International Human Rights (LLM)

Course Overview

The LLM in International Human Rights Law provides students with a comprehensive insight into international and regional legal frameworks of human rights protection.  This is an interdisciplinary programme where students are engaged students in the practice and public policy context of human rights law on a local, national and international perspective. 

This LLM will be of interest to students and practitioners from a range of different fields such as law, social policy, political science, public administration and development.  While the programme’s emphasis is on the law and policy of human rights, suitably qualified candidates from non-law backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Students participate in a dynamic programme of seminars, workshops and conferences with world-leading practitioners and scholars. Coursework begins with an in-depth study of the international human rights system and selected issues of international human rights law. Specialised courses in business and human rights, international migration law, refugee protection, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, minority rights and rights of indigenous peoples, gender and human rights, counter-terrorism and human rights, and child rights. Completing a 15,000-word research thesis in the field of international human rights law is also a requirement. A wide range of subject choices is available to students, drawing on the expertise of our full time staff and prestigious adjunct faculty.

 Course highlights:

• The Irish Centre for Human Rights is one of the world’s premier university-based institutions for the study and promotion of human rights.  
• Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Irish Centre for Human Rights have established a partnership which affords selected students the opportunity for hands-on engagement with human rights litigation and advocacy globally. 
• An International Human Rights Law Clinic provides students with unique practical training on mobilising human rights standards to secure reform, engaging human rights bodies, at UN and regional levels.
• Field trips to the International Criminal Court in The Hague and to military barracks of the Irish Defence Forces.
• Career Support with assistance in seeking career and work placement opportunities by drawing on the expertise of a global network of alumni and an outstanding network of contacts.
• Expert Lecturers deliver programme modules. Our academics are internationally recognised human rights scholars with world-class expertise and reputations. 
• Unique programme focusing on the practice of human rights through specialised modules including international human rights, public policy, law and advocacy.   
• Skills development through a strong clinical focus on core human rights lawyering in advocacy, strategic litigation, human rights fact-finding, international diplomacy and public policy.
• Seminars, conferences and workshops ensures engagement with world-leading practitioners and scholars in the field of human rights law and public policy.
• Assessment is primarily through research papers, presentations and minor thesis rather than exams.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

The one-year programme is divided into three four-month terms. The first term commences in September and runs through to December, the second term begins in January and ends in April, while the third term begins in May and terminates with the submission of a dissertation at the end of August. During the first two terms candidates are required to attend a full course load as prescribed in the Guidelines, while the third term is devoted entirely to the research required for the preparation of the final dissertation. 

The two-year programme comprises part-time study, combining two semesters of course work the first year with a third semester the second year, devoted entirely to the research required for preparation of a final dissertation. 
 
The coursework begins with a general introduction to the systems and documents of international human rights law, and proceeds to a series of specialised courses in such areas as minority rights law, regional human rights systems such as the European Convention on Human Rights, criminal prosecution by international tribunals of human rights violators, gender and child rights, refugees and asylum seekers, and international humanitarian law. The course emphasises the analysis and critique of international human rights law and legal regimes.

A full list of modules is available at: https://www.nuigalway.ie/irish-centre-human-rights/academics/llmprogrammes/modules/. Course and module offerings and details are subject to change, but may include the following list:

• Advanced Comparative Law
• Business and Human Rights 
• Children's Rights 
• Conflict and Post-Conflict 
• Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights 
• Economic, Social & Cultural Rights 
• European Convention on Human Rights 
• European Union and Human Rights 
• Gender and Human Rights
• Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
• Human Rights Field Work: Law and Practice
• Islam and Human Rights
• International Criminal Law 
• International Criminal Procedure 
• International Humanitarian Law
• Introduction to Human Rights Law 
• Minority Rights 
• Peace Support Operations 
• Public International Law 
• Procedure before International Criminal Courts 
• Refugee Protection
• Right to Development 
• Transitional Justice

Module details for the Full Time course

Module details for the Part Time course

Curriculum Information

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Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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