Program Overview

Law, Human Rights in Criminal Justice - LLM / MA

Course Overview

This master's programme empowers students to explore how law can protect human rights and shape criminal justice systems in Ireland and around the world. Students will study the legal frameworks, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms that govern human rights in criminal justice, while developing practical legal skills for real-world impact.

Course Details

• Course Code(s): MLHRCJTFAD/ MLHRCJTPAD/ MAHRCJTFAD/ MAHRCJTPAD
• Available: Part-Time, Full-Time
• Intake: Autumn/Fall
• Course Start Date: September
• Duration: 1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
• Award: Masters
• Qualification: NFQ Level 9 Major Award
• Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible

Fees

• MA in Human Rights in Criminal Justice Full Time:
  • EU Full-time: €7,995
  • Part-time: €4,500 per annum
  • Non EU Full-time: €18,600
  • Part- time: €9,900 per annum
• Master of Laws in Human Rights in Criminal Justice:
  • EU Full-time: €7,995
  • Part-time: €4,500 per annum
  • Non EU Full-time: €18,600
  • Part-time: €9,900 per annum

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in law or in a relevant social science degree.
• Applicants with a primary degree in law should apply for the LLM whereas applicants from cognate disciplines to law should apply for the MA.
• The university may shortlist and invite applicants to an interview.

Programme Content

Full-time

• Autumn Semester:
  • Core module: Advanced Legal Research Skills (LA6001)
  • Electives – choose 3:
    • Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law (LA5153)
    • Criminal Justice Processes and Sentencing (LA6111)
    • Law of the European Convention of Human Rights (LA6121)
    • Penology and Victimology (LA6052)
    • Advanced Constitutional Law: Judicial Power and Constitutional Interpretation (LA6071)
• Spring Semester:
  • Core module: Dissertation Methodology (LA6002)
  • Electives – choose 3:
    • International Criminal Law (LA6132)
    • Policing and Human Rights (LA6142)
    • Criminology (LA4052)
    • Comparative and European Criminal Justice (LA6062)
    • Regulatory Crime (LA6162)
    • Using Evidence to Improve Societal Outcomes in the Real World (LA6182)
    • Hate Crime (LA6192)
    • Youth Crime (LA6202)
• Summer Semester:
  • Dissertation (LA6150)

Part-time

• Year 1:
  • Autumn Semester:
    • Core module: Advanced Legal Research Skills (LA6001)
    • Electives – choose 1:
      • Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law (LA5153)
      • Criminal Justice Processes and Sentencing (LA6111)
      • Law of the European Convention of Human Rights (LA6121)
      • Penology and Victimology (LA6052)
      • Advanced Constitutional Law: Judicial Power and Constitutional Interpretation (LA6071)
  • Spring Semester:
    • Electives – choose 2:
      • International Criminal Law (LA6132)
      • Policing and Human Rights (LA6142)
      • Criminology (LA4052)
      • Comparative and European Criminal Justice (LA6062)
      • Regulatory Crime (LA6162)
      • Using Evidence to Improve Societal Outcomes in the Real World (LA6182)
      • Hate Crime (LA6192)
      • Youth Crime (LA6202)
• Year 2:
  • Autumn Semester:
    • Electives – choose 2 (not previously taken):
      • Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law (LA5153)
      • Criminal Justice Processes and Sentencing (LA6111)
      • Law of the European Convention of Human Rights (LA6121)
      • Penology and Victimology (LA6052)
      • Advanced Constitutional Law: Judicial Power and Constitutional Interpretation (LA6071)
  • Spring Semester:
    • Core module: Dissertation Methodology (LA6002)
    • Electives – choose 1 (not previously taken):
      • Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law (LA5153)
      • Criminal Justice Processes and Sentencing (LA6111)
      • Law of the European Convention of Human Rights (LA6121)
      • Penology and Victimology (LA6052)
      • Advanced Constitutional Law: Judicial Power and Constitutional Interpretation (LA6071)
      • International Criminal Law (LA6132)
      • Policing and Human Rights (LA6142)
      • Criminology (LA4052)
      • Comparative and European Criminal Justice (LA6062)
  • Summer Semester:
    • Dissertation (LA6150)

Graduate Profile

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:

• Roles within the legal profession
• Criminal justice agencies and organisations involved in the protection of human rights both nationally and internationally

Graduates have gone on to work in various roles, including as research fellows, and have been promoted to positions such as Deputy Superintendent of Police. The programme has equipped them with multiple skills, including research skills, and has added value to their professional growth.