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 2025

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.

Career Opportunities
This LLM programme was developed following consultations with a range of potential employers in this field. It has therefore been designed to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge they need to pursue a successful national or international career within the fields of criminology, criminal justice and human rights. Graduates may opt to pursue work in legal practice, policy development, advocacy or research in criminal justice broadly or focus on particular careers paths such as with prison or police services, or with regional or international organisations or courts.

Potential employers who hire experts within these fields include national organisations like the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Policing Authority, Irish Penal Reform Trust, the Irish Prison Service and the Department of Justice. Careers paths are also possible with international organisations such as the Council of Europe and the United Nations and with international criminal courts and tribunals. Students who have completed the specialised modules led by recognised experts, completed tailored methods and dissemination training and engaged in independent research in timely topics will be highly appealing to a wide-range of employers.