BCL Law (International)

At University College Cork, the BCL Law (International) is designed to help you learn law by doing it. Alongside lectures, you’ll actively practise legal reasoning, advocacy, research, and teamwork, while gaining first-hand experience of how law operates in different countries. A key part of the programme is learning to think and communicate confidently in both Irish and international legal settings:

• International study year in third year, where you study law at one of UCC’s partner universities abroad, gaining exposure to a different legal system, teaching style, and academic culture

• Mooting and advocacy exercises embedded in your law modules, helping you develop courtroom-style argument, public speaking, and structured legal thinking

• Small-group tutorials and collaborative projects, where you work with classmates to analyse cases, solve legal problems, and present arguments — mirroring how lawyers work in practice

• Summer placement opportunities organised through the School of Law, giving you a chance to experience legal or law-related work environments during your degree

• Full access to UCC’s Law Library, including specialist legal texts, case law resources, digital research databases, and dedicated study spaces

• Supportive academic environment within the School of Law, where teaching is informed by active research and international legal expertise

Together, these experiences ensure you graduate not only with a respected law degree, but also with the confidence, adaptability, and international perspective that employers and postgraduate programmes value.

Graduates of the BCL Law (International) at University College Cork go on to careers where strong legal training and international experience make a real difference. Many build careers as solicitors, barristers, policy advisors, or legal consultants, using their understanding of law across borders to stand out in competitive fields:

• Careers support from UCC Careers Network, including tailored guidance for law students, CV and interview coaching, employer presentations, and advice on legal and public-sector career routes

• Strong graduate outcomes, with the vast majority of UCC graduates progressing into employment or further study within nine months of graduation — a reflection of the university’s strong reputation with employers

• Professional and industry connections, supported by the School of Law’s summer placement scheme and engagement with law firms, public bodies, NGOs, and regulatory organisations

• Long-term professional value of the BCL, which provides a recognised academic foundation for legal training in Ireland and is well regarded for roles where legal reasoning and international awareness are essential

• Flexible graduation outcomes, allowing graduates to enter legal practice, policy and governance roles, international organisations, or a wide range of professional careers beyond traditional law

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their studies through a Master of Laws (LLM), often specialising in areas such as international law, human rights, or commercial law. Others progress into professional legal training to qualify as solicitors or barristers, or pursue research-focused postgraduate degrees for careers in academia, policy, or international legal research.