Maynooth University

Ireland
3 Scholarships 72 Programs 4 Degree levels

Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy

Offered at Maynooth University, Ireland
FieldWhistleblowing Law
Duration6 months

Overview

Overview The Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy programme from Maynooth University introduces whistleblowing and protected disclosures from both a legal and workplace implementation perspective. Participants examine the key provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, and learn practical approaches for building effective internal reporting and response procedures. What you’ll focus on How protected disclosures are defined and assessed under Irish law. Relevant case law and how it informs day-to-day decision-making. How to design, implement, and improve workplace whistleblowing policies and processes. Career relevance This programme supports professionals who advise, investigate, or manage protected disclosures across public and private organisations, including legal practitioners and workplace representatives. It is also useful for those responsible for compliance, HR, governance, risk, and internal investigations.

About this programme

Overview

The Whistleblowing Law, Practice and Policy programme from Maynooth University introduces whistleblowing and protected disclosures from both a legal and workplace implementation perspective.

Participants examine the key provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, and learn practical approaches for building effective internal reporting and response procedures.

What you’ll focus on

  • How protected disclosures are defined and assessed under Irish law.
  • Relevant case law and how it informs day-to-day decision-making.
  • How to design, implement, and improve workplace whistleblowing policies and processes.

Career relevance

This programme supports professionals who advise, investigate, or manage protected disclosures across public and private organisations, including legal practitioners and workplace representatives.

It is also useful for those responsible for compliance, HR, governance, risk, and internal investigations.

  • Provider: Maynooth University
  • Programme focus: Whistleblowing and protected disclosures (law, practice, and policy)
  • Core legislation: Protected Disclosures Act 2014; Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022
  • Target participants: Legal professionals and practitioners involved in workplace reporting and compliance
  • Delivery format / duration / credits: Please refer to the programme website for the latest details
  • Language of instruction: English (English proficiency required where applicable)
  • Start dates / application deadlines: Please refer to the programme website for current intake information

Programme Structure

The programme is structured to combine legal foundations with practical policy and procedure development. Content typically moves from legal concepts and statutory interpretation to workplace implementation and best-practice design.

  • Module 1: Legal framework for protected disclosures — definitions, eligibility, protections, and key statutory provisions.
  • Module 2: Case law and practical legal interpretation — how decisions influence assessment and handling of disclosures.
  • Module 3: Policy and procedure design — building effective internal reporting channels, triage, confidentiality, and response workflows.
  • Module 4: Implementation and governance — roles and responsibilities, documentation, training considerations, and continuous improvement.

Assessment / capstone: Please refer to the programme website for the latest assessment details and any required submission or project work.

Academic requirements

GPA admission requirements GPA Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses on average. Usually a GPA scales between 1.0 and 4.0, however different countries and universities can have different grading systems.
Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test admission requirements Duolingo English Test The Duolingo English Test is a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test trusted by top universities around the world. Take it online in just one hour—anywhere, any time. Scores are reported out of 160 in 5 point increments.
120
Take A Free Practice Test!
TOEFL admission requirements TOEFL® IBT TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.
OR
90
Schedule TOEFL®
PTE Academic admission requirements PTE Academic PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.
63
Schedule a PTE test!
IELTS admission requirements IELTS The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

  • Applications are invited from practising barristers or solicitors, graduates with an approved university law degree, or graduates with a law-based interdisciplinary degree (or equivalent).
  • Consideration may also be given to applicants with relevant academic and/or professional qualifications and/or evidence of experience, where the School of Law and Criminology is satisfied that the applicant can participate fully in the programme.
  • Applicants must hold a recognised primary degree equivalent to an Irish honours degree at NFQ Level 8 (or equivalent).
  • If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English proficiency to benefit fully from the programme.

Note: Specific application documents (e.g., CV, references, transcripts) and intake deadlines may vary by year. Please check the programme website for the most up-to-date admissions guidance.

Make sure you meet all requirements

Visit programme website
"Highlights
Taught in
English
Duration
½ year
"

Post-study work permission (Ireland): Graduates may be eligible to apply for permission to remain in Ireland after completing their programme, subject to meeting the relevant immigration requirements at the time of application.

  • Eligibility: Typically requires that you have completed an eligible course of study in Ireland and hold the appropriate immigration permission during your studies.
  • Duration: The permitted stay period depends on the specific scheme and your circumstances. You should confirm the current duration and conditions with the Irish immigration authorities or your university international office.
  • Application timing: Applications are generally made after course completion and within the required time window.
  • Work conditions: If granted, permission is usually intended to allow you to seek employment and/or work in Ireland in line with the conditions of the permission.
  • Important: Rules can change. Always verify the latest requirements for your nationality and programme level before applying.

For the most accurate guidance, consult Maynooth University’s international student support team and the official Irish immigration website.

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Programme details are indicative and may change — always verify current information with the official university website before applying.