Programme Structure and Progression 

The LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of contemporary justice systems, human rights frameworks, and criminal law. The programme is structured to provide a balance between compulsory core modules and a wide range of optional specialisations, allowing you to tailor your studies according to your interests and career goals. 

You will begin with foundational modules covering key legal, criminological, and human rights concepts, then progress to specialised topics such as policing, prison law, gender, and transitional justice. The course blends theory with practical and policy-focused learning. A key element is the supervised minor thesis, a significant research project that develops your analytical skills and prepares you for further study or professional careers. 

Pathways and Specialisations 

Students can choose to focus on either a research-intensive pathway, perfect for those considering academic or policy research careers, or a practice-oriented pathway designed for careers in advocacy, legal practice, or public service. This flexibility allows you to align your studies with your long-term ambitions. 

Optional modules allow you to specialise in key areas such as human rights law, criminal justice reform, gender and the law, or transitional justice, among others. This variety ensures you gain both breadth and depth in your chosen fields. 

Who Is This Course For? 

The LLM Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights is ideally suited for graduates from law, social sciences, humanities, or related disciplines who are passionate about justice, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Whether you are seeking to enhance your legal expertise, engage in interdisciplinary research, or pursue careers in advocacy, policy, or academia, this programme equips you with the critical, analytical, and practical skills necessary to make an impact. 

If you are motivated by a desire to understand and address complex issues surrounding crime, punishment, and rights, and want to develop the tools to influence law and policy both nationally and internationally, this course offers the ideal foundation. 

Programme Structure 

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

Core modules (70 credits): 

• LW5215 Policing, Security and Rights (10 credits) 
• LW450 Minor Thesis (30 credits)
• Elective core modules (30 credits): 

Students select 30 credits from the core Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights modules listed below.   

• LW5214 Imprisonment and Rights (10 credits)
• LW439 Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law (10 credits)
• LW508 Minors, Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System (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)
• LW525 Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights (5 credits)
• LW530 Procedure Before International Criminal Courts (5 credits) 

Optional modules: 

In addition, students can select 20 credits from the listed optional modules.  

• 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) 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Interdisciplinary focus: Combines criminology, criminal law, and human rights to provide a broad, critical understanding of justice systems, state accountability, and rights-based approaches. 
• Research and Practice Pathways: Provides flexibility for students to follow a more research-driven academic path or focus on practical application through real-world case studies and policy-oriented learning. 
• Comprehensive modules: Includes Policing, Security and Human Rights; Prison Law and Penal Policy; Gender, Sexuality and Law; and Transitional Justice, offering both theoretical depth and topical relevance. 
• Research-led teaching: Delivered by academics from the Crime, Punishment and Rights Research Cluster, who critically examine criminal justice, punishment, policing, and human rights nationally and internationally. 
• Practical real-world exposure: Features extracurricular field trips such as trips to the Irish High Court, local prisons, and human rights organisations, enhancing understanding of justice systems and professional skills. 
• Strong research and career preparation: Incorporates legal research and writing modules plus a supervised minor thesis, equipping students with skills for advocacy, policy-making, criminal justice careers, and further academic study.

With a focus on social justice, critical legal analysis, and real-world impact, the LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights prepares you for a wide range of careers in legal research, human rights advocacy, policy development, and criminal justice reform. 

Industry-relevant modules such as Policing, Security and Human Rights, Prison Law and Penal Policy, and Gender, Sexuality and Law equip you with the interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills sought after by employers in NGOs, international organisations, and public sector bodies. 

Students of this LLM are well positioned to pursue further research at PhD level and aim for academic careers as lecturers and researchers. They are also well equipped to enter roles within national and international human rights organisations, criminal justice agencies, legal advisory services, policy think tanks, and government departments, working as legal researchers, policy analysts, human rights advocates, programme officers, and consultants across both public and private sectors. 

International Field Trip 

As part of the MA Film programme, students have the opportunity to take part in an international field trip that bridges theory and practice while exploring Europe’s dynamic screen culture. This hands-on experience offers exclusive access to leading film institutions, production companies, and creative hubs across the continent. 

Over the course of the trip, students connect with industry professionals, visit film archives, and gain first-hand insight into the day-to-day work of filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters. Highlights also include guided visits to filming locations used in major productions, providing a deeper understanding of location scouting, production design, and the storytelling power of place. 

The trip typically lasts three days and includes an additional cost to cover flights and accommodation, which is kept as affordable as possible.

A significant component of the programme involves student placements with leading companies and institutions in the Health Economics sector. These work placements are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in professional environments. During their placement period, students have the opportunity to apply the analytical tools, economic principles, and policy frameworks they have studied in class to practical challenges faced by organisations operating in the healthcare industry. 

Students are placed with a wide range of respected partners, including government agencies, international health organisations, pharmaceutical companies, consultancy firms, research institutes, and hospital networks. These placements not only allow students to develop industry-specific skills, but also to build professional networks, enhance their employability, and gain insights into the diverse career paths available within the field of Health Economics. 

Supervised by experienced professionals, students may contribute to projects involving economic evaluations, health technology assessments, data analysis, policy development, or strategic planning. The placement experience is structured to encourage reflection and learning, with support from academic mentors who help students connect their work-based learning to their broader educational goals. 

Ultimately, the placement component of the programme plays a critical role in preparing graduates to meet the demands of a dynamic and evolving sector, equipping them with the confidence, competence, and credibility to succeed in a wide range of roles both in Ireland and internationally. 

The work placement is normally a paid work placement (for example, monthly earnings of between x and y). 

• Dr Róisín Mulgrew
• Dr Illan Wall
• Professor Shane Darcy
• Dr Diarmuid Griffin
• Dr Conor Hanly
• Dr Edel Hughes
• Dr Rory Kelly
• Professor Siobhán Mullally
• Professor Donncha O’Connell
• Dr Charles O’Mahony (Programme Director)
• Dr Maeve O’Rourke

How will I learn? 

Students in the LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights will engage with a dynamic blend of innovative teaching methods and critical, practice-informed learning. You will learn through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars, and small-group discussions led by expert faculty, many of whom are active researchers within the Crime, Punishment and Rights Research Cluster. 

Case studies, legal analysis, policy reviews, and multimedia materials (including podcasts and visual media) will allow you to explore complex justice issues from both theoretical and real-world perspectives. Workshops in legal research and writing will equip you with the tools to craft compelling, evidence-based arguments. 

Group-based tasks and classroom debate will foster collaboration and communication, while individual assignments and your supervised minor thesis will develop your capacity for independent research, critical reflection, and analytical thinking. 

Throughout the programme, you will have access to specialist legal databases, research tools, and academic support, ensuring a well-rounded and professionally relevant learning experience. 

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): Students will undertake an independent research project on a self-selected topic, demonstrating their ability to conduct sustained legal and interdisciplinary research. The thesis is supervised by a academic and represents a significant portion of the final grade. 

This assessment structure ensures that students build advanced skills in research, legal writing, critical analysis, and academic communication over the course of the programme. 

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 are studying at University of Galway. 

Recent news includes:  

• Book Launch to mark publication of Dr. Mulgrew’s latest monograph
• LLM Students Visit Cloverhill Prison for Insightful Field Trip
• LLM Cohort Visit the Supreme Court
• Dr. Charles O’Mahony Co-Authors Report on Disability Rights and the Role of Local Government
• Crime Punishment and Rights Film Series presents 20 Days in Mariupol 

Course queries: 
charles.omahony@universityofgalway.ie 
Or  
lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Charles O’Mahony,
Senior Lecturer in Law,  
School of Law, 
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: charles.omahony@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration. 

Or

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes, but have relevant work experience in cybersecurity or business risk management, may also be entitled to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Further, students may apply for exemption(s) from some programme courses based on equivalent courses already completed. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of legal, criminological, and human rights approaches to justice and punishment 
• Evaluate complex legal and policy frameworks and develop independent, evidence-based arguments 
• Select and apply interdisciplinary methods to analyse contemporary issues in criminal justice and human rights 
• Retrieve, interpret, and synthesise legal and academic sources to support original, well-reasoned conclusions 
• Apply advanced critical thinking and legal reasoning to real-world justice and human rights challenges 
• Plan, manage, and complete an independent research project through a supervised minor thesis 
• Reflect on diverse theoretical, legal, and policy perspectives shaping national and international justice systems 
• Exhibit strong self-direction, time management, and the ability to work independently in complex academic and professional contexts  

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 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

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,650		€20,400	€140		€8,790	€20,540
Masters Part Time	1	€4,350			€70		€4,420

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 to courts, prisons, and human rights organisations, such as visits to the Irish High Court and local prisons, providing students with real-world insight into justice systems and enhancing their professional skills. 

There are some minor travel costs attached to participating in extracurricular fieldtrips (approximate cost of €100-200 per year). The School endeavours to cover costs as much as possible and keep the contributions from students as low as possible.

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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