Course Description
LLM
Introduction
The LLM (Master of Laws) is a one year full-time and two year part-time programme offered by DCU’s School of Law and Government. We welcome applicants from Ireland, the EU and the wider world who are interested in deepening their understanding of law in broader social, political and global contexts.
The programme is designed to prepare you for a career in the 21st century workplace, where employers seek adaptable and outward-looking critical thinkers. To this end, the LLM (Master of Laws) offers a range of modules that goes beyond black-letter, formulaic legal study: the programme embraces a socio-legal methodology and has a European and international orientation.
Students can choose to specialise in a particular area of law or can pursue a more general degree (see section below for programme structure and module choice). We offer modules in three broadly discernible areas:
- law and society, ethics, and human rights
- EU, international and transnational law
- institutions, public law and public policy
Programme Structure and Content
The LLM (Master of Laws) at DCU is delivered as a one-year, full-time programme. You’ll be on-site for timetabled classes for two or three days a week in each semester (depending on the individual student’s module choice): 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after Christmas. Most students are on campus throughout the week: working on assignments, contributing in School research seminars, etc. To complete the program, you’re required to write a research dissertation, to be drafted in the summer period. In preparation for the dissertation, you’ll have regular supervision meetings as well as occasional collective dissertation initiatives (some students work off site for much of the summer period and are free to do so).
There are two obligatory modules: Legal and Socio-Legal Research Skills and the independent research Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words). Along with these modules, you’ll take five optional modules from among those on offer; two in the first semester, and three in the second semester (late January-April).
Programme Aims and Objectives
- To create an authentically postgraduate and scholarly orientation with genuine intellectual depth through a small-group seminar model that promotes more intensive lecturer-student interaction
- To make graduates better problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and more confident advocates, thus preparing them for careers in law, policy, administration, international affairs and related fields
Why Choose DCU?
- a young and innovative university with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research (consistently rated in the ‘Top 50 under 50’ by the QS World University Rankings)
- an English-speaking, European universityengaged with Europe and the broader world, in an English-speaking country similarly engaged and committed
Why Do This Programme?
- a School with an inter-disciplinary research and teaching approach, engaging law and legal doctrine with political science, international relations, sociology, economics and European affairs more generally
- a programme designed to develop the student’s critical, analytical and interdisciplinary thinking skills so that they are better positioned for access to, and advancement within, higher-end careers in law and related fields
- a School with active links with major law firms; international and European institutions; NGOs; advocacy bodies and other such potential employers
- an environment that facilitates the student in preparing for a career in academia or research, with opportunities to edit and contribute to academic journals, blogs; organise conferences, and to present academic papers
- runs in conjunction with postgraduate programmes in international relations, public policy, EU law and policy, climate justice, international development
For more information, see: https://www.dcu.ie/courses/postgraduate/school-law-and-government/llm
| Training Provider | Dublin City University (DCU) |
| Course Location | Glasnevin, Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 9 |
| Awarding Body | Dublin City University |
| Awarding Body Details | LLM |
| Entry Requirements | General Entry Requirements For admission to the LLM programme, successful applicants will have - Normally have achieved a Second Class Honours Grade One (H2.1) in a primary degree (level 08) in law or an interdisciplinary degree which includes law as a significant component. Applicants who have not achieved a H2.1 may apply but applications will be assessed on a competitive basis. If an applicant has not yet completed their degree, then a conditional offer may be made on the basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of no less than a H2.2 degree. Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness. International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. Fees Full time EU Status Fee €6,750 Non EU Fee €15,000 Part time EU Status Fee Part-time €3,600 Per Annum Non EU Fee Part time €7,400 Per Annum |
| Carear Path | Our graduates have gone on to, or have progressed within, careers in the legal professions (including the bar), academia and research (including a high proportion in funded PhD programmes and research positions), as well as NGOs, advocacy, civil service and public administration. With its internationalist orientation, the LLM (Master of Laws) programme caters well for those interested in access to or promotion within careers in international and European institutions. The programme is designed to make graduates better problem-solvers and more confident advocates: thus it prepares graduates for work as in-house lawyers in companies and organisations, as well as in higher level civil service or bureaucratic careers. Potential Careers The legal professions Academia or research careers NGOs and advocacy Civil service and public administration European and international organisations |
| Phone | +353 (0)1 700 5626 |
| Course Code | DC662 (Ful-Time); DC661 (Part-Time) |
Course Provider
