Public Law

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in Public Law at National University of Ireland offers students a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and institutions that underpin the functioning of public legal systems. This programme is designed to equip students with essential knowledge of constitutional law, administrative law, and human rights law, enabling them to critically analyze legal frameworks that shape government policies and public administration. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse curriculum that includes the study of Irish constitutional development, judicial review processes, and the legal protections of fundamental rights. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, providing opportunities for students to participate in moot courts, legal research, and internships that enhance their comprehension of real-world legal issues. Students will develop vital skills in legal reasoning, argumentation, and effective communication, preparing them for careers in public service, legal practice, academia, or further postgraduate studies. The faculty comprises experienced legal academics and practitioners who bring a wealth of expertise, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly growth and professional development. The curriculum also explores comparative public law perspectives, exposing students to international legal standards and regional integration legal frameworks. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and extensive library resources, students are well-supported in their academic pursuits. Graduates of this programme will possess a solid foundation in public law, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to societal governance and policy-making processes. The programme encourages critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and lifelong learning, ensuring students are prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic legal landscape both within Ireland and internationally.

Foundational Courses (Mandatory)

• Advanced Legal Research and Methods   
• Law, Regulation and Policy
• Minor Thesis

Optional Courses

• Activism, Advocacy and Public Interest Law
• Comparative Criminal Process
• Contemporary Issues in Law and Society
• Disability Law: Contemporary Law Reform Challenges in the National and International Sphere
• Equality Law: Principles and Thematic Application
• Immigration Law: Between Sovereignty and Equality
• Local Government Law
• Minors, Minority Groups and the Criminal Justice System
• Processes of Law Reform  
• Sentencing and Penal Policy
• The Criminal Jury
• Theories of Judicial Activism

Requirements

• Applicants must have a degree in law (Honours 2.1 or higher) or an interdisciplinary degree, which includes a substantial law component (Honours 2:1 or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances, applicants who hold a degree other than a law degree and who have relevant education and/or professional experience in law may be considered.
• Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). 
• Minimum Grade Required: 3.8 CGPA
• All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language. IELTS 6.5. TOEFL 92
• Statement of intent
• Transcripts
• CV
• Academic letters of recommendation

Funding for the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in Public Law at the National University of Ireland is primarily provided through a combination of state funding, student contributions, and financial assistance programs. As a public university in Ireland, NUI often benefits from government grants aimed at supporting higher education, which helps to subsidize tuition fees and ensures affordability for Irish and EU students. The tuition fees for undergraduate programs, including Public Law, are set annually by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), and they tend to be subsidized by the Irish government, making the cost more manageable for domestic students.

International students enrolling in the Public Law program are usually required to pay higher tuition fees, which can vary depending on their country of residence. These fees are established by the university and are generally higher than those for Irish or EU students. To assist students financially, the university offers various scholarship opportunities, including merit-based scholarships, fee waivers, and bursaries. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student’s background or intended career path.

In addition to university-specific financial support, students can access government-backed student loans and maintenance grants. The Irish government, through programs administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), provides grants to eligible students to help cover living expenses and tuition fees. International students may have access to similar financial aid programs depending on bilateral agreements or specific scholarships aimed at attracting students from abroad.

Part-time work opportunities also form an important aspect of financing for many students enrolled in the Public Law program. The university’s location in Dublin provides a relatively wide range of part-time employment options in legal firms, government offices, and retail sectors. These part-time jobs can help students offset living costs and gain relevant experience during their studies.

While specific details regarding the funding structure for the Public Law program at NUI are not publicly available, similar undergraduate law programs at the university follow these typical funding models. Most students rely on a combination of government grants, scholarships, student loans, part-time work, and personal support to finance their studies. The university also provides academic and financial advice to help students navigate funding options efficiently. Overall, financing a degree in Public Law at NUI is designed to be accessible, with multiple sources of support tailored to meet the diverse financial circumstances of its students.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Public Law at the National University of Ireland is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles and functioning of public law within Ireland and beyond. This degree program offers a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical legal frameworks with practical applications, enabling students to critically analyze legal systems, government structures, and public policy issues. The program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as legal research, analytical thinking, argumentation, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in the legal profession, public service, academia, or related fields.

Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, human rights law, environmental law, and EU law. The curriculum is structured to promote a solid foundation in the Irish legal system while also encouraging comparative perspectives on international public law. Students engage in case law analysis, debates, and research projects, fostering an active learning environment that bridges theory and practice. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical exercises, ensuring an interactive and engaging educational experience.

The faculty comprises experienced academics and legal practitioners who bring a wealth of expertise and real-world insight into the classroom. The university also offers opportunities for internships, moot courts, and legal clinics, providing students with valuable practical exposure and networking opportunities. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue professional qualifications, further postgraduate studies, or roles within government institutions, judicial bodies, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Overall, the BA in Public Law at NUI aims to cultivate informed and responsible citizens with a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin the functioning of modern democracies.