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Animal Law

LW3202

Duration

12 weeks

Next start date

September 2026

NFQ

Level 8

ECTS

5 Credits

Mode of Study

Online

Apply By

Aug 28, 2026, 5PM

Fee

€565

Overview

This is Ireland's first module on Animal Law from Ireland's pioneering expert in animal ethics and animal law. It will cover our law, Brehon law, animals in Irish mythology, some British and European law, international cases, theories of personhood, whether animals should be classified as property, clashes between environmental law and protection of animals, vivisection and vegan and vegetarian diets, lifestyle and law.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 21 years of age.

What you will Learn

You will be able to evaluate, assess and judge animals' current legal status and you will have had the opportunity to appraise suitable policies and judicial decisions.

Course Outcomes
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at undergraduate level 8.

Learning Outcomes

Interrogate our relationship with animals, examining the philosophical roots of our laws.
Critically evaluate statutory law and its enforcement and implementation in Ireland (and abroad where appropriate).
Scrutinise case law and the manner in which statutory law is interpreted and applied.
Study developments abroad which recognise some animal rights: their source, justification and logic and whether or not Irish law aligns with this evolution.
Gain a knowledge of the charities and NGOs in the sector and assess their impact.
Explore the rationale of political decisions in relation to animals.
Apply the acquired skills to practical problems such as law reform