Course Details

Course Code(s):
PDLATETPBD
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Spring
Course Start Date:
January
Duration:
1 Year, Part-Time
Award:
Professional Diploma
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Minor Award
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Ray Friel
Email: Raymond.Friel@ul.ie
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This course qualifies for 50% funding under the HCI Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy. Check fees section for details and eligibility. 

Technology is disrupting the legal field. With law often attempting to stay up to date with changing technology, the study of issues arising in law and technology, together with the emergence of AI and the challenges posed as a result, is more critical now than ever before. To stay ahead of the curve, the School of Law offers a NFQ Level 9 Law and Technology Professional Diploma to meet this challenge. This programme is open to all professionals regardless of background. No prior knowledge of the law or the legal system is required.

This programme is for you if you wish to 

  • Differentiate your skill set.
  • Open new consultancy specialisms within your organisation.
  • Know how to respond when impacted by the interface between legal and regulatory governance and new technologies.
  • Achieve a postgraduate qualification to enhance your career opportunities.
  • Provide informed responses to challenges in legal, compliance and governance roles in law, aviation, social media, technology consultant, privacy consultant, business advisor, financial advisor, data and cybersecurity advisor. 

Download the course brochure here.

Focusing on three specific outcomes, this Professional Diploma will empower you with the following skills:

  1. Develop a strategic plan on how new and emerging technologies are changing how a business will operate.
  2. Create and implement new legal and regulatory governance structures within these new technologies.
  3. Plan for, advise and offer consultancy on the relevant compliance and governance frameworks necessary for you or your client’s business to ensure best practice and minimise legal liability.
Semester 1

Law, Technology and Artificial Intelligence - LA 6081 

To understand the role that legal and regulatory frameworks will play as new technologies and artificial intelligence become more integrated into commercial activities and also within the criminal justice system. 

Law of Regulated Digital Technologies - LA 6171  

To examine the law relating to new digital technologies and the need for regulation particularly as it relates to social media platform, and in particular the implications of competition law and liability issues. 

Future-Focused Professional Portfolio - MN5141

This module provides a structure for documenting and reflecting upon your assumptions, understandings, and experiences. More broadly, you will be guided in a series of future-facing industry-relevant talks on technology and the future of markets and society.

Semester 2

Data Governance and Privacy - LA 6091

To examine and analyse the theory behind privacy law, its legal foundation and EU and US legislative and regulatory frameworks which impose an obligation to protect personal data in specific situations, including both commercial and criminal. 

Cybersecurity Law and Policy - LA 6212

To examine the legal provisions and developing policy applicable to cybercrime and the obligations on business to protect against cybercrime activities in the modern world. 

Future-Focused Professional Portfolio - MN5152

This module allows you to create a portfolio demonstrating the development of your reflective practice, evidence-based excellence in applying discipline-specific knowledge in different contexts, and leading discussion on the future of your role.

Possession of a NFQ Level 8 qualification in any discipline, or relevant prior experiential learning is required, in accordance with the University of Limerick's application policy.  

Alternative Entry Route:  In accordance with the University of Limerick's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, if you do not meet the minimum entry criteria, you may be considered through learning gained in a work-based environment to support your personal and career development. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €3,500 per annum

Non- EU - €4,750 per annum

HCI Fees Subsidy - Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can qualify for 50% funding subject to the availability of places. To clarify eligibility please go to Eligibility Criteria. Subsidised places are limited and are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Should subsidised places remain available, you will automatically receive a subsidised offer (subject to meeting the entry requirements of the programme). You do not need to apply separately for this subsidy.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

What would be a good feeder course for a student to go on this programme? 

Although ideally suited for those with a legal background, applicants from any discipline will find this course accessible as it is taught based on no prior knowledge of the areas covered.  

Who is this course for? 

This programme is aimed at individuals who are likely to encounter the increasing legal and regulatory impacts associated with new and emerging technologies in business, law and governance. 

What types of roles would candidates, considering this course, have held? 

Students of the programme will be from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just the legal profession but those working in business and financial entities who find an increasing impact of new technologies in their workplace in terms of compliance and governance. The programme is also ideally suited for those seeking to open alternative career paths for their future advancement who might be working in other non-commercial spheres. 

What types of roles will candidates be qualified for after taking this course? 

Successful graduates will find themselves ideally qualified to progress into promotional prospects within their existing career by offering a niche specialism in an area of growing importance from cybersecurity to data governance among a number of other areas.  
 
Is there a list of companies & industries that are the ideal fit? 

Successful graduates will be ideally positioned to work in sectors such as aviation, social media, technology consultant, privacy consultant, business advisor, financial advisor, data and cybersecurity advisor.