The criteria for admission to this programme is as follows:
• An approved Second Class Honours Degree, Grade 1 (2.1, Level 8) 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 relevant professional experience in law.
• International students should refer to the country-specific information section of the International Office website.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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 or in another relevant subject area such as criminology.

Closing Date: Offers are made on a rolling basis.

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

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.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

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.

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 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.