BCL Hons Law and French

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
• PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
• DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

Graduates of the BCL (Hons) Law and French program at University College Cork (UCC) are well-equipped for a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities in law, diplomacy, international business, and more. With their expertise in both legal studies and the French language, graduates are highly sought after by employers seeking professionals with international and multilingual skills. Whether pursuing legal careers in French-speaking jurisdictions, international organizations, or diplomatic service, or leveraging their language skills in fields such as translation, interpreting, or international business, graduates of this program have diverse career pathways to explore.

1. Legal Practitioner in French-Speaking Jurisdictions: Graduates may pursue careers as solicitors or barristers specializing in French law or practicing in French-speaking jurisdictions such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, or parts of Africa. They provide legal advice, represent clients in court proceedings, and negotiate legal agreements in areas such as commercial law, international law, human rights law, or European Union law. Fluency in French and a deep understanding of French legal systems and culture are valuable assets in this career path.

2. International Lawyer or Legal Advisor: Some graduates may work as international lawyers or legal advisors for multinational corporations, international organizations, or government agencies, providing legal counsel on cross-border transactions, international trade agreements, or regulatory compliance issues. They may specialize in areas such as international business law, intellectual property law, environmental law, or human rights law, navigating complex legal frameworks and cultural contexts in their work.

3. Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer: Graduates with strong language skills and cultural competence may pursue careers in diplomatic service or foreign affairs, representing their home country in diplomatic missions, consulates, or international organizations. They engage in diplomatic negotiations, promote bilateral relations, and address international issues such as trade agreements, diplomatic immunity, or conflict resolution. Fluency in French and knowledge of French culture and politics are valuable assets in this field.

4. Legal Translator or Interpreter: Some graduates may work as legal translators or interpreters, facilitating communication between parties with different linguistic backgrounds in legal settings such as courtrooms, law firms, or international conferences. They translate legal documents, contracts, or court proceedings from French to English or vice versa, ensuring accuracy and clarity in legal communication. Legal translation and interpretation require a deep understanding of legal terminology and cultural nuances.

5. International Business Consultant or Advisor: Graduates may pursue careers in international business consulting, advising companies on legal and regulatory matters related to their operations in French-speaking markets. They provide strategic advice on market entry strategies, commercial agreements, intellectual property rights, or compliance with local laws and regulations. Fluency in French, combined with legal expertise, enables graduates to navigate complex legal environments and facilitate international business transactions.

6. Academic or Researcher in Law or Language Studies: Some graduates may pursue academic careers or research positions in law schools, language departments, or research institutes, conducting research on legal systems, comparative law, or language acquisition. They may teach law courses with a focus on French law or legal translation, contribute to scholarly publications, or engage in interdisciplinary research projects exploring the intersections of law, language, and culture.

7. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Worker: Graduates may work for NGOs or non-profit organizations that operate in French-speaking countries, advocating for human rights, social justice, or environmental protection. They may engage in legal advocacy, community outreach, or policy analysis, addressing issues such as refugee rights, women's rights, or environmental conservation. Fluency in French and knowledge of French legal systems are valuable assets in this field.