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Maynooth University Spanish and Latin American Studies

Qualification : BACHELOR OF CIVIL LAW DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH503

CAO Points : 430

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Degree Overview
> 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.
>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.
>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

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After Graduation
>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 of the BCL will be eligible to take the Law Society’s FE-1 entrance examinations (necessary to access training as a solicitor) and the entrance examinations for the King’s Inns’ Barrister-at-law degree programme (necessary to access training as a barrister).

The Schools offer a wide range of postgraduate study options. Visit their websites for further information. See Get in Touch for contact details.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math No N/A N/A
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 in Irish, English. MH503 Round 1 Points 2024: 430

Students who wish to take Irish as part of their degree must have a H4 in Irish.

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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