Who is this course for?  

This LLM is ideal for law graduates, human rights practitioners, and advocates seeking to deepen their understanding of international human rights law and its application. It is suited for those aiming to work with international organisations, NGOs, government bodies, or in academia, focusing on human rights protection, policy development, and advocacy worldwide. Whether you’re pursuing a career in litigation, policymaking, or humanitarian work, this course equips you with the legal expertise and practical skills needed to promote and defend human rights globally. 

Programme Structure 

Core modules (40 modules): 

• International Human Rights Law (10 credits)
• Minor Thesis (30 credits) 

Optional Modules (50 credits): 

The School reserves the right to amend or withdraw modules subject to demand and other operational considerations. 

LLM Programme Modules 

• Public International Law (10 credits)
• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law (10 credits)
• Peace Support Operations (10 credits) 
• Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law (10 credits) 
• Policing, Security and Rights (10 credits) 
• Gender and Human Rights (10 credits) 
• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits) 
• Business and Human Rights 2 (10 credits) 
• International Refugee Law (10 credits) 
• Climate Justice (5 credits) 
• The Common European Asylum System (5 credits) 
• European Convention on HR: Law and Politics (10 credits) 
• Transitional Justice (10 credits) 
• Procedure before International Criminal Courts (5 credits) 
• Counter Terrorism and Human Rights (5 credits) 
• Transnational Lawyering (5 credits) 
• International Child Rights (5 credits) 
• Islam and Human Rights (5 credits) 
• Minority Groups and the Criminal Justice System (10 credits)

Curriculum Information

• Research-led teaching: Benefit from the expertise of distinguished academic whose pioneering research in human rights law, social justice, and international advocacy rigorously informs the curriculum. 
• Practical Skills Development: Acquire advanced competencies in legal advocacy, strategic litigation, fact-finding methodologies, and human rights reporting through experiential learning and clinical programmes. 
• Focused Curriculum: Engage critically with core areas including civil and political rights, economic and social rights, refugee protection, and emerging challenges within the international human rights framework. 
• Faculty with Substantial Experience: Learn from academics and practitioners with extensive professional backgrounds in United Nations bodies, international judicial institutions, and leading human rights organisations. 
• Commitment to Advancing Justice and Sustainability: Develop the analytical and ethical capacities necessary to address complex human rights issues and contribute to sustainable and equitable global solutions. 

The LLM in International Human Rights equips graduates for rewarding careers in the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. As human rights issues grow in prominence, there is increasing demand for professionals skilled in legal frameworks and practical advocacy. 

Graduates find opportunities in international and regional organisations, NGOs, government agencies, legal practices specialising in human rights, national and international courts, and research institutions. Employers include the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and national human rights commissions. 

Common roles include human rights officer, legal advisor, policy analyst, advocacy coordinator, researcher, programme manager, and consultant. Many graduates also pursue further academic study, progressing to PhD research or academic careers contributing to human rights scholarship. 

The programme addresses urgent global challenges such as protecting vulnerable groups, combating discrimination, forced migration, and advancing economic and social rights. Students gain vital skills in legal analysis, advocacy, cross-cultural communication, and ethical reasoning. 

By combining rigorous academic training with practical insight, this LLM prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in advancing human dignity and justice worldwide. 

• Professor Siobhán Mullally (Programme Director)
• Professor Shane Darcy  
• Professor Ray Murphy  
• Dr Paul Bradfield
• Professor Ciara Smyth
• Professor Emeritus William Schabas
• Dr Ekaterina Yahyaoui Krivenko 
• Dr Anita Ferrara
• ‌‌Dr Maeve O'Rourke
• Dr Edel Hughes
• Professor Roja Fazaeli
• Dr Roisin Mulgrew 
• Dr Illan Wall
• Dr Rory Kelly 

How will I learn? 

The LLM in International Human Rights offers a rigorous, practice-oriented learning experience that blends legal theory with real-world application. You will participate in interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experts actively engaged in human rights law and advocacy.

Learning methods include case studies, policy analysis exercises, and practical simulations designed to develop your skills in legal reasoning, advocacy, and human rights protection. Group work and class discussions foster collaboration, while your independent thesis provides the opportunity for in-depth research on a specialised human rights topic.

This programme prepares you for impactful careers in human rights organisations, international institutions, NGOs, academia, and legal practice.

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress will be assessed through a combination of essays, presentations, and an independent research thesis, designed to support both academic development and practical skill-building.  

1. Taught Modules: Most modules are assessed through written essays. Students are engaging with formative assessments and presentations, where feedback is provided to support continuous improvement.  
2. Presentations and Class Participation:  Students will have opportunities to deliver presentations and participate in discussions, helping to develop oral communication and argumentation skills. These components often form part of the continuous assessment.  
3. Minor Thesis (30 ECTS credits): You will complete a substantial, independently researched thesis on a topic of your choice related to law and digital innovation. Supervised by an academic advisor, this project allows you to demonstrate advanced legal research, writing, and analytical abilities.

This assessment structure is designed to support your growth as a critical legal thinker and advocate, building core competencies in human rights law, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving essential for impactful work in human rights advocacy, international organisations, and legal practice. 

Explore our News and Events to discover our seminars, research talks, and activities at the Irish Centre for Human Rights that will expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect you with experts while you studying at University of Galway. 

Course queries: 

siobhan.mullally@universityofgalway.ie 

Or  

lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Siobhán Mullally,  
Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, 
School of Law, 
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: siobhan.mullally@universityofgalway.ie 

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of international human rights law and related legal frameworks protecting fundamental freedoms 
• Analyse complex issues involving civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights using interdisciplinary approaches 
• Retrieve, interpret, and synthesise international treaties, human rights instruments, case law, and academic research to build persuasive legal arguments 
• Apply advanced legal reasoning and ethical considerations to challenges in enforcing human rights protections and remedies 
• Plan, manage, and execute an independent research project through a supervised thesis on human rights law and policy topics 
• Reflect critically on the role of international human rights law in addressing global challenges such as discrimination, inequality, and humanitarian crises 
• Exhibit strong self-direction, time management, and the ability to work independently within dynamic academic and professional environments 
• Develop communication skills tailored to legal, policy, and advocacy audiences in both written and oral formats

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, Level 8 primary degree in in law or in another relevant discipline including discipline including political science, social sciences and humanities. 

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant holding a degree in another discipline or a degree of less than an approved Second Class Honours Degree, Grade 1 (H2.1) standard may be considered where they have other relevant academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents  

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle. 

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Fieldtrips 

Students on the LLM in International Human Rights have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular fieldtrips. These include a visit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and a field trip to the Irish Defence Forces Barracks in Galway. In addition, the programme features practical experiences such as the International Human Rights Law Clinic, opportunities to work with the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), and support for securing internships with NGOs, UN agencies, and international legal bodies, all of which enhance students’ practical understanding and professional readiness. 

Students are required to cover the travel and accommodation costs in the Hague. Institutions previously visited include the ICC, the International Court of Justice, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Students have an opportunity to meet with court officials, attend hearings and engage with University of Galway graduates.  

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway, 
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

School of Law Global Scholarship:  

Eligible postgraduate students can receive a scholarship covering up to 50% off their tuition fees. Full details available here. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

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