International Contemporary Literatures and Media (MA)

Course Overview

The LLM in International Criminal Law provides students with an advanced understanding of the history, structures, law and practice of the various international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court.

Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of international criminal law, its component crimes, substantive law and key procedures.  Students will also develop an analytical approach to the relationship between other accountability mechanisms, such as truth commissions.

The LLM in International Criminal Law is of interest to those seeking to learn about the growing field of international criminal justice, the role of the International Criminal Court in international affairs and means for holding to account perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Course highlights:

• The Irish Centre for Human Rights is one the worlds premier university-based institutions for the study and promotion of human rights.  
• Expert Lecturers deliver programme modules. Our academics are internationally recognised scholars with world-class expertise and impact in the field of international criminal law. Distinguished visitors to the Centre for Human Rights have included Judge Carmel Agius, Senator Robert Badinter, Judge Maureen Harding Clark, Richard Goldstone, President Philippe Kirsch, Judge Theodor Meron, Judge Navanethem Pillay and Judge Kimberly Prost.
• Field trip to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.  
• A summer school on the International Criminal Court is run annually and students have the opportunity to attend.
• Seminars and workshops are run in collaboration with leading international practitioners in criminal law and human rights.
• Career Support is provided through professional workshops concentrating on internship opportunities, students CV and interview skills.  Careers in Law Week also provides an opportunity to meet with law professionals across a spectrum of specialisations. 
• Assessment methods include essays, presentations and a research dissertation, while students also engage in research projects, presentations, group work and moot courts.‌

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Outline

The LLM in International Criminal Law is typically a one-year master's programme that involves two semesters of courses and the preparation of a dissertation, although it is also available on a part-time basis over two years. The degree of Master of Law in International Criminal Law is awarded by the Faculty of Law at University of Galway.

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 module International Criminal Law and the dissertation are compulsory. The modules International Humanitarian Law and Procedure before International Criminal Courts and Transitional Justice are also recommended for ICL students. A wide range of subject choices is available to students, drawing on the expertise of our full-time staff and prestigious Adjunct faculty. A list of modules is available at: www.universityofgalway.ie/irish-centre-human-rights/academics/llmprogrammes/modules

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

• African and Inter-American Regional Systems of Protecting Human Rights 
• Business and Human Rights 
• Children's Rights 
• Conflict and Post-Conflict 
• Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law and Transnational Lawyering
• Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights 
• Economic, Social & Cultural Rights 
• European Convention on Human Rights 
• European Union and Human Rights 
• Genocide 
• How to Argue with an Economist 
• International Criminal Law 
• International Criminal Procedure 
• International Humanitarian Law (Term I) 
• International Humanitarian Law (Term II) 
• International Refugee Law 
• Introduction to Human Rights Law 
• Minority Rights 
• Peace Support Operations 
• Public International Law 
• Procedure before International Criminal Courts 
• Right to Development 
• Transitional Justice

Module details for the Full Time Course

Module details for the Part Time Course

Curriculum Information

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

Find out More

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Course Overview

Watch course video presentation here.

Do you have an interest in contemporary literatures and film from around the globe? If so, the MA (International Contemporary Literatures and Media) is for you.

This is an exciting multidisciplinary and comparative MA programme that aims to familiarise you with movements, authors, texts and themes of international contemporary literature and film. Incorporating modules from, for example, Journalism, Film Studies, Drama and Performance, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of modules that will complement your interest areas and potential career path.  The programme also broadens your intellectual horizons and provides you with the skills for research and critical analysis.

While you do not need proficiency in languages other than English for this programme (in core modules, texts will be read in translation), proficiency in other language will allow you to choose from a wider range of optional modules.

You will be prepared for a variety of careers in media, arts administration, teaching, and international marketing and communications.

The course provides excellent preparation also if you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this area. 

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Outline

The late 20th century and the beginning of the 21^st century saw fundamental cultural changes brought about by factors such as globalisation, the end of the Cold War, and technological and communicative innovations, and these changes are intensely reflected in literature and media. The course programme includes the study of seminal texts, films and other media by international authors and artists mostly from the 1960s to post-modernism and beyond. Non-English texts will be read in translation.

You will study four core modules (The Art of Reading, Contemporary Genres, Worlds of Fantasy, Literature and Conflict) and two optional modules from other programmes (for example: Irish Contemporary Drama, Digital Film and Culture, Journalism, Gender and Sexuality in Irish Cinema, Culture and Colonialism) across Semester One and Two and will be required to undertake a dissertation.

Curriculum Information

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

Find out More

Postgraduate Applications

For most postgraduate courses (other than the Postgraduate Masters in Education), click here to make your application. Any courses not listed here have an alternate application instructions on their course page.

PME/MGO (Postgraduate Masters in Education)

Postgraduate Masters in Education applicants (PME/MGO) should apply through PAC.


How Do I Apply?

You can apply online for most postgraduate courses here. 

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary for each programme. Check individual programme webpages for specific requirements.

Application Instructions

You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.

Folllow the application tips for how to apply advice.

Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Application Fee

The cost of applying is €35 and is a non-refundable application fee.

How Do I Submit My Supporting Documentation?

You must upload to your application electronically. You will be given instructions on this aspect once you submit your application.

You can see online in advance what supporting documents you're likely to be asked for. 

Instructions for Research Applications

Finding a Research Supervisor

Before making an online application, we advise that you first consult with potential academic supervisors at University of Galway. You must contact the research institute or centre that you're interested in studying at or working for. They will let you know who the available supervisors are, what their research interests are, and anything else you need to know. Our online portal 1 should also be of use.

The following links will direct you to the research areas within the university:

• Colleges & Schools
• Research Institutes, Centres, and Units

Timetable

Assessment Dates for Applications

Each postgraduate taught programme has an initial date indicating when applications should be submitted. For details on these dates, please check here.

Unsuccessful Applications

If your application has been unsuccessful, you can find out why by contacting the relevant Programme Director or College Office directly for more information.