LLM (Public Law)—full-time and part-time
College of Business, Public Policy, & Law
Course overview
The LL.M in Public Law is a unique and dynamic programme that seeks to enhance the legal research and critical legal thinking skills of students. The LL.M is designed for graduates who wish to work in the field of public law with government and non-governmental organisations at national and international level, as well as in private practice, especially with respect to public interest litigation. Many graduates of the programme have gone on to careers in large commercial law firms. The individual modules are examined through a combination of oral presentations, written assignments and essays, which provide students with an invaluable opportunity to develop and improve their written and presentation communication skills. The teaching philosophy of the LL.M in Public Law is to empower students to become active in the learning process through participation in small group seminars and through exploring and challenging important issues in public law and policy. Students are encouraged and supported to attend conferences and seminars in Ireland and abroad that survey public law topics. Leading national and international lawyers and academics contribute to the seminars on the LL.M in Public Law throughout the year. Many of the modules on the LL.M in Public Law are unique to the programme and are not offered as courses elsewhere. For more information on the programme and an overview of some of the distinctive and diverse courses on offer on the LL.M in Public Law please visit our YouTube account, which is available here.
Key facts
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a degree in Law (Honours 2.1 or higher) or an interdisciplinary degree which includes a substantial law component (Honours 2:1 or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances applicants who hold a degree other than a law degree and who have relevant education and/or professional experience in law may be considered.
Duration:
1 year, full-time
2 years, part-time
Next start date: September 2013
Average intake: 25
Closing date: Please refer to the offer rounds/closing date webpage.
Course outline
The programme aims to provide a solid grounding in the theory, substance and application of Public Law for future practitioners, academics and policy-makers. The programme is designed around two main themes: “the dynamics of law and social change” and “contemporary challenges in public law” and gives students a keen understanding of the most fertile areas and pressing issues for public interest litigation, in both the state and private sectors.
Led by a dynamic team of experts at NUI Galway, with national, European and international teaching and research profiles, students will acquire expertise in their chosen subjects along with an ability to appraise critically the problems which arise for law and policymakers in this extremely important area. They will also be given the training and practice necessary to perfect their research and writing skills which are so important for high achievement and effectiveness in furthering the public interest.
Teaching takes the form of small group seminars, which are complemented by presentations from guest speakers who are experts in the fi eld. Students are also encouraged to att end and, where possible, present papers at relevant conferences. They are also encouraged to publish some of their work in student and mainstream law journals.
Foundational Courses (Mandatory):
- Advanced Legal Research and Methods
- Law, Regulation and Policy
- Minor Thesis
Optional Courses:
- Activism, Advocacy and Public Interest Law
- Communications Law
- Comparative Criminal Process
- Contemporary Issues in Law and Society
- Disability Law: Contemporary Law Reform Challenges in the National and International Sphere
- Equality Law: Principles and Thematic Application
- Immigration Law: Between Sovereignty and Equality
- Local Government Law
- Processes of Law Reform
- Sentencing and Penal Policy
- The Criminal Jury
- Theories of Judicial Activism
Applications and selections
Who teaches this course?
Dr. Ciara Smyth
Dr. Conor Hanly
Prof. Donncha O'Connell
Prof. Gerard Quinn
Mr. Larry Donnelly
Ms. Marie McGonagle
Dr. Mary Keys
Dr. Padraic Kenna
Ms. Shivaun Quinlivan
Mr. Tom O'Malley
Requirements and assessment
Find out more
PAC code
GYL04, full-time
GYL05, part-time
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €6,015 (FT); €3,120 (PT)
- Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,250
Current students
Sandra Murphy
LLM (Public Law) part-time student
"I always had an interest in furthering my academic career but thought it would be impossible due to my position as a partner in a busy solicitor's office. The two year(part time) LL.M program offered by NUI Galway was the answer to my prayers. The way the program is designed allows me to attend college and study while continuing my role as a solicitor and the fact that the course is spread over the two years made this possible. I have found the course itself interesting, stimulating and challenging. As a student returning to NUI Galway after twenty two years I was nervous and unsure but the friendly and helpful faculty staff soon put me at my ease. I am enjoying the course hugely and have found that my experience of life and my life as a solicitor has given me a greater understanding and appreciation for the course."
Past students
Thomas Mahon
2011/12 class
"The decision to do the LL.M in Public Law was one of the best I have ever made. The programme was extraordinarily fulfilling, enjoyable and challenging. The course is tremendous and brilliantly put together. I was particularly impressed with the dynamic team of experts teaching on the programme. They provided me with uncomplicated guidance, support, encouragement and no-nonsense expertise. The LL.M presented me with a unique opportunity to grapple with topical issues of practical importance in public law. It has also given me an ability to critically appraise the problems, which arise for law and policymakers in this extremely important area. In my view, this course provides an ideal foundation for students and practitioners interested in the theory, substance and application of public law.”
For other graduate testimonials, please see here.
