The Diploma in Legal Studies is a two–year law course leading to:
This qualification is awarded independently by The Honorable Society of King’s Inns. The skills and competencies gained in studying in this institution are transferable, portable, and recognised internationally. The Diploma in Legal Studies is a valuable qualification delivered by expert legal practitioners, specialising in legal education.
As Diploma graduates are eligible to sit the Entrance Examination for the degree of Barrister–at–Law, the course also attracts students who want to qualify as a barrister. As far as qualifying as a barrister is concerned, Diploma graduates are as well–placed as those who have a recognised law degree from a third–level institution in Ireland. Diploma graduates report that the course prepares them well for the Degree. This is reflected in the fact that Diploma graduates have traditionally done as well as, and frequently better than, law–degree graduates in the Entrance Examination and on the degree of Barrister–at–Law itself.
Successful completion of the course requires students to demonstrate an impressive breadth of legal knowledge, as well as legal reasoning, problem–solving, communication and research skills.
Diploma students come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Many have a non–law degree or other third–level qualification. But some do not. Indeed, the Diploma is open to people with no formal education whatsoever. Mindful that some Diploma students have been away from formal education for a long time or have no formal education whatsoever, we deliver a Study–Skills Course on five evenings during the two weeks before the Diploma starts. Topics include:
Deadline for Applications: midnight (Irish time) on Monday, July 31, 2025.
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Type | Online Learning |
| Course Qualification | Diploma |
| Awarding Body | The Honorable Society of King's Inns |
| Awarding Body Details | Diploma in Legal Studies |
| Course Start Date | 26th September 2025 |
| Course End Date | 10th September 2027 |
| Course Duration | 2 years part-time |
| Course Time | Students have the option of attending all lectures and tutorials online as well as in–person at King’s Inns. Delivering the entire course online allows people to do the course regardless of their geographical location. Please note that examinations are in–person at King’s Inns. Lectures are at 5.45 pm to 8 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Tutorials are at 5.45 pm to 9 pm on Thursdays (a small number of classes are on Friday evenings, e.g. to make up for bank–holiday Mondays). Tutorials are also at 9.30 am to 4.45 pm on the following Saturdays spread throughout the academic year: September 23, October 7, November 4, December 2, January 13, February 10, March 9, and April 20. Because these times suit students in employment, most students continue working while doing the course. The Study–Skills Course is provisionally scheduled for 5.45 pm to 8 pm on the following dates during the first two weeks before the Diploma’s provisional start date: September 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12. |
| Course Fee | 10,990.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Those falling into the following categories are eligible to apply for a place on the course: Graduate Applicant: A graduate applicant has an approved non–law degree from a third–level educational institution. Degrees conferred by foreign educational institutions may also suffice. The Education Committee decides whether a foreign degree is acceptable. Mature Applicant: A mature applicant doesn’t have an approved non–law degree but is at least 23 years of age on May 1 in the year when they would sit the Diploma–I examinations. King’s Inns’ Education Committee allocates places to mature applicants. Although the Committee considers academic and professional qualifications, the Diploma is – as mentioned above – open to people with no formal education whatsoever. The Committee also considers a mature applicant’s work experience and other information provided by the applicant, which demonstrates their ability to do a course of this level. An interview may be required. International Applicants: International students are eligible to apply for a place on the course, either as a graduate or mature applicants. There is no extra fee for international applicants. |
| Career Path | Many Diploma graduates have found the qualification to be of benefit in their current career or have gone on to use the qualification to open new career opportunities for them in the public service, private sector, or in the provision of legal services. Some Diploma graduates have progressed to further study of law by doing taught or research masters or PhDs. Others chose to do the course simply because they were interested in learning the law. Every year, a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds do this course, such as nurses, teachers, taxi drivers, civil servants, communication and HR professionals, and people who are retired or in the middle of changing careers. |
The Diploma in Legal Studies is a two–year law course leading to: a qualification in law; and being eligible to sit the Entrance Examination for the degree of Barrister–at–Law.
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