Program Overview

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Introduction to the LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights

The LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the intersection of criminology, criminal justice, and human rights. This interdisciplinary program is delivered by research-led academics from the Crime, Punishment and Rights Research Cluster.

Program Details

• Title of Award: Master of Laws
• Course Code: Full-time: 1ML32; Part-time: 1ML33, 2LML33
• Average Intake: Unlimited
• Delivery: On Campus
• NFQ: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Next Intake: September 2026
• Duration: 1 year, full-time; 2 years, part-time
• ECTS Weighting: 90

Why Choose This Course?

• Unique Course: Combines criminology, criminal justice, and human rights, offering a broad understanding of justice systems and rights-based approaches.
• Employability: Enhances career prospects in law, public service, NGOs, international bodies, and human rights advocacy.
• Practical Training: Includes real-world case studies, legal writing, and policy analysis.
• Field Work: Offers extracurricular visits to courts, prisons, and human rights organizations.

Course Information

Programme Structure and Progression

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with a balance between compulsory core modules and optional specializations. Students begin with foundational modules covering key legal, criminological, and human rights concepts, then progress to specialized topics.

Core Modules

• LW5215: Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights (10 credits)
• LW450: Minor Thesis (30 credits)

Elective Core Modules

Students select 30 credits from modules including:

• LW5216: Policing, Security and Rights (10 credits)
• LW5219: Minorities and the Criminal Justice System (10 credits)
• LW439: Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law (10 credits)
• LW485: Sentencing and Penal Law Policy (10 credits)
• LW5117: International Human Rights Law (10 credits)
• LW5122: International Criminal Law (10 credits)
• LW538: Transitional Justice (10 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, students can select 20 credits from listed optional modules, including:

• LW483: Advanced Legal Research & Method (10 credits)
• LW5110: Human Rights Law Clinic (10 credits)
• LW471: International Humanitarian Law (10 credits)
• LW5121: Transnational Lawyering (5 credits)
• LW5124: Climate Justice (5 credits)
• LW5116: Gender and Human Rights (10 credits)

Unique Features

• Interdisciplinary Focus: Combines criminology, criminal law, and human rights.
• Comprehensive Modules: Includes modules on sentencing, policing, imprisonment, and human rights.
• Research-Led Teaching: Delivered by academics from the Crime, Punishment and Rights Research Cluster.
• Practical Real-World Exposure: Features extracurricular field trips to enhance understanding of justice systems.
• Strong Research and Career Preparation: Incorporates legal research, writing, and methodological training.

Careers

Graduates are prepared for careers in legal research, human rights advocacy, policy development, and criminal justice reform. The program equips students with skills for advocacy, policy-making, and further academic study.

Who Teaches This Course?

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics, including:

• Dr. R鏙s璯 Mulgrew
• Dr. Illan Wall
• Professor Shane Darcy
• Dr. Edel Hughes
• Dr. Rory Kelly
• Professor Siobh嫕 Mullally
• Professor Donncha O'Connell
• Dr. Charles O'Mahony (Programme Director)
• Dr. Maeve O'Rourke

Learning and Assessment

• How Will I Learn?: Through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars, and small-group discussions.
• How Will I Be Assessed?: Through a combination of essays, presentations, and an independent research thesis.

Entry Requirements and Fees

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Entry Requirements: Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, Level 8 primary degree in law or a relevant discipline.
• English Language Entry Requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Masters Full Time: EU Tuition: 8,650; Student Contribution: 0; Non-EU Tuition: 20,400; Levy: 140; Total Fee: 8,790 (EU), 20,540 (Non-EU)
• Masters Part Time: EU Tuition: 4,350; Student Contribution: 0; Non-EU Tuition: Not specified; Levy: 70; Total Fee: 4,420 (EU)

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: Valued at 1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses.
• Global Scholarships: University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from outside the EU.
• School of Law Global Scholarship: Eligible postgraduate students can receive a scholarship covering up to 50% of their tuition fees.