LLM in European Law header
DC662

LLM in European Law

Course Details

Course Code:
DC662
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
NFQ Level
9
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Part-Time
Duration
(FT - 1 Year), (PT - 2 years)
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 6477

The LLM in European 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.

Overview

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The LLM in European Law is a one year full-time or two year part-time Master’s programme offered by DCU’s School of Law and Government. 

We welcome applicants from Ireland, the EU and the wider world who are interested in both the theory and practice of policing; criminology, crime analysis and criminal procedure; and contemporary national, regional and global security issues. 

The programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and will draw on the research expertise of staff within the School of Law and Government to create a vibrant, engaging and transformative learning experience for students. 

DCU is committed to preparing students for an unscripted future in the 21st century and this programme is designed to enable students to become adaptable and outward-looking critical thinkers. 

The LLM in European Law has been carefully devised to give students both significant breadth and depth of knowledge on matters relating to policing, criminal behaviour, security studies and responses to terrorism (see the structure section for programme structure and module choice).

DCU People

Profile picture of Goran Dominioni
Goran Dominioni
Staff

Hello and welcome, I’m Goran Dominioni and I am the Chair of the LLM Programme at DCU (Master of Laws). I’ve been with DCU’s School of Law and Government since 2020.


Read more about Goran Dominioni

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Law postgraduates from DCU have established careers in the legal professions (including the bar), academia and research (including a high proportion in funded PhD programmes and research positions). 

With its European orientation, the LLM in European Law caters well for those interested in access to or promotion within careers with a European focus. The programme is designed to make graduates better problem-solvers and more confident advocates: thus it prepares graduates for work as in-house lawyers in companies and other commercial organisations.

The legal professions
Academia careers
Research careers
NGOs
Public sector
EU political and policy organisations

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path." 

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications. 

Entry Requirements

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For admission to the LLM in European Law programme, successful applicants will have:

  • Normally have achieved a Second Class Honours Grade One (H2.1) in a primary degree (level 08) in law or an interdisciplinary degree which includes law as a significant component.
  • Applicants who have not achieved a H2.1 may apply but applications will be assessed on a competitive basis.
  • If an applicant has not yet completed their degree, then a conditional offer may be made on the basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of no less than a H2.2 degree.
  • Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here
  • International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here: https://www.dcu.ie/global

Programme Structure

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  • Students have the choice between 5 alternate pathways : We offer a general LLM, plus four specialisms in European Law; International Human Rights Law; Public Law; and Policing, Crime and Security.
  • Students will be on-site for timetabled classes for two or three days a week in each semester (depending on the module choices). 
  • Each semester runs for 12 weeks, semester one running from September to December and semester two running from January to April. 
  • Students will undertake a research dissertation on a subject related to European Law (subject to approval from the programme chair) which is usually completed during the summer. 
  • Students will be supervised in their dissertation work by a member of staff and there will be a collective dissertation workshop after semester two. 
  • Students must take Legal and Socio-Legal Research Skills and EU Institutional Law (semester one) plus the independent research dissertation on any subject of EU law (15,000 words). 
  • Along with these compulsory courses, full time students choose four modules; one in the first semester, and three in the second semester. In year one, part-time students take the two compulsory modules in semester one and two modules in semester two.
  • Students have the choice between 5 alternate pathways : We offer a general LLM, plus four specialisms in European Law; International Human Rights Law; Public Law; and Policing, Crime and Security.
  • A School with a strong research and teaching focus in EU law as evidenced by our world leading Brexit institute  https://dcubrexitinstitute.eu/
  • A programme designed to develop the student’s critical, analytical and interdisciplinary thinking skills so that they are better positioned for access to, and advancement within, higher-end careers in law. 
  • A School with active links with major law firms; international and European institutions; NGOs; and other potential employers
  • An environment that facilitates the student in preparing for a career in academia or research, with opportunities to edit and contribute to academic journals, blogs, and to present academic papers
  • Runs in conjunction with postgraduate programmes in international relations, public policy, privacy, climate change, international development.
  • To facilitate students analysing key issues in modern European law.
  • To create an authentically postgraduate and scholarly orientation with genuine intellectual depth through a small-group seminar model that promotes more intensive lecturer-student interaction
  • To make graduates better problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and more confident advocates, thus preparing them for careers in law and policy 

Fees and Funding

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Fees

EU Status Fee
7,900
Non EU Fee.
16,500
EU Status Fee Part-time
4,300 per annum
Non EU Fee Part time
8,300 per annum

How To Apply

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All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

Application deadlines


Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025
  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
  •  

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

If you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.


Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie


For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme


The programme commences in September 2025

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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