LLM in Policing, Crime and Security header
DC662

LLM in Policing, Crime and Security

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
01 700 6477

The LLM in Policing, Crime and Security programmes explores the theory and practice of policing; criminology, crime analysis, criminal procedure; contemporary global security issues.

Overview

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The LLM in Policing, Crime and Security is a one year full-time and two year part-time Masters 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 Policing, Crime and Security 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 section below 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

The LLM in Policing, Crime and Security caters well for those interested in beginning their careers, or seeking to advance further, within operational policing, public policy, criminal law, international security agencies, human rights organisations, European and international institutions, politics and more.

Law postgraduates from DCU have established careers in the legal professions (including the Bar), in business, in academia and research (including a high proportion in funded PhD programmes and research positions), as well as in public institutions and NGOs.

Policing
International security agencies
The legal professions
Academia careers
Research careers
NGOs and advocacy
Civil service and public administration
European and international organisations
Politics
Journalism

"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 programme, successful applicants will have:

• Normally have achieved a Second Class Honours Grade One (H2.1) in a primary degree (level 8) in law.

• An interdisciplinary degree which includes law as a significant component; OR

• A degree related to the study of policing, crime or security with at least a minor focus on law, e.g. criminology, international relations, sociology

• 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 H2.1 degree.  The applicants eventually achieve H2.2 or below will be considered on a competitive basis. 

• 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.

APPLICATIONS ARE PARTICULARLY WELCOMED FROM SERVING POLICE PERSONNEL

Programme Structure

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The LLM in Policing, Crime and Security programme at DCU can be completed in one year if you study full-time or two years if you study part-time. 

For the most part, you will be on campus for scheduled classes two or three days a week during each semester. This amounts to 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after the Christmas break.

During the week, many students spend time on campus working on assignments and participating in research seminars in the School. To finish the programme, you will need to write a research dissertation, which is done during the summer. 

You'll have regular meetings with a supervisor to help you with your dissertation, and there are also some group initiatives. Some students may choose to work off-campus during the summer.

There are two required courses: one on legal and socio-legal research skills and the other on the independent research dissertation, with a maximum word count of 15,000 words. 

In addition to the core modules, you will choose five optional courses from the ones available, with two taken in the first semester and three in the second semester (from late January to April).

Students have the choice between 5 alternate pathways; We offer a general LLM; as well as four specialisms in European Law; International Human Rights Law; Public Law; and Policing, Crime and Security.

Semester 1: Legal and Socio-Legal Research Skills 

Semester 2: Preventing and Analysing Crime 

Plus: Dissertation

Optional Modules

Semester 1

  • Policing and Society 
  • Comparative Criminal Procedure 
  • Judges and Judging 
  • Law, Ethics and the Person
  • Principles of Public International Law 
  • International Law and Conflict 

Semester 2

  • Criminology
  • European and International Human Rights Law
  • Counter-terrorism in Europe
  • Political Terrorism 
  • Public Policy Evaluation
  • Crime and Psychology

All optional modules will be offered, subject to staff availability and student demand in any year.

  • A School with a strong research and teaching focus in policing, criminal law, evidence and criminal procedure, human rights, security and counter-terrorism
  • 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 policing, law, public policy, politics and beyond 
  • a School with active links to national and international police and security studies researchers and practitioners; major law firms; international and European institutions; NGOs and other potential employers
  • an environment that facilitates students interested in preparing for careers in academia or research
  • runs in conjunction with postgraduate programmes in international relations, international human rights law, public policy, public law, privacy, climate change, international development
  • Help students analyse important topics across a range of different fields. 
  • Establish a truly postgraduate and scholarly approach with meaningful intellectual depth using small-group seminars to encourage more in-depth interaction between lecturers and students.
  • Enhance graduates' abilities to solve problems, think critically, and become more effective advocates, ultimately preparing them for careers in law, policy, and business.

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
Non EU Fee Part time
€8,300

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