LLM (International Human Rights)

Course details

This programme is offered at the Irish Centre for Human Rights within the School of Law. This Centre is one of the world’s premier university-based institutions for the study and promotion of human rights and humanitarian law. This course aims to prepare graduates for work in the field of international human rights, with international organisations, non-governmental organisations and as individual advocates. It also serves as a foundation for those who wish to pursue PhD study in the field. While the emphasis of the course is legal it accepts suitably qualified candidates from other backgrounds in the firm belief that human rights itself is multidisciplinary. The LLM programme aims to build specific and general skills with respect to the modern regime of human rights protection, and knowledge of the philosophies and theories that underpin it. The course provides students with the requisites enabling them to contribute to the advancement of human rights globally, both in their inpidual capacities and in association with institutions that have such a focus. During the course of their studies, students at Masters level are encouraged by the Irish Centre for Human Rights to put into practice the foundational work provided by the LLM by undergoing internships with international institutions and nongovernmental organisations working in the field of human rights.It offers advice in finding suitable opportunities and some financial support to offset travel expenses.

Key facts

Entry requirements

It is preferred that applicants hold a degree in Law. However, the Centre also welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than law. In cases where applicants come from a non law background, the Centre for Human Rights will consider academic background, relevant work experience, references and personal statement. Applicants must normally have attained at primary degree level a result of Second Class Honours Grade 1 or equivalent. However those falling short of this standard may be considered where they can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience.

Course outline

The one-year programme is pided into three four-month terms. The first term commences in September and runs through to December, the second term begins in January and ends in April, while the third term begins in May and terminates with the submission of a dissertation at the end of August. During the first two terms candidates are required to attend a full course load as prescribed in the Guidelines, while the third term is devoted entirely to the research required for the preparation of the final dissertation.

The two-year programme comprises part-time study, combining two semesters of course work the first year with a third semester the second year, devoted entirely to the research required for preparation of a final dissertation.

The coursework begins with a general introduction to the systems and documents of international human rights law, and proceeds to a series of specialised courses in such areas as minority rights law, regional human rights systems such as the European Convention on Human Rights, criminal prosecution by international tribunals of human rights violators, gender and child rights, refugees and asylum seekers, and international humanitarian law. The course emphasises the analysis and critique of international human rights law and legal regimes.

Courses each year are subject to change, but may include the following:

• Business and Human Rights
• Children's Rights
• Conflict and Post-Conflict
• Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights
• Economic, Social & Cultural Rights
• European Convention on Human Rights
• European Union and Human Rights
• Gender and Human Rights
• Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
• Human Rights Field Work: Law and Practice
• Islam and Human Rights
• International Criminal Law
• International Criminal Procedure
• International Humanitarian Law
• Introduction to Human Rights Law
• Minority Rights
• Peace Support Operations
• Public International Law
• Procedure before International Criminal Courts
• Refugee Protection
• Right to Development
• Transitional Justice

Requirements and assessment

Assessment for individual modules includes a combination of essays, presentations, group work, and other methods. Students must also complete a research thesis / dissertation of 20,000 words.