LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

Course Overview

The LLM (General) is one of a suite of LLM programmes offered by the School of Law at University of Galway. This LLM can be taken on a full-time basis over one year or part-time over two years. It is a taught programme designed to give students complete flexibility in their selecton of modules and topic for their minor thesis. The LLM (General) programme allows students to select modules to suit their own interests and facilitate their specific career objectives. Students can select modules from the full range available for taught LLM programmes offered within the School of Law, the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Disability Law and Policy. This programme is designed for students seeking an advanced postgraduate degree but who do not wish to specialise in a particular area of law.

 Course Highlights:

• A tailored master's programme which facilitates module choice across the School of Law and research centres to maximise students opportunity to pursue personal career goals. 
• Expert lecturers deliver this programme through small group seminars with guest talks from leading practitioners.  Students also have the opportunity to attend and present at key conferences, nationally and internationally.
• International field trips enable students to see the law in action in a global context.
• Skills development is an important element of this programme with seminars focusing on critical thinking, analytical skills, research skills and professional writing skills.
• Career support is provided through professional workshops concentrating on students CV and interview skills.  Careers in Law Week also provides an opportunity to meet partners from leading law firms.
• Diverse modules from EU Competition Law, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights, Current Issues in Internet Law to Sentencing and Penal Policy. 
• Personalised thesis provides students the opportunity to identify a thesis topic based on an area of law that interests them and furthers their specific career goals.
• Assessment is primarily through research papers, presentations and minor thesis rather than exams.‌

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Outline

Semester 1      30 ECTS credits of modules
Semester 2      30 ECTS credits of modules
Semester 3      (Summer) Minor Thesis (30 ECTS credits)

Students can select modules from the full range of modules available on taught LLM programmes offered within the School of Law, the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Disability Law and Policy.

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change, but may include the following optional modules. Click on 'Year 1 (90 Credits)' on the bottom of this webpage to view  description of each module.

• EU Competition Law (10 credits)
• International Commercial Property Law (10 credits)
• International Business Law Moot (10 credits)
• Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution (10 credits)
• Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development (10 credits)
• Advanced Comparative Law (10 credits)
• Commercial Law in Context (10 credits)
• EU External Relations Law (10 credits)
• Advanced Legal Research & Method (10 credits)
• Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law (10 credits)
• Sentencing & Penal Policy (10 credits)
• Medical Device Law and Regulation (10 credits)
• Crime and Disorder (10 credits)
• Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy (10 credits)
• Mental Health Law and Policy (10 credits)
• Regional Disability Law and Policy (10 credits)
• Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy (10 credits)
• International Disability Human Rights Clinic (10 credits)
• Advocacy and Access to Justice (10 credits)
• Inclusive Education Law and Policy (10 credits)
• Law and Policy on Independent Living (10 credits)
• Legal Capacity Law and Policy (10 credits)
• International Human Rights Law (10 credits)
• Public International Law (10 credits)
• International Criminal Law (10 credits)
• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law (10 credits)
• European Migration Law (5 credits)
• Transnational Lawyering (5 credits)
• International Human Rights Law Clinic (10 credits)
• Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights (5 credits)
• International Peace Operations (10 credits)
• Gender and Human Rights (10 credits)
• Transitional Justice (10 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Human Rights III (5 credits)
• Business and Human Rights 2 (10 credits)
• International Refugee Law (10 credits)
• Human Rights and Global Governance (5 credits)
• European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics (10 credits)
• The Common European Asylum System (5 credits)
• International Child Rights (5 credits)
• Procedure Before International Criminal Courts (5 credits)
• Minority Rights (5 credits)
• Islam and Human Rights I (5 credits)

Minor Thesis

Students are required to complete a minor thesis (15,000 words). The thesis allows students to conduct supervised research in an area of their choosing. Students will receive support and guidance from their supervisor on how to identify a research topic, conducting the research and writing up the minor thesis.

Curriculum Information

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (60 Credits)

Year 2 (60 Credits)

Year 3 (60 Credits)

Course Overview

Law impacts on all aspects of life today, and the LLB provides you with an excellent basis for a career as a practising lawyer, as well as in other fields such as administration, business, the media and social work. The LLB is also excellent preparation for work in a legal advisory capacity in the private or public sector.

New two-year LLB

Take the fast track to a career in law with the NEW two-year LLB. View the course outline section for full details.

 Course highlights:

• Provides a route to qualifying as a lawyer for graduates from any discipline.
• Students in the final year of the three year and four year LLB have the opportunity to apply for a clinical placement. A limited number of clinical placements are available with law firms, barristers, and a range of governmental and non-governmental organisations working to promote the public interest.
• Skills development is an important element of this programme with a focus on critical thinking, analytical ability and professional writing skills.
• Students who take the three year or four year LLB can tailor the programme by choosing modules that interest them or will further their career goals.
• The accredited programme offers all the subjects currently required for the entrance examinations to the legal professions (solicitors and barristers) in Ireland.
• Moot court provides an opportunity for students to develop skills such as advocacy, research and legal analysis skills. 
• Expert lecturers deliver this programme. Students also attend guest seminars from prominent practitioners, academics and judges.
• Diverse modules range from European Union Competition Law, Intellectual Property Law, Consumer Law to Global Issues in Contemporary Labour Law.  
• Career support is provided through professional workshops concentrating on students CV and interview skills.  Careers in Law Week also provides an opportunity to meet partners from leading law firms.‌

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Outline

If you wish to become a solicitor, the LLB covers all the modules examined in the solicitor FE-1 entrance exams at the Law Society of Ireland. If you wish to become a barrister the  three and four year LLB is approved by The Honorable Society of King's Inns. In addition, all students are required to take a core module designed to equip them with critical legal research, writing and presentation skills.

The programme is offered during daytime hours and may be taken over:

• Two years, full-time (120 credits)
• Three years, full-time (180 credits), wide range of optional modules
• Four years, part-time (180 credits), wide range of optional modules

The three year and four year versions of the programme give students the opportunity to tailor their studies to their own requirements, by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.

Module details for the two-year programme ‌

Module details for the three-year programme

Module details for the four-year programme

Detailed descriptions of modules can be found below.

Curriculum Information

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.