DC662 - LLM (Master of Laws)

The School of Law and Government at DCU offers a world leading LLM (Masters of Laws) designed to develop outward-looking critical thinkers ready to excel in the modern world. To this end, the School offers a range of postgraduate modules that goes beyond black-letter, formulaic legal study embracing a socio-legal methodology with a European and International orientation.

Students have the choice between 5 alternate pathways (see links below): We offer a general LLM, plus four specialisms in European Business Law; International Human Rights Law; Public Law; and Policing, Crime and Security.

We welcome applicants from Ireland, the EU and the wider world who are interested in deepening their understanding of law in its broader social, political and global contexts.

LLM (Master of Laws) General pathway

The programme is designed to prepare students for a career in the 21st century workplace, where employers seek adaptable and outward-looking critical thinkers.

LLM in European Business Law

The LLM in European Business Law offers deep insights into how the commercial world operates and will provide students the opportunity to greatly develop their ability to analyse the landscape of Economic activity within the EU.

LLM in International Human Rights Law

Students will learn about human rights, international law and how social movements and socio-legal thought and research has influenced the development of human rights law.

LLM in Public Law

You will learn about the process of judging, the importance of public institutions & how public law influences the social world we live in. DCU's LLM in Public law is a 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time masters.

LLM in Policing, Crime and Security

Explore the theory and practice of policing; criminology, crime analysis, criminal procedure; contemporary global security issues

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).

Across all LLM pathways there are two obligatory modules: Legal and Socio-Legal Research Skills and the independent research Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words). Specific pathways include a mix of other compulsory and optional modules across the first (September – December) and second (January – April) semesters.