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LLM (INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE)
This part-time LLM programme provides you with critical insights into the field of international justice. In particular, it focuses on issues of human rights, equality, and social inclusion, in the context of international law.
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- Qualification
- Masters In Law
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH65J
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 30 August 2027
Overview
The LLM programme in International Justice provides students with critical insights into the field of international justice. It focuses, in particular, on issues of human rights, equality, and social inclusion in the context of international law. It provides insights into how the international legal order works, and how it seeks to protect vulnerable groups, including minorities, migrants, and people with disabilities. It critiques the applicable legal regimes, and illustrates how these systems operate in practice.
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:
I thoroughly enjoyed my LLM in International Justice in Maynooth. I chose to do my Master's in Maynooth as the modules and options offered were broader than other LLM’s I had researched.
The LLM course is designed to not only encourage academic excellence, but also personal growth in the array of modules and assessments offered. There is a strong emphasis on independent research, collaboration with peers and public-speaking skills - all of which are vital to any industry you proceed to work in. The small class groups harness an atmosphere of support and collegiality.
As part of the programme, I opted to undertake the Research Placement, where over the course of three months, I gained practical insight into daily life as a legal researcher, a profession I am interested in. This opportunity proved invaluable when it came around to writing my own dissertation.
A highlight of my LLM was the International Mooting module, in which, one team enters the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Competition. I was honoured to be part of the Maynooth’s first ever team, and to win the national rounds of the competition in 2023. We travelled to Washington DC to represent Ireland during the international rounds of the competition - a truly once in a lifetime opportunity!
Overall, I could not recommend the International Justice LLM in Maynooth enough - it was by far my best academic experience to date! Eimear McCaffrey, Paralegal, Lewis Silkin, LLM International Justice Class of 2022/23
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
The International Justice programme allows students to choose from a range of postgraduate law modules with a focus on human rights and justice.
Students must complete 90 credits in total – 50 credits from the optional modules, plus the compulsory module Public International Law (10 credits). Students must also complete the compulsory Professional Development (5 credits) and Dissertation (25 credits) modules.
Professional Development and Public International 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).
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.