Overview

The Common Law programme at University College Dublin is a transformative two-year degree specifically designed for graduates from non-legal backgrounds. This intensive course allows students to acquire a profound understanding of how legal systems function in Ireland and internationally, bridging the gap between their primary discipline and a professional career in law. By engaging with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, participants develop the critical skills necessary for modern legal practice.

The curriculum is structured to foster autonomous and motivated learners who are conscious of the political, social, and cultural dimensions of the law. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that utilises seminar-based teaching and rigorous legal writing assessments.

Why Common Law at University College Dublin?

Choosing this programme at University College Dublin provides students with access to one of Europe’s leading law faculties. The university is globally recognised for its commitment to excellence, ranking 47th in the world for sustainability. Students learn in a diverse environment alongside peers from various academic backgrounds, such as engineering, business, and the arts, which enriches classroom discussions and broadens perspectives on how law intersects with different facets of society.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: EUR 22600 per year
European fee: EUR 8610 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Property Law
Criminal Law
EU Constitutional Law
Contract Law
Tort Law
Constitutional Law
Administrative Law
Company Law
Evidence

Careers with Common Law

Graduates are well-prepared to proceed to professional training as solicitors or barristers in Ireland. The degree is officially recognised by the Honorable Society of King’s Inns and provides an excellent foundation for the Law Society of Ireland’s FE-1 examinations. Beyond traditional legal practice, the depth of knowledge acquired supports careers as in-house counsel in the commercial sector or roles within the Department of Foreign Affairs. The university hosts an annual Law Fair to connect students with major domestic and international law firms.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

European Human Rights Law

English Land Law

Matrimonial Law and Reliefs

Environmental Law and Policy

Family and Child Law

International Human Rights Law

English Public Law

Planning Law

Research Module 10 cr

International Commercial Arbitration

Key Issues in Irish Public Law

Role of Tort Law in the 21st Century

Role of Contract Law in the 21st Century

Law in the EU: Theory & Practice

Issues and Perspectives in Criminal Law

Property Law

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

UCD operates a rolling admissions policy for Graduate Taught Courses, with decisions being taken as soon as possible after receipt of completed applications.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dublin, Ireland

Disciplines

Public Law View 21 other Masters in Public Law in Ireland

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Students who have completed or are in final year of a non-law degree (Level 8 NQAI or equivalent) can apply for this programme.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22600 EUR / year

≈ 22600 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

8610 EUR / year

≈ 8610 EUR / year

Additional Details

The displayed fees are for 2024. Fees for 2025 will be updated soon.

Living costs

Dublin

Ireland

1100 - 1800 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Common Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Dublin

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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