About Us

Expand all

About the Irish Centre for Human Rights

‌ ICHR building

The Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland Galway, is one of the world's premier university-based institutions for the study and promotion of international human rights and humanitarian law. Since its establishment in January 2000, the Centre has developed a global reputation for excellence in teaching, research and graduate training. Each year we attract high quality students from across the globe, to our acclaimed Masters programs in International Human Rights Law, Peace Operations, Conflict and Humanitarian Law, International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy and International Criminal Law. Our academic programmes now include unique education opportunities through our undergraduate BCL Law and Human Rights and BA Connect with Human Rights.

The Centre also hosts a thriving international community of doctoral researchers. Our PhD alumni have secured senior academic and public policy roles in Universities, international organisations and public bodies internationally. We are proud of our PhD researchers’ excellent track record of publication and research impact, and of securing prestigious PhD scholarship awards to support their work.

Today, the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway is at the cross-roads of the most pressing international law issues in law, public policy and practice. Our students benefit from the dedicated support and world-class reputations of our staff, who combine their subject expertise and extensive field experience, with engagement in international law, public policy and legal practice. We place a strong emphasis on skills development for all of our students, and prioritise engagement in the practice of international law and human rights through clinical legal education.

In addition to our core Faculty, we have a global network of Adjunct Professors who engage with students and staff to share their expertise. The Centre hosts a busy schedule of seminars, conferences and summer schools, bringing together leading international scholars and practitioners across diverse fields of research and practice.

The Irish Centre for Human Rights is located in the School of Law at NUI Galway, and works closely with Research institutes and Centres across the University, including the Ryan Institute on sustainable development and climate change, the Centre for Disability Law and Policy and the Centre for Housing Law and Policy.

Founded in 1845, NUI Galway has a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland's premier centres of academic excellence. With over 17,000 students and more than 2,500 staff, the University has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence, with a commitment to supporting and encouraging postgraduates in their taught and research programme.

About NUI Galway

Founded in 1845, we've been inspiring students for 175 years. NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching.