Professional Development

UCD Sutherland School of Law offers a wide range of Professional Development options which include Professional Diplomas and Certificates, Single Masters-Level Courses and Micro-credentials programmes, that will provide professionals with a depth of knowledge in specific areas of law. A full range of programmes is outlined below, please email queries to (opens in a new window)lawdiplomas@ucd.ie. 

Professional Certificate in Equality & Diversity Law

NEW for 2026: Apply now for January start: Full details available here.

This innovative Certificate in Law is led by (opens in a new window)Dr Sara Benedí Lahuerta, a leading expert in EU equality and labour law. The certificate is designed to equip legal professionals, HR managers, trade unionists, policy officers, and equality advocates with advanced knowledge and practical skills in EU and Irish equality and diversity law. Note: when applying for B400, please note in your personal statement that Equality & Diversity Law (LAW42320) is your selected module.

(opens in a new window)Professional Diploma in Arbitration

Apply now for January start: Full details available here.

Qualify as 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.

The Diploma in Arbitration is taught by means of lectures and seminars over the course of an academic year. Lectures are held once a week (January-April) and are supplemented with a number of seminars on Award Writing and Arbitration Skills in June-July. 

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. The video below provides an overview of this unique Diploma and with testimonials from past particpants at this link.

Full course content, including fees and how to apply are available here , additional queries should be emailed to (opens in a new window)lawdiplomas@ucd.ie

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.

Note: when applying for either B388 (September start) or B400 (January start), please note your selected module in your personal statement.