International and Comparative Law (LL.M.)

Course Overview

In an era of globalisation, it is no longer possible to understand law in a purely national context. Once the domain of foreign ministries, international law has dramatically expanded in its scope, reaching deep within national legal systems and covering organisations, businesses and individuals. As globalisation has not only intensified but also come under challenge, it has never been more important for lawyers to develop an in-depth understanding of law in its wider international context.

The LL.M. programme in International and Comparative Law offers students a unique platform to develop this understanding. The programme offers a rich and diverse array of modules taught by expert scholars and practitioners in the fields of international and comparative law. Students develop their legal knowledge and advanced legal skills in these fields while gaining a deeper insight into the practice of international law.

Applications are invited from well-qualified graduates who hold a very good Honours Bachelor degree in law or in a law-based interdisciplinary programme. Applications may also be considered from exceptional graduates in disciplines relevant to the LL.M degree they are applying for if: a substantial component of their undergraduate degree(s) is in Law; or they have significant professional legal experience.

Fulfilment of the above criteria does not guarantee admission. Admission to Trinity's LL.M. programmes is at the absolute discretion of the School of Law, which will decide on admissions based on a range of academic criteria, including the quality of the individual application and the objectives of ensuring a diverse LL.M. class of the highest possible academic calibre.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We advise students to apply for the course as early as possible as admission is competitive. The programme is subject to early closure.

This programme is academically rigorous and requires students to have a high level of English language and legal English competency. It is expected that students will be able to effectively and proficiently participate in classroom discussions.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Applicants for the Trinity International Foundation Programme require IELTS 5.0 overall, with 5.0 in Writing and no band below 4.5.

Applicants for all Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes must present one of the following English language qualifications.

This programme equips students with the expertise, skills and attributes which are valuable across a wide range of careers, both within and beyond the legal profession, nationally and internationally. Modules offer a comprehensive learning experience, including opportunities to apply the learned course content to practical problems.