Applications for this course, which begins 23 September 2023, are currently being accepted.

About the programme

Specifically designed for qualified solicitors, the Professional Doctorate in Law is a 3.5 year part-time programme structured to facilitate those in full-time employment. The programme provides a structured and supportive learning experience that will enhance a solicitor’s theoretical understanding of their profession and will assist in the development of practice, through critical insight and evaluation, building on academic and research skills acquired via formal subject delivery and the doctoral research subsequently conducted. The research may be doctrinal, perhaps in a practice-based area such as criminal justice and evidence, or the law in action in areas such as human rights or data collection and privacy or legal education.

Those that complete the Professional Doctorate in Law will have made a significant and original contribution to the creation and interpretation of a body of knowledge, and be at the forefront of practice development.

Learning outcomes

The programme aims to enable candidates:

• to acquire a range of research skills and to be able to apply these to the conceptualisation, design and implementation of a project, adjusting design in the light of unforeseen problems;

• to be able to translate ideas into a form understandable by and meaningful to their profession;

• to produce a thesis or portfolio of original quality in the professional area; and

• to disseminate/publish that research and its outcomes to the professional audience.

The programme is open only to Irish qualified lawyers and is designed for two kinds of candidate – first, those with professional experience and a Master’s degree within last five years; and second, those with professional experience but without a Master’s degree. All candidates will undergo assessment for advanced standing entry onto the programme that will formally capture their attainment of the required Level 10 of the Irish National Framework of Qualification. Evidence for this will be provided both by their application and subsequent interview.

Places on this programme are limited and the application closing date is 25 August 2023. 

• Learn more about the Professional Doctorate in Law

For further information, or to apply, visit www.lawsociety.ie/diplomacentre or contact Course Coordinator, Rory O’Boyle at r.oboyle@LawSociety.ie.