FAQ

Where do I find information on becoming a lawyer?

For information on how to become a solicitor check out www.lawsociety.ie

For information on how to become a barrister, check out www.kingsinns.ie

Will this programme prepare me for the FE-1 Law Society entrance examinations?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies includes tuition in all eight of the law examinations required for entry to the Law Society of Ireland. We do not cover material for the Irish language examination but we do provide preparation for the FE-1 law examinations.

Will this programme help me to become a barrister?

Although the tuition offered may be of some assistance to those seeking to become a barrister, at the moment we do not offer full preparatory tuition for the exams required to become a barrister.Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies will not act as a substitute for completion of the King`s Inns` Diploma in Legal Studies programme.

How much will the books required for this programme cost?

Law texts are expensive and students aiming to complete the FE-1 examinations should budget approximately 600 Euro for law texts. The Department of Legal Studies holds an annual virtual second hand book sale and also arranges for publishers to come to DIT to sell texts at a discount.

Is there financial assistance for students on this programme?

Applicants should consider contacting their local authority for advice on financial support for the completion of this programme. Those who have been unemployed or on welfare may also be eligible for the Back to School Grant offered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.(www.dsfa.ie).

Fees paid may be deductible from taxable income at the standard rate (20%) (contact the Revenue Commissioners for futher details). Students in particular difficulty may also apply to the college student services for a hardship grant but funds are limited and there is no guarantee of support.

What are the criteria for admitting students?

Admission to this programme is based solely on merit. The Programme Committee will consider first, the academic profile of the student; second, his or her motivation for studying law; third, whether he or she has any prior experience of law. We discourage canvassing by or on behalf of students.

When will I found out if my application is successful?

If you already have the final results of your degree at the time of submission of your application, you should hear from us within three weeks of making your application. If your results are pending at the time of application, a conditional offer may be made, but it is more than likely that an offer will not be made until such time as your final year degree results are submitted to the DIT postgraduate office. As such , we request that applicants who apply with results pending forward their results to us as soon as they become available.

What happens if I apply late?

Late applications will only be considered if space remains after all timely applications have been dealt with.