LLM (Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict)

Course Overview

The LLM in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict provides students with a comprehensive insight into global frameworks of international humanitarian law and human rights protection with the addition of a peacekeeping specialisation. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on UN peacekeeping and related operations to provide insights into the peace operations and conflict resolution frameworks.

This unique programme offering combines issues relating to peacekeeping, international humanitarian law, human rights and conflict resolution to prepare graduates for work in the field of international peace operations with international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs and as individual advocates.

Course Highlights:

• The Irish Centre for Human Rights is one the world’s premier university-based institutions for the study and promotion of human rights.
• Defence Force experience is recognised. Those who have participated in peacekeeping activities can obtain credit for a full semester course (15 credits on submission of a written assignment reviewing field experience and evaluating lessons learned.
• Expert lecturers deliver programme modules. Our academics are internationally recognised scholars with world-class expertise and reputations.
• Field trips to the military barracks of the Irish Defence Forces and the opportunity to travel to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
• Unique qualification on conflict, peacekeeping and human rights through specialised modules such as peace support operations and international human rights.
• Seminars, conferences and workshops ensures engagement with world-leading practitioners and scholars in the field of peacekeeping and human rights law.
• Career Support with assistance in seeking career opportunities by drawing on the expertise of a global network of alumni and an outstanding network of contacts.
• Assessment is primarily through research papers, presentations and minor thesis rather than exams.‌

• Applicants must normally have attained at primary degree level an overall final grade of Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2.1) or equivalent. Those falling short of this standard may be considered where they can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience.
• Candidates who have completed a military command and staff course, or equivalent, at an institute recognised by University of Galway and who have relevant professional experience that, in the opinion of the School of Law, qualifies them to read for the LLM may also be considered.
• Candidates who have significant experience in the field of peace operations and/or international human rights, for example, with international organisations or international NGOs, are encouraged to apply under this rubric.
• International students should refer to the country-specific information section of the International Office website.

Graduates have gone on to work with the UN, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU. Others are working with NGOs in conflict and post-conflict environments, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Sudan and Kosovo.

Military and police personnel from Ireland and elsewhere have completed the programme with a view to enhancing their career prospects. The programme will also provide a foundation for those who wish to pursue further studies through a structured PhD.