Law and Languages Maynooth University

Overview

Why choose this Law and Languages programme from Maynooth University ?

• This programme is a four-year degree in Law combined with French, German, Irish or Spanish, opening up a range of employment prospects within and beyond Ireland.

• Students undertake all of the required modules needed for Law and a full suite of modules in their chosen European language.

• There are additional opportunities to continue the study of other modern languages in first year and/or take up a new language as a beginner in second year.

• The degree includes modules in French, German and Spanish Law or specialised modules relating to law and the Irish language, as well as classes in legal translation and vocabulary.

• Students will have an opportunity to gain international experience through an integrated study abroad programme at one of the European or international partner institutions.

• Students taking Irish will be expected to combine a Gaeltacht placement or Irish-language work placement of one semester with an Erasmus study placement abroad of one semester in third year.

• Students interested in gaining intersectoral experience will be supported to undertake a work placement in a country where their chosen language is spoken. Students are encouraged to source their own work placements, which are subject to approval and registration with the Careers and Employability Service.

• Graduates of this programme will develop a strong  capacity for analytical and critical thinking as well as strong linguistic skills and a keen sense of cultural awareness.

Career Options

• Taking a degree in Law and Languages opens up career opportunities with multinational companies and law firms based in Ireland, with international agencies, companies and law firms based abroad, and the public service in Ireland and the EU.

• Various EU institutions require the services of “lawyer linguists”, i.e. European citizens with a degree in Law and excellent knowledge of several European languages.

• The public and civil services in Ireland and the EU have a need for graduates with strong language skills and a deep

• understanding of legal procedures and practices to work as legal translators and legal interpreters.

• Graduates from this programme will have a unique set of skills that will enable them to work between two legal jurisdictions and serve clients in both.

• Graduates of the BCL will be eligible to take the Law Society's FE-1 entrance examinations (necessary to access training as a solicitor) and the entrance examinations for the King's Inns' Barrister-at-law degree programme (necessary to access training as a barrister).