Law - LLB

Course Overview

Law impacts on all aspects of life today, and the LLB provides you with an excellent basis for a career as a practising lawyer, as well as in other fields such as administration, business, the media and social work. The LLB is also excellent preparation for work in a legal advisory capacity in the private or public sector.



The LLB offers all the subjects currently required for the entrance examinations to the legal professions (solicitors and barristers) in Ireland. Furthermore, by choosing certain subjects, students can also become eligible for exemptions in relation to entry to the legal professions in England and Wales. In addition, all students are required to take a core module designed to equip them with critical legal research, writing and presentation skills.



If you wish to become a solicitor, the LLB covers all the modules examined in the solicitor FE-1 entrance exams at the Law Society of Ireland. If you wish to become a barrister the three and four year LLB is approved by The Honorable Society of King's Inns. In addition, all students are required to take a core module designed to equip them with critical legal research, writing and presentation skills.



The programme is offered during daytime hours and may be taken over:

• Two years, full-time (120 credits)

• Three years, full-time (180 credits), wide range of optional modules

• Four years, part-time (180 credits), wide range of optional modules



The three year and four year versions of the programme give students the opportunity to tailor their studies to their own requirements, by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.



Course highlights:

• Provides a route to qualifying as a lawyer for graduates from any discipline.

• Students in the final year of the three year and four year LLB have the opportunity to apply for a clinical placement. A limited number of clinical placements are available with law firms, barristers, and a range of governmental and non-governmental organisations working to promote the public interest.

• Skills development is an important element of this programme with a focus on critical thinking, analytical ability and professional writing skills.

• Students who take the three year or four year LLB can tailor the programme by choosing modules that interest them or will further their career goals.

• The accredited programme offers all the subjects currently required for the entrance examinations to the legal professions (solicitors and barristers) in Ireland.

• Moot court provides an opportunity for students to develop skills such as advocacy, research and legal analysis skills.

• Expert lecturers deliver this programme. Students also attend guest seminars from prominent practitioners, academics and judges.

• Diverse modules range from European Union Competition Law, Intellectual Property Law, Consumer Law to Global Issues in Contemporary Labour Law.

• Career support is provided through professional workshops concentrating on students’ CV and interview skills. Careers in Law Week also provides an opportunity to meet partners from leading law firms.‌

Please see Course Web Page above for Course Curriculum Information.

The prerequisite for admission to the LLB Programme is an approved Level 8 degree in any discipline at Second Class Honours level or above (a 2.2 degree). In certain circumstances, an approved professional qualification or experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree. Those holding a relevant practical law degree or who have studied law modules at third level may be granted appropriate exemptions.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In some circumstances, those with a lower degree grade or who have relevant work experience in the field of law will be considered. Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the programme director to discuss eligibility under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Such candidates may be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the programme. Learners may also apply for module exemptions based on prior learning. Further information is available from the Programme Director and on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.



Please see Course Web Page for Information for University of Galway Students Applying for the LLB.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

2 years full-time, 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time (daytime classes only for all programme versions)



LLBH-LLB3: 2 years

LLBH-LLB4: 3 years

LLBH-LLB2: 4 years

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Many of our graduates today run successful practices as solicitors or barristers. Other graduates have found employment and advanced their careers in a variety of areas, such as administration, financial services, business, the media, policy development and social work. We have successful alumni in all walks of life all over the world.