LL.M. in International Human Rights Law

The online postgraduate application system, PAC, opened on November 1st 2012 for applications.

The Masters of Law in International Human Rights is a one-year programme of full-time study, combining two semesters of course work and the preparation of a dissertation. It may also be completed part-time, over a two-year period. It aims to prepare graduates for work in the field of international human rights, with international organisations, non-governmental organisations and as individual advocates. 

The course work 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 violations, gender & child rights, refugees and asylum seekers and international humanitarian law.

The courses offered cover a wide range of issues allowing students to acquire knowledge of both economic social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights. Students have opportunities to specialise in either area.

The course emphasises the communication, analysis and critique of international human rights law and legal regimes. While the emphasis of the course is legal it accepts suitably qualified candidates from other backgrounds in the firm belief that human rights itself is multi-disciplinary.

The LL.M. programme aims to build specific and general skills with respect to the modern regime of human rights protection, and knowledge of the philosophies and theories that underpin it. The course provides students with the requisites enabling them to contribute to the advancement of human rights globally, both in their individual capacities and in association with institutions that have such a focus. 

The LL.M. programme in International Human Rights is offered by the Faculty of Law and taught at the Irish Centre for Human Rights of the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Before contacting us, with your queries, please consult the list of frequently asked questions of programmes offered in the Centre.

Duration

The 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.

Courses

Courses each year are subject to change, but may include the following:

( Please note: Some of the following syllabi may be from the previous year and will be updated soon. The format, however, will be similar).

• Children's Rights
• Conflict and Post-Conflict
• Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights
• European Union and Human Rights
  
• Human Rights and Drug Control
  
• International Criminal Law
• International Humanitarian Law (Term I)
• International Humanitarian Law (Term II)
• International Protection of Women's Rights
  
• International Refugee Law
• Introduction to Human Rights
• Minority Rights
• Peace Support Operations
• Procedure Before International Criminal Courts
• Public International Law
  
• Law of the European Convention on Human Rights

Entry Requirements

It is preferred that applicants hold a degree in Law.  However, the Centre also welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than law.  In cases where applicants come from a non law background, the Centre will look carefully at the academic background, relevant work experience, references and personal statement.  We do require, whether the applicant holds a law or non law degree, second class honours, grade 1, or its equivalent.  Law graduates with second class honours who can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments may also be considered, however it must be noted that for applicants that fall in to this category, they must demonstrate other assessment criteria—relevant work experience, commitment to human rights, other extenuating factors. For further information, check the regulations

Students should note that the LL.M. course is instructed in English. The University requires that students are able to effectively engage in English in order to successfully complete the course (all exams are in the English language). Therefore, prospective students (not being native English speakers) are required to undertake an English language course before undertaking the LL.M. The required scores are: IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL (paper-based): 580; TOEFL (computer-based): 240; and TOEFL (internet-based): 92.  

Non-EU students

Important information for non-EU students applying to any of the LL.M. programmes can be found here.

Applying for the Masters of Law in International Human Rights

Applications must be completed on line at the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) for the 2013/2014 academic year. Students must ensure that the registration fee of €45.00 is paid.

For further information on applications and funding please see the Masters Programmes Introduction page.

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