The Law (BCL) and Human Rights undergraduate degree at the University of Galway offers a comprehensive exploration of how international human rights treaties function to ensure dignity and equality for all people. You will gain critical philosophical and political insights alongside legal knowledge, examining emerging areas like climate justice, data privacy, and business and human rights. This programme is designed for students eager to understand the complexities of human rights law, develop advanced legal skills in advocacy, and engage with world-leading researchers at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. You will be challenged by a rich curriculum that bridges theory and practice, preparing you for impactful careers in this vital field.
This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree is studied over four years, providing a solid foundation in core legal principles and human rights doctrines. You will develop essential legal skills through modules like mooting and a guided research essay, with opportunities in your third year to undertake a professional work placement or study abroad at partner universities worldwide. In your final year, you can specialise through streams such as Human Rights, Crime and Equality, or The Legal Professions, preparing you for entry into legal practice or further postgraduate study. You will graduate with the analytical and advocacy skills necessary for diverse career paths in law and human rights advocacy.