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Professional Development

Professional Development

UCD Sutherland School of Law offers a wide range of Professional Development options which include Professional Diplomas, Single Masters-Level Courses, Micro-credentials, CPD Conferences and Seminars.  These further learning opportunities provide professionals with a depth of knowledge in specific areas of law and are an excellent springboard for career progression.  Below is an outline of our Professional Diplomas with many offering September or January start dates. Please email us with any queries to (opens in a new window)lawdiplomas@ucd.ie

(opens in a new window)Professional Diploma in Arbitration

Apply now for January start: Full details available here.

Qualifyas an Arbitrator - gain internationally recognised credentials and the skills to make a real difference in dispute resolution. Arbitration is increasingly used as an alternative to litigation before the Courts.  This highly regarded Diploma is the only one of its kind in Ireland and will equip participants with the competence required to conduct or participate in arbitrations.

Professional Diploma in Dispute Resolution (Mediation)

Apply now for January start (online programme): Full details available here

This is an innovative part-time Level 9 Online Diploma for professionals who wish to upskill in the area of dispute resolution and mediation. Applications are open on a rolling basis for this Diploma. The interactive programme has many innovative features and includes contributions from Irish, UK and overseas experts giving participants an unrivalled perspective into the growing and increasingly important area of dispute resolution on a global level. Recent participants have said: 

"As a transactional lawyer with a background in Real Estate Law, I found the course to be particularly beneficial. …this course is not just relevant to those involved in litigation/dispute resolution but to almost all practitioners and indeed to non lawyers who operate in the commercial world." (Mark Barr, Independent Director and Consultant).

"The course offers the opportunity to acquire all the mediation techniques, tools, and frameworks that are critical to evolving your own knowledge and skills." (Eamonn Hunt, Barrister at Law).

"It has been an enriching time from day one and tailored by the team to draw out our best in a relaxed and frankly fun atmosphere. I unreservedly recommend this programme and encourage you to give it a go!” (Jean Anglin, HR Professional, Geneva).

"I would highly recommend this course as it provides an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of mediation theory and practice, together with learnings from voices from the "real world" of mediation. To have access to these leading mediation experts from around the world is a huge plus." (Barrister at Law, working in-house). 

Read the testimonials in full here

All course content including fees and how to apply are available at this link, additional queries can be emailed to (opens in a new window)lawdiplomas@ucd.ie

The Diploma prospectus is also available to download here.

Professional Diploma in Data Protection and Governance

Apply now for September or January start: Full details available here.

This Diploma offers participants the unique opportunity to obtain a qualification in the highly topical area of Data Protection and Governance. The programme is co-ordinated by the renowned expert in the area, (opens in a new window)Dr TJ McIntyre, with contributions from eminent industry specialists.   This Diploma is designed to supply training for Data Protection Officers and others involved in the compliance role in organisations.  It will also be of relevance to any legal practitioners involved in this area. The programme is delivered through two hour lectures each week over two trimesters (one evening per week), 24 weeks in total.  Email queries to (opens in a new window)lawdiplomas@ucd.ie

(opens in a new window)Professional Diploma in Law (General)

Apply now for September or January start: Full details available here

This 30 credit Professional Diploma in Law offers professionals an opportunity to study a choice of legal modules from our Masters in Law (LLM) programmes. There are many subject areas to choose from, ranging from Human Rights to Intellectual Property and Criminology & Criminal Justice, etc. On completion of this Diploma, graduates may wish to continue their studies with a 90 credit LLM programme (Masters degree in Law). 

(opens in a new window)Professional Certificate in Law (Single Masters Level Modules)

Apply now for September or January start: Full details available here

This 10 credit certificate course has been designed to allow students the opportunity to choose from a wide range of legal subject areas. You will study alongside Masters (LLM) Students and may consider continuing to study the LLM, subject to meeting LLM entry requirements.

Professional Diploma in Employment Law 

Note: This Diploma is not running in 2024/2025.

UCD Sutherland School of Law

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.