BCL (Hons) in Law (Pathways)

Our BCL(Hons) Law-Pathways programme is offered by the College of Business & Law at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland. The programme allows for law students to take a general law degree which can be shaped to suit their own interests. If you take this degree you can specialise in areas such as international law, business law, human rights law, etc. You will also develop a strong foundation in legal research and writing, advocacy, and legal reasoning; these transferable skills are attractive to employers in a wide variety of professions and industries. Fundamentally this unique programme allows you to tailor your law degree and maximise your potential and opportunities. You will commence this programme as a BCL (Pathways) student and, upon completion of your first year, you can then apply to transfer to your preferred path for the remainder of your degree. The BCL at UCC is a comprehensive three-year law degree that ensures a critical understanding of the fundamentals of Irish and international law, together with exposure to a range of interesting elective areas of legal study. Alternatively, a Law Pathways student can apply for a four-year degree path which will include one or two semesters on either a work or study abroad placement.

For 2025 entry, full-time degree students must normally have reached 17 years of age by 15th January 2026. Where a candidate below that age seeks to enter UCC, a special application must be made to the President of the University. Applications will be considered from applicants whose qualifications are equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.