AIMS & OUTCOMES

This course primarily focuses on knowledge (breadth and kind) and know-how and skill (range and selectivity). On completion of the Diploma, participants should be better able to:

Knowledge – Breadth

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of all stages and procedures of the legislative process in Ireland from policy instruction, through to enactment and implementation.

Knowledge – Kind

Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the Irish legal context in which legislation is drafted, including relevant case law, statutory interpretation, European Union Law requirements and current developments.

Know-how and skill - Range

Navigate sources of legislation, including the electronic Irish statute book legislation directory and prepare updated legislation accordingly.

Know-how and skill - Selectivity

Apply an in-depth understanding of advanced grammar, syntax, clarity of language and sentence structure to legislation to identify optimal practice.

Who is the course for?

This programme is suitable for people with a legal and non-legal background who have relevant experience. The course will be suitable for legal practitioners, civil and public servants, consultants, agencies and regulators who require the skill of drafting legislation and regulations. 

Places on this course are strictly limited to preserve the small group, interactive nature of the learning experience for the course. This course is invariably oversubscribed. King’s Inns has selection criteria in place and applicants are required to submit certain documentation to support an application.

• Personal Statement addressing how the candidate’s qualifications and/or previous or current work experience are relevant to the course.

• Certified Copy of your academic and professional achievements. If you are a barrister, it is not necessary to supply this information.

• Any relevant documents supporting your application.

• Documents may be submitted in the following formats: pdf, png, gif, jpg, jpeg. The maximum allowed size for each document is 20MB.

Download the Personal Statement template

COURSE CONTENT

The programme is comprised of 8 key modules:

1. What drafters do

2. Statutory interpretation and its relevance to drafting

3. Key sources of Legislation

4. Public law considerations 

5. Cabinet processes, legislative processes and private members’ Bills

6. Writing skills

7. Legal writing

8. Statutory Instruments

9. Implementing EU measures

10. Practical workshops

Please note the course content is subject to change in accordance with new developments in this area. 

Experiential learning forms a significant part of the programme with participants learning reflectively through exercises and individualised feedback and consequently practical workshops will be one of the teaching methods used in most areas. This will consist of a variety of teaching and learning interventions including practical skills development. Formal presentations provide background theory in the substantive knowledge areas underpinning the programme.

Assessment & ACCREDITATION

This is a professional development course, and it is accredited independently by The Honorable Society of King’s Inns. The skills and competence gained in studying at King’s Inns are transferable, portable and recognised internationally. It is a valuable qualification delivered by distinguished lawyers, members of the judiciary, legal and other practitioners specialising in legal education.

The assessment methodology for this course are three take home assessments and one in person Multiple Choice Test, taken in person at King’s Inns in closed book, invigilated conditions.

COURSE DELIVERY

Mode of Delivery:

Primarily in person delivery, with some sessions delivered via online synchronouse delivery.

Classes will commence on 25th May 2026. There will be 14 weeks of classes, most of which will take place in person on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm-7.30pm at King’s Inns (with some sessions taking place online). There will be no classes from 23rd July to 6th September 2026.

Volume of Learning:

• Direct contact hours: 54

• Self-directed learning:  156

• Assessment work: 160

Total number of hours = 370

All class notes are available to read through our Virtual Learning Environment. Online tutorials and IT support are available to help students navigate their way through our library and legal resource databases.

Places on this course are strictly limited in order to preserve the small group, interactive nature of the learning experience for the course. This course is invariably over–subscribed. King’s Inns has selection criteria in place and applicants are required to submit certain documentation to support an application.

• Personal Statement addressing how the candidate’s qualifications and/or previous or current work experience are relevant to the course.

• Certified Copy of your academic and professional achievements. If you are a barrister, it is not necessary to supply this information.

• Any relevant documents supporting your application.

• Documents may be submitted in the following formats: pdf, png, gif, jpg, jpeg. The maximum allowed size for each document is 20MB.

Download the Personal Statement template

HOW TO APPLY?

• Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis for Spring 2026.

• Acceptance on this course will be notified on an ongoing basis. If you have been accepted, your place on the course will not be secured until payment is received in full. It is advised to pay as soon as you get accepted.

• Payment can be made through the Application Portal using your credit or debit card (please make sure your bank allows you to process the full payment in one go), or

• If your employer is paying for your studies, you will require a valid PO number in advance of making the application, the name and email address for the person responsible for payment in your organisation.

• The invoice will issue directly to the person whose details you enter. The participant will also be able to download a copy of the invoice through the Application Portal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their employer has paid in full within the timeframe required in order to secure a place. King’s Inns cannot contact your employer for payment, we can only liaise with the applicant.

An automated payment receipt will be generated confirming your place on the course.

Subscribing members: You must apply your discount code upon application. It cannot be applied after the application is made.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (Irish time) on 21 May 2026 (Date TBC).

We encourage early application to secure your place.