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LLM IN HEALTH LAW
This part-time LLM is a unique master's programme and the only one of its kind on the island of Ireland. You'll benefit from world-leading learning and teaching on the interaction of law and health, and explore the profound, contemporary legal and ethical questions raised in the context of health.
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- Qualification
- Masters In Law
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH79J
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 30 August 2027
Overview
The LLM in Health Law is a unique master's programme - the only of its kind on the island of Ireland - that explores profound, contemporary legal and ethical questions raised in the context of health. You will experience world-leading learning and teaching on the interaction of law and health (comprising clinical practice, biomedical research, regulation of emerging health-technologies, and health systems within public health and global health), including the legal, policy, and ethical challenges faced by those working in and around health and medicine. Various health contexts may be covered in the LLM programme, including but not limited to: the organisation of healthcare and allocation of scarce resources; the regulation of healthcare professionals; assisted reproduction; biotechnology; forensic medicine; health privacy law; artificial intelligence in health; organ donation; clinical research; mental health; medical negligence; assisted dying and end-of-life decisions; and public health and global health.
The LLM in Health Law would be an ideal programme of study for those interested in learning in detail from a research-led perspective about how the law applies to the field of health, those seeking to develop skills that will prepare themselves for a career in health law or in health-related policy or regulation, and those wishing to add new advocacy skills to their professional portfolio (including medical practitioners and healthcare workers). Students in the programme will develop excellent analytical, communication, and research skills valued by employers around the globe.
Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures or seminars, as well as in-class simulations, workshops, and master classes. In addition to the modules, the School works with leading academics and practitioners who may provide seminars in various aspects of health law throughout the academic year.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part time
Course Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
The Health Law programme allows you to choose from a range of law modules that cover a broad spectrum of contemporary issues in health law from an international and interdisciplinary perspective, allowing you to tailor a programme to suit your interests. We offer a wide range of optional modules that reflect the expertise of our globally renowned academics, allowing you to further specialise your degree.
Students must complete 90 credits in total: 40 credits from optional modules, plus the compulsory modules Introduction to Health Law (10 credits) and Current Issues in Health Law (10 credits). Students must also complete the compulsory Professional Development (5 credits) and Dissertation (25 credits) modules.
Students should register for 20 credits of optional modules in each semester (this usually equates to two optional modules per semester).
Lectures for modules on this programme are likely to be scheduled only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, but this will be confirmed at the start of each academic year.
Not all modules offered will run every year; offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Please note that some modules may have prerequisites attached to them.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examination, in addition to the compulsory Dissertation.
Students may elect to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of an LLM, if they find that they are unable to complete the Dissertation.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
Graduates of the LLM in Health Law will have an opportunity for employment in law and/or policy-related roles at a variety of organisations, including in law, government, and industry, helping to (among other things) design, analyse, and implement guidelines, laws, and strategic frameworks that shape healthcare systems. Graduates from the LLM in Health Law may also successfully pursue PhD studies in a range of fields.
Completion of the programme will not qualify you to practise law. Further professional education will be required in order to qualify as a solicitor or barrister.
The School of Law and Criminology supports the career development and employability prospects of our postgraduate students though a range of teaching and extracurricular opportunities.
Professional Development
Our Professional Development module, which is compulsory on all our Postgraduate programmes, helps students to reflect on their skills and career ambitions. The programme of guest speakers within the module exposes students to insights and advice from a variety of legal and criminological career paths. The module assessment helps students to practice articulating their skills, experiences and development needs.
Guest Lectures
Our Guest Lectures provide students the opportunity to listen to influential figures within legal and criminological practice. Students are exposed to expert analysis of current events and issues, have the opportunity to network and ask questions that may help their career reflection and development, and develop ideas and opinions that may influence future career planning or applications.
Careers and Employability Service
All Maynooth University students can avail of our Careers and Employability Service, which provides advice and resources to help students at any stage of career planning. All of our postgraduate students are encouraged to join one of the many legal clubs and societies such as the Law Society, Free Legal Advice Clinic, Debating Society, European Law Students Association Society, and more. These provide ideal opportunities for enhancing transferrable skills, networking, and developing leadership capabilities.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in Law or a related discipline will be considered. Related disciplines include Anthropology, Ethics, History, Philosophy, Policy Studies, Politics, Sociology, Theology. Degrees in Health Care or Health Science subjects such as Dentistry, Health Care Administration, Medicine, Nursing or Public Health.
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) from a non-cognate discipline may be considered and will be required to provide evidence of significant academic or paid professional experience (at least 12 months) in fields including, but not limited to: Law, Policy, Healthcare, Health administration/government, Health advocacy (including reproductive rights, disability rights) or Legal/Policy research.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information. Eligible candidates may be invited to interview.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.