Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a postgraduate programme?

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.  An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documention to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

Further information on applying for taught postgraduate programmes can be found on University of Galway's Postgraduate Admissions Office website.

What is the deadline for applying for a postgraduate programme?

University of Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continual basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure a place on their chosen postgraduate programme. Once a complete application is submitted online, we aim to issue a decision within two weeks. It is strongly encouraged that students submit their applications as early as possible. In particular, non-EU students requiring a visa also should apply early to allow sufficient time for Visa processing.

When can I expect to be notified about successful entry into the programme?

Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the programme as quickly as possible. We have endeavoured to send out acceptance notices within two calendar weeks from the submission of a complete application. They will thereafter be expected to pay a deposit to secure their place at a date specified on their acceptance letter.

Please note that all correspondence is by email. Please ensure that the email address that you list on your application form is current and will accept emails from general email addresses. If you are graduating in the near future, we would recommend using your personal rather than university email.

Are there any scholarships or funding available?

At University of Galway, we are keen to ensure that the brightest and most committed students progress to postgraduate study.

Our generous postgraduate scholarships (valued at €1,500 per student) are designed to reward excellent students who have achieved first-class honours in their undergraduate studies.

Details of the Taught Master’s Scholarship Scheme, and all other course-specific scholarships and bursaries available, are online at www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate_scholarships.

The university offers a number of partial international scholarships on a competitive basis to these high-calibre international students. For more information about eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see www.universityofgalway.ie/international.

What are the English Language Requirements for applicants whose first language is not English?

University of Galway requires that students are able to effectively engage in English in order to successfully complete the course. Therefore, prospective students (not being native English speakers) are required to undertake an English language course or examination and provide evidence to that effect. Accepted evidence of fulfilling the English Language requirement can be found on the How to Apply page.

All applicants whose first language is not English must present one of the following qualifications in the English language for a postgraduate law programme: 

IELTS - 6.5 Overall (No less than 5.5 in any component) or TOEFL - 88 or Pearson PTE - 61

University of Galway’s English Language Centre is committed to providing high quality English Language courses to those looking to learn English as a foreign language. A variety of courses are available including a Pre- Masters English Language Pathway Programme. To find out more please see: www.universityofgalway.ie/international-students/english.html

When can I apply for the following academic year?

The application system remains open until the first few weeks of September annually. In late September/early October, the applcation system is reopened for the next academic year.

Can I start in January or Spring?

Unfortunately this is not an option for our postgraduate programmes.

What LLM programmes are offered by the School of Law?

We offer seven taught LLM programmes in total, in addition to an LLM by research programme.

How long does it take to obtain the LLM degree?

The programme can be undertaken full time over the course of one calendar year (starting in September each year) or part time over two calendar years (also starting in September). To complete the degree candidates are required to obtain 90 credits, which are usually distributed for four pieces of guided coursework of 15 credits each and a dissertation worth 30 credits.

LLM by research take two years to complete (full time) or four years (part time).

Do I need to have studied law in order to complete an LLM programme?

Generally, yes. The entry requirements for the majority of our LLMs specify an approved Second Class Honours Degree, Grade 1 (2.1, Level 8) in law, or an inter-disciplinary degree in which law was a major component. However, 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 relevant professional experience in law.

There are further exceptions with several of the programmes that are taught by the Irish Centre for Human Rights. With the courses are designed to deliver the skills necessary to obtain qualifications in international human rights law and peace support operations, the Centre welcomes inter-disciplinary applicants with backgrounds in related fields.

What is the calendar for the programme?

What are the fees for the programme?

Please refer to the Fees Office website for the most up to date information regarding fees or click on the 'Course Fees' button on the left-hand side menu on your chosen LLM. 

What is the equivalent to a 2.1 Second Class Honours Degree, Grade 1 (2.1) in my country?

The International Office provide conversion tables and other information on their 'Your Country' page. It can however be difficult to make exact comparisons in some instances: contact the Law Postgrad team for assistance. 

If I have applied to the programme in a previous year and have been accepted but have (for whatever reason) not attended, can I reactivate that old application?

Unfortunately, the answer is no and you must apply again. University of Galway does not allow for applications from previous years to be reopened, even in cases where the student was denied a Visa, which resulted in their inability to attend. However, the application process is quite easy, references used in previous applications can again be noted on the application form and your previous acceptance should expedite the process.