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LLM (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW)
Get a systematic understanding of the critical legal issues shaping global trade today with this rewarding master's. Through a range of internationally-focused modules, you'll develop specialised knowledge and sharp critical thinking for navigating complex global business environments.
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- Qualification
- Masters In Law
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH53J
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 30 August 2027
Overview
The LLM in International Business Law enables law graduates to further their legal education by gaining a systematic understanding of the critical issues at the forefront of key areas of global trade. The programme affords students a wide range of interesting and engaging modules, with an international focus, aimed at encouraging critical thinking and developing specialised, detailed knowledge and understanding of global business.
Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures, in-class simulations, workshops and master classes. In addition to the modules, The School works with leading academics and practitioners who provide seminars in various fields of law throughout the academic year.
We partner with leading international law firms such as Matheson and A & L Goodbody on several initiatives. We also offer students the opportunity to apply for our postgraduate placement module, which gives successful applicants the chance to work part-time for one semester at one of our partner organisations. We have partnerships with a broad range of organisations across the public and private sector, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Forsa, PrivacyEngine and Alcohol Action Ireland.
What our graduates say:
Coming into my postgraduate studies, I was split between wanting to pursue postgraduate research and entering commercial / business legal practice. I found the LLM in International Business Law struck a perfect balance as a clinically focused programme, giving a hands-on, practical focus to postgraduate study that concurrently allowed me to develop my academic skills and research.
Having studied my undergraduate in law at Maynooth, a key reason as to why I also chose to enrol in this programme was due to the excellent support and resources given by the School’s lecturers and staff, who consistently support and encourage students in engaging with new opportunities and advancing our careers - be that by exploring further into research and academia or pursuing industry practice.
Importantly, the programme offers a number of opportunities to engage beyond traditional academic studies and engage with active issues/practice in the real world. This included virtual internships giving an insight into the day-to-day work of junior lawyers, specific modules being taught by lawyers from Ireland’s top five law firms giving access and nuanced insight from legal practitioners at the cutting-edge of industry, and a legal-placement opportunity to see how the laws I was studying and researching in class were applied in practice.
Overall, the LLM provided me with a comprehensive understanding of global business legal frameworks, equipping me with the ability to navigate complex commercial legal scenarios, in multi-jurisdictional contexts. David Rattigan, Legal Intern, Matheson LLP
International Business Law, Class of 2022/23
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
The International Business Law programme allows students to choose from a range of postgraduate law modules with a focus on trade, enterprise or corporate activity.
Students must complete 90 credits in total – 50 credits from the optional modules, plus the compulsory module World Trade Law (10 credits). Students must also complete the compulsory Professional Development (5 credits) and Dissertation (25 credits) modules.
Professional Development and World Trade Law are undertaken in year 1 of the programme, and the dissertation is undertaken in year 2. Students should then register for 20 credits of optional modules in year 1 and 30 credits of optional modules in year 2. Students can elect how to spread each year’s optional modules across the year.
Not all modules offered will run every year, offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Please note that some modules will have prerequisites attached to them.
Students can 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 our postgraduate programmes have secured roles at a variety of organisations including leading law firms such as Mathesons and A&L Goodbody, commercial organisations such as AIB, public bodies such as the NSAI and the Department of Justice, and non-governmental organisations such as the Peter McVerry Trust and the Organization for Women and Children. Our graduates have also successfully pursued PhD studies in a range of fields.
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 Module
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.
Placement module
Our Placement module offers students the opportunity to apply for a paid internship with one of our partner organisations (which are generally public authorities, NGOs, and private sectors organisations in the law or criminology field). This module allows successful applicants to gain work experience in a field that is relevant to their programme of study. It allows them to develop their professional skills and networks.
Volunteering and Work Shadowing Scheme
Our Volunteering and Work Shadowing Scheme provides students with the opportunity to observe and experience the manner of work that organisations in the legal and criminological sectors conduct. This allows students to network and build valuable professional connections, as well as gain insights into potential career paths. Students can gain an inside perspective on work that relates to their study, and could use the opportunity as a springboard for future volunteering or job applications.
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 or criminological clubs and societies such as the Law Society, Criminology 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 must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in law or a cognate discipline in the humanities, or social/political sciences (including but not limited to business, finance, economics, international relations, sociology, etc). Applicants from other disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis where their academic or professional background demonstrates relevance to the programme.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
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.
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.