Law and Political Science

This joint degree (TR020) aims to give students a firm grounding in the disciplines of political science and law and to develop a critical understanding of both Irish law and of the political framework in which the law operates. There are many areas of overlapping interest between the two disciplines, such as, for example, the interconnectedness between political theory and jurisprudence, the role and power of constitutions and judges, and the interdisciplinarity of human rights and international law. In JF year students take introductory Law courses while on the Politics side they are given a grounding in the social sciences as a whole, taking courses in Economics and Sociology. The Sophister years will enable students to take a wide variety of options. In order to obtain an adequate grounding in each discipline, students will be required to complete certain mandatory courses.

In addition, the course organisers will structure the course, insofar as is practicable, in a manner that allows students to meet entry requirements for professional training bodies and to undertake entrance exams to those bodies, in order to facilitate entry to the solicitors' and barristers' professions. Given the rapidly changing entry requirements of some of these bodies, however, a guaranteed commitment cannot be given in this respect. Law and Politics is an exciting combination of subjects and places on the programme are in very high demand.

Whether candidates' career goals lie in public leadership, the legal profession, the media, the civil service, academia, public relations, anything in business that requires knowing how government works, positions in international organisations such as the EU or a not-for-profit organisation, law enforcement, private practice, or elsewhere, the degree in Law and Political Science will be an ideal platform for attaining those goals.

More information on applying for entry to this programme is available from the Admissions Office.