University of Galway

The LLM in Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights at the University of Galway develops advanced skills in legal analysis, criminological research, and human-rights reasoning. You will examine how policing, courts, imprisonment, and public policy interact with rights protections in both domestic and international contexts.

Designed for graduates who want to deepen their expertise and apply it to justice reform, advocacy, and policy work.

• Level: Master of Laws (LLM)
• Credits: Typically 90 ECTS (confirm for your intake)
• Duration: Usually 1 year full-time (confirm for your intake)
• Delivery: On-campus (confirm for your intake)
• Language of instruction: English
• Start dates: Check the University of Galway programme page for the next intake
• Tuition fees: Vary by applicant category—check the University of Galway fees page for your circumstances

Programme Structure

The LLM is built around core modules that connect criminology, criminal justice, and human rights, with opportunities to develop advanced research and argumentation skills.

• Criminology, Criminal Justice and Human Rights
• Policing, Security and Rights
• Minorities and the Criminal Justice System
• Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law
• Imprisonment and Rights

Capstone / assessment: The programme typically includes advanced assessment through written work and/or a dissertation component. Please confirm the exact assessment format and module options for your intake on the University of Galway programme page.

Curriculum note: Module availability and sequencing can vary by year and intake.

Work Permits

Check for any work restrictions

After completing your studies in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission, subject to meeting the relevant immigration criteria and the conditions of your programme and immigration status.

• Eligibility: In general, eligibility depends on successfully completing your degree and holding the correct study permission during your programme.
• Duration: Post-study work permissions are typically granted for a limited period. The exact length can depend on the type of permission available at the time you apply.
• Timing: You must apply within the permitted timeframe after graduation and before any relevant deadlines.
• Conditions: You may need to meet specific requirements related to your course completion, academic results, and immigration history.
• Rules change: Immigration rules can be updated by Irish authorities. Always verify the latest guidance before applying.

Important: This information is general and may not reflect the most current rules for your situation. For the latest, programme- and graduate-specific guidance, check the official Irish immigration information and the University of Galway international student pages.