BA (Ord) in Law

The BA (Ord.) is an advanced entry ordinary degree in law. The BA programme aims to provide students with an academic foundation in the core subjects of Irish, European Union and international law. The BA programme replaces the former Diploma in Legal Studies (A316) offered by the Dublin Institute of Technology.

Programme Description

The BA (Ordinary) in Law is an ordinary law degree, offered at level 7 on the NQAI National Qualifications Framework.  It is an advanced entry degree, open only to students who already meet certain minimum requirements.  It aims to provide a comprehensive education in the core subjects of law.  As such, it should be of use to those considering a future career in the field of law, but should also interest those already in or considering a career outside of law, in which law plays an important part. 

Content

The programme comprises 9 compulsory law subjects (called 'modules'). Students may take as many modules as they wish up to a maximum of six modules in any one year.  In order to obtain the B.A. a student must complete the required examinations and assessments (if any) in all nine modules (subjects) on offer.

The subjects on offer are as follows:

• Core Legal Skills
  • Company Law

     

  • Constitutional Law

     

  • Contract Law

     

  • Criminal Law

     

  • Equity

     

  • European Union Law

     

  • Property Law

     

  • Tort Law

     

  In order to complete the programme a student must complete all nine modules over a minimum of two years, though students may take longer to complete the programme. DIT reserves the right not to offer particular subjects in particular years.

   

  Lectures

  Instruction is provided through a combination of lectures and coursework; students are expected to complement timetabled hours with private study and self-learning.  A commitment of approximately 6 hours per week (excluding independent study) normally is required of students on the course. 

  Classes commence 19^th September, 2011 (subject to change) and run until the end of April, with breaks at Christmas and Easter. Lectures are offered in the evenings from 6-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with 1.5 hours of instruction per module per week.  Exams take place in May, with repeat (supplemental) exams taking place in September.

  Entry Requirements

  Admission to the programme ordinarily requires:

  • A Degree in any discipline (NQAI level 7 or higher) OR
  • A Certificate in Legal Studies (NQAI level 6 or higher) OR
  • At least two years' relevant legal work experience.

  An interview and/or references may be required.

  Duration

  A minimum of two years, 2/3 nights per week, though students may choose to take longer to complete the degree. The programme extends over the academic year from September to May.

  How to apply/enrol

  Applicants should obtain an application form from:

  The Department of Law

  DIT, Aungier Street,
  Dublin 2
  (+353 1 402 7181)

  This form should be completed and returned to the Department of Law by August 31, 2011. Applicants should then attend enrolment at DIT Aungier Street on a date to be specified.

  Late applications will be considered should vacancies remain.

  What is the likely fee?

  The fee for each student depends on the number of modules selected by that student in any one year.  The fees for 2011/12 have not yet been confirmed. As guidance, the fees for 2010/11 are set out below. These fees are subject to change in 2011/12 and subsequent years:

  • 1 module  €695
  • 2 modules €1,255
  • 3 modules €1,565
  • 4 modules €1,935
  • 5 modules €2,385
  • 6 modules €2,785

  The fees listed above include a capitation fee of €135.

  The above mentioned are the fees for 2010/11 only and are subject to increase in 2011/12 and subsequent years.

  PLEASE NOTE: The DIT Graduate Network discount DOES NOT apply to this programme

  Award

  On successful completion of the programme, a student will be awarded the Bachelor of Arts (Ordinary) in Law of The Dublin Institute of Technology

  Career Opportunities

  This programme should appeal to those in a wide range of employment in which law plays an important role. Examples include civil and public servants, insurance executives, law enforcement officials, teachers, human resource managers, and persons employed in business. Students may find the programme useful in progressing onto a career in law as a solicitor, after passing the Final Examination - First Part of the Law Society of Ireland.

  Questions about admission to the Law Society of Ireland should be directed to: Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7, www.lawsociety.ie . ie. Graduates may also be interested in proceeding onto the BSc in Business and Legal Studies offered by DIT, for which they may be entitled to exemptions for certain law subjects.

  For further information please contact:

  The School Secretary
  t +353 1 402 7181
  f +353 1 402 7184
  or
  e emma.linnane@dit.ie