundations, Revenue Law: Introduction to Revenue Law, Employment Law: the Contract of Employment, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law: Grounds of Review, Matrimonial Law and Reliefs, Environmental Law and Policy, International Human Rights Law, Competition Law in Practice, Advocacy and Mooting, The Lawyer, Professional Ethics & Legal Practice, Public International Law, Patent Law and Trademarks, Advanced International Law - The Law of Int Organisations, Financial Law of the EU, Insolvency Law, International Economic Law, Copyright Law, Internet Law and Regulation, French Language 3b, Company Law II, Evidence - Practice and Principles, Media Law, Overview of Law Relating to Creation and Administration of Trusts, Administrative Law: Remedies for Unlawful Administrative Action, European Human Rights Law, Family and Child Law, Criminological Theory, Commercial Law, Private International Law, Jury Trials, Planning Law, Migration Law, Medical Law, Law in the Classroom, Applied Legal Skills, Building Resilience.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including tutorials, seminars, supervised academic writing, work placement, and simulations of professional practice.
• Assessment Criteria: The program outcomes outline the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities students are expected to demonstrate upon completion.
These include: 1. Specialized knowledge of Irish, French, and EU legal systems. Application of knowledge in a professional manner. Data gathering and interpretation skills. Critical judgment and reflection on legal issues. Communication skills in English and/or French. Autonomous learning skills. Identification of relevant legal sources and argumentation.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a range of teaching methods, including tutorials, seminars, supervised academic writing, work placement, and simulations of professional practice.
• Faculty: The UCD School of Law is committed to excellence in teaching and research, providing a stimulating intellectual environment for students.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes small group teaching, online collaboration, and practice-based learning to enhance student engagement and skill development.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the BCL (Law with French Law) program are well-prepared for careers in:
• International law firms
• European Union and other international institutions (e.g., European Court of Justice)
• NGOs
• Opportunities: The program provides a strong foundation for pursuing legal careers in Ireland and internationally.
• Outcomes: Recent graduates have progressed to graduate study at prestigious universities, including Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford.

Other:

• International Study Opportunities: Students can apply to study abroad for a semester or a year through the Erasmus program or non-EU exchange programs.
UCD has partnerships with over 200 Erasmus universities in Europe and numerous non-EU exchange agreements.
• Program Director: Dr. Sara Benedí Lahuerta