LL.M. In peace operations, humanitarian law and conflict

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

The Masters in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict, 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 peace support operations, with international organizations, non-governmental organizations and as individual advocates.

The course work begins with a general introduction to international peacekeeping and peace support operations, and proceeds to a series of specialized courses in such areas as international humanitarian law, international relations and international organisations, refugee law,conflict and post conflict studies, and international criminal law.

The programme recognizes the experience of candidates who have participated in peace operations in various parts of the world. Thus the programme provides credit for a full semester course (15 credits) in exchange for submission of a written assignment of appropriate length, reviewing field experience and lessons learned.

The programme may also recognise and credit a peace operations course of appropriate duration delivered at a Centre/Institute recognized by the NUI Galway. However, in order to allow for consistent evaluation, a written paper of appropriate length will have to be submitted. The maximum credits permitted in the case of any candidate in recognition of field experience or course work completed elsewhere are 15.

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

National University of Ireland, Galway

Set in the West of Ireland on the Atlantic coast, the National University of Ireland, Galway was founded in 1845. Galway itself is a vibrant university town, and a centre for artistic and cultural activity. It is the gateway to legendary Connemara and its beautiful scenery.

Irish Centre for Human Rights

The LLM programme in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict, is offered by The Irish Centre for Human Rights, which is affiliated with the School of Law of the National University of Ireland, Galway. The Irish Centre for Human Rights is located in prestigious premises at Salmon Weir, adjacent to the main campus and just next to the centre of Galway City. In addition to the LLM programme, the Irish Centre for Human Rights has an active PhD and research programme, and a busy schedule of conferences and lectures.

Courses

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

NB: 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
  
• International Criminal Law
• International Humanitarian Law (Term I)
• International Humanitarian Law (Term II)
• 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

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.

Entry requirements

Applications will be considered normally from those candidates who satisfy one or other of the following prerequisites:

(a) Suitably qualified candidates who hold, or expect to hold by the semester of entry, a degree that the School normally requires to have been awarded with Second Class Honours, Grade I or its equivalent.

(b) Candidates with undergraduate degrees or who have completed a military Command and Staff course or its equivalent at an institute recognized by NUI Galway and who have relevant professional experience, as in the opinion of the School of Law, qualifies them to read for the LL.M. Candidates who have significant experience in the field of Peace Operations and/or international human rights, for example with international organizations or international non-governmental organizations, are encouraged to apply under this rubric.

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.  

For more information regarding  the programme, contact the programme director Prof. Ray Murphy.

Application

Applications should be made online to the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) which can be accessed on the National University of Ireland Galway webpage.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; however, prospective applicants should endeavour to submit their applications early as spaces on the LLM programme are limited.

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

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

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