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Course Details
Course Code(s):
LA4131
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Course Start Date:
Autumn 2026
Duration:
One Semester (12 Weeks)
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 8 Minor Award
Faculty:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type:
Professional/Flexible, Online
Fees:
For Information on Fees, see section below.
Contact(s):
for more information or to be notified when applications are open.
Brief Description
What is law, and how should it function in society? This thought-provoking micro-credential introduces the major schools of legal philosophy and explores how different theories shape our understanding of justice, rights, and legal systems.
Delivered online over 12-weeks, this Level 8 module is ideal for students and professionals in law, public policy, or social sciences who want to build a deeper understanding of legal reasoning, ethics, and the moral foundations of law.
You'll engage with influential theories such as natural law, positivism, American realism, and critical legal studies.
This module is associated with Applied Policing and Criminal Justice - BA and Law LLB Graduate Entry It can be taken as a standalone University Certificate of Study (UCOS) module or as part of a pathway to a larger award.
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During this module, you will:
Analyse how legal theory intersects with broader social, moral, political, economic, and gendered dimensions of law.
Consider pressing questions such as, what minimum laws are necessary for a legal system? How do judges decide hard cases? Do we have to obey an immoral law? Does law follow or lead in society?
Explore how legal reasoning is influenced by non-legal factors such as psychology, history, and economics.
Build confidence in applying theoretical and ethical perspectives to complex questions of justice, rights, and legal decision-making.
This micro-credential is a single module which sits within Applied Policing and Criminal Justice - BA and Law LLB Graduate Entry.
Key Information
This micro-credential will be delivered online over 12 weeks.
You will be assessed through continuous assessment, including critical written reflections, short essays, and a final "take home" exam or assignment.
Part-time considerations:     
Designed for working professionals  
Evening or recorded lectures  
Additional prep and group work time  
Timetable provided after registration
To help you to be successful on this course:
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.
Guidelines for your applications:
When applying, be sure to include the Module Code LA4131. We can’t process your application without it. You can apply for more than one module using the same application.
By applying, you confirm that you meet the entry requirements and can take part in the course and its assessments.
This course will go ahead if it meets minimum enrolment number.
Completing this module does not guarantee you a place in a full programme. If you want to apply for a full programme, you must meet the specific entry requirements for that programme.
EU - €826
Non-EU - €826
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).
Other Funding
Find further information on funding and scholarships.
This micro-credential can lead to the following sectors and careers:
Legal research and policy analysis
Required subject for entry to King’s Inns programme
Public sector or NGO positions requiring strong ethical and legal reasoning.
Progression to further study in law, philosophy, political science, or public policy.
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Limerick, Ireland