Who Is This Course For? 

The LLM General is ideal for law graduates, legal professionals and others with relevant experience seeking a flexible and customisable path to advanced legal training. It suits those who wish to explore diverse legal areas, national or international, and shape their studies around specific career goals. Whether you're aiming for work in legal practice, policy, NGOs, international organisations, or academia, the LLM General equips you with critical thinking, research and analytical skills essential for success. It is also an excellent foundation for students considering future doctoral study or interdisciplinary legal careers. 

Programme Structure 

Core modules (40 modules): 

• Advanced Legal Research and Methods (10 credits) 
• Minor Thesis (30 credits) or Work Placements (30 credits) 

Optional Modules (50 credits) may include: 

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

LLM Programme Modules 

• EU Competition Law (10 credits)  
• Law of International Business Transactions (10 credits)  
• VIS Moot (20 credits)  
• Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development (10 credits)   
• Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions (10 credits)   
• Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution (10 credits)   
• Economics and the Global Economy (10 credits)   
• The Future of Law (5 credits)  
• Design Thinking for Lawyers I (5 credits)  
• Design Thinking for Lawyers II (5 credits)  
• Computation and Law (10 credits)  
• Digital Transformation and Access to Justice (5 credits)  
• Policing, Security and Rights (10 credits)    
• Imprisonment and Rights (10 credits)  
• Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law (10 credits)  
• Minors, Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System (10 credits)  
• The Criminal Jury (10 credits)  
• Sentencing and Penal Law Policy (10 credits)  
• International Human Rights Law (10 credits)  
• International Criminal Law (10 credits)  
• 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) 
• International Civil Litigation (10 credits)
• International Taxation Law (10 credits) 

VIS Moot Module 

Students on this programme are invited to participate in the prestigious Willen C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, held annually in Vienna each April. This international arbitration competition offers a unique international opportunity allowing students to develop and refine practical advocacy and oral argumentation skills while engaging with peers and legal professionals from around the world, providing invaluable exposure to global commercial dispute resolution. 

Curriculum Information

• Design Your Own Legal Path 
  Choose from a wide range of optional modules to shape your LLM to match your personal and professional goals.
• Interdisciplinary Opportunities
  Study law alongside subjects like human rights, technology, environmental law, or business.
• Career-Focused Learning
  Gain advanced legal research and writing skills valued by law firms, NGOs, and public bodies worldwide.
• Global and Comparative Perspective
  Engage with international legal frameworks and explore how law operates across jurisdictions.
• Research-Led Teaching
  Learn from internationally recognised legal academics whose globally informed research directly shapes course content and classroom discussion.  

Graduates of the LLM General are equipped with the advanced legal knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills sought after across a wide range of sectors. The flexible structure of the programme allows students to tailor their learning to align with specific career aspirations, making them highly adaptable in a competitive job market.  

Graduates are in demand across sectors including legal, government departments and public bodies, NGOs, advocacy organisations, international institutions, corporate legal departments, compliance roles, legal consultancy, and policy analysis. Typical roles include legal advisor or associate in law firms, policy or legal analyst in think tanks or government, in-house legal counsel, legal researcher or academic assistant, and legal officer in NGOs or intergovernmental organisations. Career progression paths may lead to senior legal counsel, partner, or policy lead roles, as well as specialised positions in international law, human rights, environmental law, or corporate regulation.  

The programme also offers strong preparation for students pursuing PhD study or academic careers in law. Throughout the course, students develop key employability skills, including advanced legal research, writing, and reasoning; cross-border legal analysis; and the ability to critically evaluate complex legal issues, all of which are highly valued by employers. 

With the growing need for professionals who can navigate legal systems across jurisdictions, the LLM General prepares graduates for emerging roles in global legal services, tech regulation, and transnational governance.

International Field Trip 

Students on the LLM General have an opportunity to participate in an international field trip to Vienna as part of the Vis Moot module. This advanced clinical legal education experience provides comprehensive training in international commercial arbitration, including research, drafting memoranda, and oral advocacy. Selected students compete in the prestigious Willen C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot each April, gaining valuable global exposure, practical advocacy skills, and engagement with an international legal community, enhancing both academic and professional development. 

The trip typically lasts for three-five days in Vienna. The School endeavours to cover the costs of flights, accommodation and a daily per diem rate. Students may incur limited additional cost which is kept as affordable as possible. 

• Prof. Donncha O'Connell 
• Ms Ursula Connolly
• Mr. Lawrence Donnelly (Programme Director)
• Professor Csongor Istvan Nagy
• Dr Eoin Daly
• Dr. Conor Hanly
• Ms. Anna-Louise Hinds
• Dr. Connie Healy
• Dr. Rónán Kennedy
• Prof Padraic Kenna
• Dr Maureen O'Sullivan
• Dr. Charles O'Mahony
• Dr Ciara Smyth
• Dr. Shivaun Quinlivan
• Dr Brian Tobin 

How will I learn?

The LLM General offers a flexible and intellectually stimulating learning environment where you can explore a wide range of legal topics while developing practical, career-focused skills. 

You will engage in interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and group projects led by expert faculty with research specialisms across diverse legal fields including international law, human rights, environmental regulation, and more. The programme encourages critical engagement with legal systems and fosters comparative, cross-border thinking. 

Teaching methods include case studies, legal simulations, policy analysis, and class debates, connecting legal theory with real-world challenges. Skills workshops in legal writing, negotiation, and advocacy enhance your ability to operate in both academic and professional contexts. Independent research and a final dissertation allow you to explore your chosen legal area in depth and demonstrate subject mastery. 

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 assignments, including legal essays, case analysis, and regulatory reviews. Formative assessments and presentations are also used to support ongoing learning and skill development.
2. Presentations and Class Participation: You will have opportunities to present legal arguments and engage in structured discussion, developing oral advocacy, analytical reasoning, and communication skills. These components often contribute to continuous assessment.
3. Minor Thesis (30 ECTS credits): You will complete a substantial, independently researched thesis on a topic of your choice related to international or comparative business law. Supervised by a faculty expert, this project allows you to demonstrate advanced skills in legal research, commercial analysis, and academic writing. 

This assessment framework builds advanced skills in legal research, regulatory analysis, and critical thinking for career or academic success.

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

Course queries: 

larry.donnelly@universityofgalway.ie 

Or  

lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Larry Donnelly,   
Lecturer in Law,  
School of Law,
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: larry.donnelly@universityofgalway.ie 
E: csongoristvan.nagy@universityofgalway.ie 

• Advanced legal research and writing: Develop the ability to investigate, structure, and communicate complex legal arguments.
• Critical thinking and analysis: Learn to interpret and evaluate legal systems and frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Effective communication: Build skills in written and oral advocacy, presentation, and professional legal expression.
• Time and project management: Gain experience managing independent research, deadlines, and academic projects.
• Adaptability and interdisciplinary insight: Apply legal knowledge in diverse fields including business, policy, and human rights.
• Problem solving and decision making: Tackle real world legal challenges with a strategic and analytical mindset.

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

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

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Fieldtrips 

The LLM includes extracurricular field trips such as visits to Global Legal firm, providing students with real-world insights and enhancing their professional skills. 

There are some minor travel costs attached to participating in extracurricular fieldtrips (approximate cost of €100-200). 

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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