Qualification : BACHELOR OF CIVIL LAW DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH502
CAO Points : 418
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
>This law degree is accredited by the Honorable Society of Kings Inns. Students receive an excellent grounding in core law subjects, while also retaining the flexibility to customise their own academic path.
>Law is taken jointly with one Arts subject for the final two years of the programme. Students can choose from a wide range of Arts subjects including languages and other areas within the humanities and social sciences.
>The BCL is a three-year degree in law combined with one other subject. While the BCL covers all the core modules of law, you cover less law than on the LLB (MH501), giving you more time to develop expertise in another subject. The main advantage is that it allows you to combine the study of law with the study of another discipline.
>BCL students who successfully complete the first year of the programme have the option of transferring into the second year of the LLB programme (MH501).
>Students may apply to complete a work placement year in a law firm (subject to availability) or a year studying abroad at one of our international partner institutions (subject to availability).
Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or Erasmus/Study Abroad)
Law is taken jointly with one subject for the final two years of the programme. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects including languages and other areas within the humanities and social sciences.
1st year
30 credits of Law with 2 subjects chosen from the BA subject groups which do not include Law. Subject Groups.
2nd and final year
- Continue in 2nd and 3rd year with at least 30 credits of Law and 30 credits of one of your chosen subjects from 1st year (Critical Skills is only available in 1st year and cannot be taken in 2nd year)
- You may apply to complete a work placement year, or a study abroad year, after 2nd year, and graduate after 4 years. Students who successfully complete the 1st year of the programme have the option of transferring into the 2nd year of the LLB programme. The University will support you in the search for a placement job; however, the process is competitive.
- Students who opt to spend a year studying abroad are awarded a BCL (International) degree
Head of Department
Department of Law
Department of Motherhood Project
Department of Sexualities and Gender
Department of ALL Institute
Department of Faculty of Social Sciences
Academic
Academic
Academic
Academic
Academic
Department of Law
Department of Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law and Fundamental Rights
Department of Centre for European and Eurasian Studies
Academic
| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Language | No | ||
| Math | No | ||
| Science | No |
Mature Students
Mature Applicants
Mature aplicants 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.
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.
01 February 2025
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 in Irish, English. MH502 Round 1 Points 2024: 418
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