Consider enrolling in the Advanced Diploma in Medical Law at King’s Inns—designed for professionals like you who are ready to explore the complex intersection of medicine and law
The Law can be an intimidating field, difficult to navigate and in a continuous state of evolution. The School of Law at King’s Inns demystifies the law, offering a range of Advanced Diploma courses covering key areas of Irish and European Law. The courses are delivered in a way that makes the content accessible to those who have never studied law before.
“The goal of our Advanced Diploma courses is to help people to acquire a practical understanding of a specialist area of law that will assist them and their organisation in better achieving their goals,” says Dr Eimear Brown, Dean of the School of Law at King’s Inns. “The typical learner on one of our Advanced Diploma programmes is an ambitious, busy professional who needs to know more about an aspect of law relevant to the role they have currently – or to the role they want to obtain next, as they progress in their career.”
Professional Development courses
King’s Inns has over 15 Professional Development courses on offer for the coming year. Attending an Advanced Diploma course in a specialist area of Law at King’s Inns helps participants become more confident in explaining and applying legal principles of relevance to their everyday work.
One of the most popular courses available is the Advanced Diploma in Medical Law, described by a recent participant as “detailed content across a wide range of topics which helps to inform decision making. The tutors are excellent. The course leader is very helpful and supportive. The course materials are excellent and very valuable to have.” (Class of 2025).
The Advanced Diploma in Medical Law is designed to give participants a clear and practical understanding of the legal principles that underpin their work. Whether you’re navigating consent, confidentiality, professional regulation, or clinical negligence, the course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to engage with legal processes and make informed decisions in your practice.
Delivered by expert legal and clinical practitioners working in this field, the course provides participants with valuable insights into the current and emerging legal issues surrounding medical professions in Ireland. Participants develop an understanding of the practical application of Medical Law principles, the legal obligations of medical professionals and regulatory practice.
One topical area covered in the course is the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which commenced fully in 2022. This landmark legislation massively overhauls the law on capacity in Ireland. The legislation deals with, amongst other things, enduring powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives and sets up a system which will replace the old wardship system in Ireland.
Participants will be able to develop a critical understanding of the theories, concepts, principles and policies underpinning medical law in Ireland; examine the legal framework in which medicine is carried out and consider its implication for clinical practice; and identify situations which may give rise to legal claims. Learners on the Advanced Diploma in Medical Law at the Honorable Society of King’s Inns work together during interactive tutorials to solve practical legal problems and explore complex medical law concepts. These sessions foster collaborative learning and lively discussion, helping participants deepen their understanding through real-world case analysis and peer engagement.
Taught online over four convenient weekend modules, this course is accessible regardless of the participants’ geographical location.
“The Advanced Diploma in Medical law is an excellent course which I would strongly recommend for any medical health practitioner to do. It has provided me with the necessary knowledge on how to apply Medical Law principles, especially in area of clinical negligence. I am now more aware of the legal requirements in my practice as it relates to Medical malpractice and regulatory framework thereof. I am better equipped, medico legally, to provide best level of care while ensuring that patients’ rights and dignity are preserved within the confines of the law.” (Course participant from the class of 2025)
Open to all
The Advanced Diploma in Medical Law course attracts clinical and managerial healthcare professionals and hospital administrators who wish to improve their knowledge of medico-legal aspects of healthcare. It is also attractive to people who want to pursue a medical career, and to policymakers and regulators working in this area, as well as lawyers working in the healthcare field.
Medical practitioners should note that this course for 2024–2025 was approved for 15 external CPD credits by the College of Psychiatrists in Ireland, on the basis of full attendance and completion of the course. External CPD credits approved by the medical training bodies in Ireland (College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Physicians, College of Anaesthetists and Irish College of General Practitioners) benefit from mutual recognition and approval between those bodies.
Accessible learning
The Advanced Diploma in Medical Law course takes place over four weekend modules on Friday evenings and Saturdays from October to February. Tutorials and lectures are delivered online in a live interactive format, with recordings of lectures available after class is over through King’s Inns Virtual Learning Environment. The design of the course schedule is to accommodate the needs of participants in full-time employment.
There are no admission requirements for the Advanced Diploma in Medical Law course. However, a place on this highly sought-after course is not secured until the course fee is received in full.
The application deadline for the course is midnight (Irish time) on Friday, 26 September, 2025. To view the class schedule and the list of expert speakers for this course – and also apply for this Diploma, visit the King’s Inns website.
All advanced diploma courses at King’s Inns are designed and coordinated by leading subject matter experts.
Wide range of courses available at King’s Inns
“Some advanced diploma courses are of importance regardless of the sector concerned. After all, Data Protection Law and Applied Employment Law are areas that affect everyone.” Dr Brown says. “Almost all organisations use social media and need to know about Media and Social Media Law. All State bodies required to apply public procurement processes need to know about Public Procurement Law.”
Professionals seeking to develop new practical skills may be interested in the Advanced Diplomas in Mediation, Judicial and Quasi-judicial Decision-Making or Legislative Drafting, while those with good Irish language skills may be interested in the Advanced Diplomas in Lawyer-Linguistics or in Legal Translation.
Other courses available include Planning and Environmental Law, which attracts planners, county council officials, and those involved in planning regulation, as well as engineers and architects. Corporate, Regulatory and White-Collar Crime is of particular interest to regulators and to those working in law enforcement. Immigration and Asylum Law is typically attended by social workers and civil servants as well as members of An Garda Síochána. Electoral Law and Politics is of particular relevance to those working in the Oireachtas and Electoral Commission, as well as to elected representatives. Law and Education attracts those working in primary and secondary education in Ireland.
Accessible Learning
One of the main advantages of studying with King’s Inns is the flexibility and convenience of the online learning format. Most of the courses are delivered online, with only a few sessions requiring attendance in person at the historic King’s Inns building in Dublin. Participants have access to expert tuition by leading practitioners with extensive experience and knowledge of the subject matter. The online classes are scheduled either early in the morning or at weekends, so learners can balance them with work and personal commitments. And if you miss a live online class, don’t worry – you can catch up later with the recorded sessions. “We understand that our learners have significant demands on their time, and we work to ensure that attending classes is feasible and enjoyable,” Dr Brown explains.
To find out more about how King’s Inns courses can enhance your career, see: https://www.kingsinns.ie/courses/advanced-diplomas .
