Course Summary
The LLM (International Human Rights) provides a comprehensive study of legal norms and mechanisms protecting human dignity globally. Analyse human rights challenges in diverse contexts and develop expertise for research, policy-making, or legal practice in international justice.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
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.
Application Details
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 documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date September 2026
Fees
Fees: EU
€8,390 full-time; €4,320 part-time (including levy) p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€8,250 full-time; €4,250 part-time p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 full-time; €70 part-time p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€19,000 p.a. (€19,140 p.a. including levy) 2024/25
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
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.
Duration
2 years, part-time
