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Pre-University Law with Criminology

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M3789

The purpose of this course is to give a comprehensive introduction to law and criminology for students wishing to progress to a related degree programme at third level.

Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) Major QQI Level 5 NFQ
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Drogheda
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 year full-time.

Entry Requirements

Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.

A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.

Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.

English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.

International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.

Careers / Further progression

Progression & Career Options:
Graduates may progress directly to employment in roles such as paralegals and administrative assistants. Graduates may also progress to a variety of Law or Arts degree programmes in universities or technological universities.

Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
UCD
Law, Social Science, Humanities, Law and Business.

DCU
Law and Society, International Relations.

UCC, TU Dublin (City Campus), UL, TCD
Law.

UCC
Law, Arts, Criminology, Business.

Maynooth University
Law, Social Science, Business.

Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.

This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Course commences: September 2026.

Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/

The purpose of this course is to give a comprehensive introduction to law and criminology for students wishing to progress to a related degree programme at third level. The course introduces students to the methods of study, writing and research skills necessary to succeed.

This course provides a viable pathway to studies at higher education for both school leavers and mature students. The course also provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment.

Legal Practice and Procedures
Conflict Resolution
Word Processing
Communications
Work Experience
Business Law
Criminal Law
Criminology
Family Law

5M3789 - Legal Studies

Award: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Legal Studies - 5M3789.

Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Drogheda
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider