Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology

School of Law and Criminology Postgraduate Scholarship 2025-2026

Scholarship Overview

The School of Law and Criminology is pleased to offer the Postgraduate Scholarship, providing financial assistance to postgraduate students. This scholarship awards €2,000, which will be deducted from the recipient's course fees. For the academic year 2025-2026, five scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing postgraduate qualifications within the School.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria includes:

• A minimum academic achievement of a 2.1 at the degree level.
• Demonstrated motivation to pursue postgraduate study.
• A strong interest in the fields of law or criminology.The PG Scholarship aims to support and encourage outstanding students in their academic and professional development.

All applicants must:

• School of Law and Criminology: Be an incoming postgraduate student on one of the School’s postgraduate Master’s programmes (LLM Global Legal Studies, LLM International Business Law, LLM International Justice, Dual LLM, MA Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice)
• Academic Achievement: Have successfully completed an Undergraduate level 8 honours degree to a 2.1 minimum standard.
• Motivation and Commitment: Provide a personal statement as part of your application that details your motivation for and commitment to postgraduate study at Maynooth University,  how you plan to use the knowledge gained from your postgraduate studies, and the impact that a scholarship would have for you.
• Application: Complete the (which includes the personal statement) and a CV before the closing date of 12 noon Irish Standard time on 11th July 2025 to [email protected]  PG Scholarship Application Form 2025-2026
• Award: Not be in receipt of any other academic scholarship or awards for attending Maynooth University. Those in receipt of the SUSI grant are eligible to apply.

Scholarship Award

The scholarship award is €2,000 in total. This will be paid by the School directly to the Maynooth University fees office, which will result in reduced overall Postgraduate fees. 

Important Information

Applications will be made to law@mu.ie with a set closing date of 12 noon Irish Standard Time on 11th July 2025.

For more information, please contact:

Dr Ollie Bartlett , [email protected]

PG Scholarship Application Form 2025-2026

Applications now open for the 2025-2026 Matheson LLP Scholarship in Law

The Matheson LLP Scholarship in Law at Maynooth University was established in 2023/24 through the commitment of Matheson LLP, a leading law firm working with international companies and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland, to provide a Year 2 undergraduate students within the School of Law and Criminology with financial and professional development supports. This scholarship will seek to provide supports to a Year 2 undergraduate student studying one of the BCL programmes or the LLB programme within the School of Law and Criminology who have demonstrated high academic achievement, including successfully completed Year 1 studies, motivation to study law, career aspirations within the legal profession, and interest in Matheson LLP.
 
This scholarship includes three key components:

1 - Scholarship Award

• Total value: €2,000
• Paid in two instalments (Semester 1 and Semester 2, 2025/26)
• Funded by Maynooth University Foundation

2 - Matheson LLP Year-Long Paid Placement

• An opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Matheson LLP

3 - Mentorship

• One from the School of Law and Criminology
• One from Matheson LLP

Eligibility: These scholarships are open to students registered in any Year 2 BCL programme or Year 2 of the LLB programme in the  2025/2026 academic year.

Application Deadline: 12 noon (Irish Standard Time), 8 October 2025

How to Apply  Please complete the application form.
 
Before applying please review the full eligibility criteria here  Matheson Scholarship Eligibility Criteria and Application Information
 
For any queries, please contact: Dr Elaine Burroughs, External Relations Manager, School of Law and Criminology email: [email protected]
 

Applications now open for the 2025-2026 A&L Scholarship and Bursaries in Law

The A&L Goodbody Student Award in Law at Maynooth University was established in 2024/25 through the commitment of A&L Goodbody, one of Ireland's leading corporate law firms with offices in Dublin and Belfast.
The award aims to support undergraduate students within the School of Law and Criminology who have demonstrated high academic achievement, motivation and interest in law and who are registered the Maynooth Access Programme.
The A&L Goodbody Student Award comprises the following opportunities for Year 2 School of Law and Criminology students:

1. A&L Goodbody Scholarship in Law

• 1 scholarship available
• Award: €3,000
• Includes:
  • Guaranteed place on the A&L Goodbody Law Start Programme
  • A secured place on either:
    • A&L Goodbody Summer Internship (Summer 2026)
    • A&L Goodbody Accredited Placement (Year 3)

2. A&L Goodbody Bursary in Law

• 2 bursaries available
• Award: €1,000 each
• Includes:
  • Guaranteed place on the Law Start Programme
  • Dedicated mentorship for internship/placement applications

3. Ongoing Mentorship

• Tailored support from A&L Goodbody and Maynooth University throughout your academic journey.

Eligibility:

Open to students in Year 2 of any BCL programme or Year 2 of the LLB programme in 2025/26, who are registered with the Maynooth Access Programme.
 
Deadline to Apply: 12 noon (Irish Standard Time), 8 October 2025
 
Complete the application form here.

Before applying please review the full eligibility criteria here:
 

A&L Goodbody Eligibility Criteria 25-26

For any queries, please contact: Dr Elaine Burroughs, External Relations Manager, School of Law and Criminology email: [email protected]

Applications now open for the 2025-2026 Flynn O’Driscoll LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology

The Flynn O’Driscoll LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology at Maynooth University was established in 2025 through the commitment of Flynn O’Driscoll, one of Ireland’s leading corporate law firms with offices in Dublin, Galway and Shannon.

The Flynn O’Driscoll LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology aims to provide financial support and professional development opportunities to a Year 3 / Year 4 student (LLB or BCL) within the School of Law and Criminology who has demonstrated high academic achievement, motivation and interest in law.

The Flynn O’Driscoll LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology comprises the following opportunities:

1. The Flynn O’Driscoll LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology at Maynooth University:

   1. Financial Support: A scholarship award of €2,000 total, paid in two instalments of €1,000, to one third year undergraduate School of Law and Criminology student at Maynooth University.

   2. Summer Internship: A paid summer internship with Flynn O’Driscoll LLP starting in June/July 2026 for 1 month. The student will be paid a pro-rated amount of approx. €2,200 (based on an annual salary of €26,500) by Flynn O’Driscoll LLP for this internship. Following completion of the Summer Internship, the student will have the opportunity to apply for Flynn O’Driscoll LLP Graduate Trainee Programme.

   3. Mentorship: Student mentorship from both Flynn O’Driscoll LLP and Maynooth University to the student throughout 2025/26.

Eligibility:
Open to students in Year 3 / Year 4 student (LLB or BCL) within the School of Law and Criminology.
Deadline to Apply: 12 noon (Irish Standard Time), 29 August 2025
Complete the application form here.
Before applying please review the full eligibility criteria and application details.

Flynn O'Driscoll Eligibility Criteria

For any queries, please contact: Dr Elaine Burroughs, External Relations Manager, School of Law and Criminology email: [email protected]

Tracey Solicitors LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology

Tracey Solicitors LLP - Personal Injury Solicitors in partnership with Maynooth University, is proud to launch a new scholarship supporting final-year students in the School of Law and Criminology who are registered with the Maynooth Access Programme. This prestigious award includes a €3,000 financial bursary, access to professional mentoring, and the opportunity to interview for a paid graduate internship with Tracey Solicitors LLP in 2026.

If you’re a high-achieving, motivated student committed to making a difference through law, this could be the opportunity that helps shape your future.

What the Scholarship Offers:

• Financial Award: €3,000 for the 2025/26 academic year (paid in two instalments)
• Mentoring: Ongoing support from a mentor at Tracey Solicitors LLP and Maynooth University
• Career Opportunity: Guaranteed interview for a graduate internship at Tracey Solicitors LLP 
• Professional Development: CV submission and potential pathway to employment post-graduation

About Tracey Solicitors LLP:

• Based in Dublin with over 35 years of experience
• Specialists in Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Law
• Known for making legal services accessible and inclusive, offering multi-lingual support
• Committed to client care, success, and supporting access to legal careers
• Many staff have progressed through Access Programmes

Who Can Apply:

• Final-year undergraduate students (2025/26) in the School of Law and Criminology at Maynooth University
• Registered with the Maynooth Access Programme (MAP)
• Demonstrated strong academic performance and engagement
• Motivated and committed to a future in law and criminology
• Not in receipt of another scholarship (SUSI and MAP supports are allowed)
• Able to attend an interview in September 2025 if shortlisted

Application Deadline: 5pm, 29 August 2025
Apply Now via MS Form

Full details on the eligibility criteria are here: Tracey Solicitors LLP Criteria
All queries should be emailed to [email protected]

APPLICATIONS FOR THE SCHOOL OF LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP HAVE NOW CLOSED

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS - MONDAY 2 JUNE, 2025
Students undertaking or wishing to undertake a PhD or PhD-track programme in the School of Law and Criminology are eligible to apply for scholarship support from the School of Law and Criminology.
 
One new Scholarship will be available this calendar year (starting October 2025).
 
This Scholarship commences no earlier than October 2025 and lasts up to 4 years (shorter than 4 years if the student has already commenced PhD Studies).
This Scholarship application is open both to new entrants and to existing students already registered to and in good standing on the MU Law and Criminology PhD programme.
  
Candidates should ordinarily hold a master’s degree in Law or Criminology, or a cognate discipline, with a 2.1 honours or higher (or the equivalent). In exceptional cases, candidates with a 1st class undergraduate degree in Law or Criminology, or a cognate discipline, will be considered.
 
Students who at the time of the application have already been awarded  a scholarship for the academic year 2025-26 of equivalent or greater value are not eligible to apply.
 
Students who have applied for this scholarship but who, during the selective process for this Scholarship, are awarded a scholarship for academic year 2025-26 of equivalent or greater value shall communicate the award to the School. They are expected to take up the latter (other) scholarship in preference to this School Doctoral Scholarship and to formally withdraw from this process.
Before applying, students must have secured a supervisor in the School of Law and Criminology who (a) formally supports the application and (b) states that, in their considered view, and with regard to the quality of the research proposal, the candidate has a realistic prospect of success in attaining a PhD. It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure a supervisor, bearing in mind that staff members are free to decline  to act as such. The agreement to supervise should be notified by the prospective supervisor to the School’s PhD Coordinator (Prof. Delia Ferri). A formal offer on the MUApply system is not necessary in order to apply for the scholarship.
Value of the Scholarship
The Scholarship will entail:

• A fixed maintenance award of €25,000 per annum
• Annual tuition fees support.

 
Duration
This full-time Scholarship will be awarded for up to four years of full-time study, subject to satisfactory annual review of progress in research. If a student has already commenced PhD studies, the Scholarship applies only until the student completes the fourth year since first registration on a PhD programme, subject to satisfactory annual review of progress in research.
 
Terms and Conditions
The Scholarship will require participation in School activities as a full-time doctoral scholar. Scholars will generally be expected to attend the university during term-time.
 
Scholars who wish to develop their teaching skills, contribute to pedagogical developments in their discipline and develop other skills to enhance their employability outside of the University may also be considered for activities such as tutorials, marking, and/or similar related work for which they will receive additional payment, subject to University guidelines, policies and procedures.
 
There is, however, no obligation on the University to offer the scholar any paid work, and there is no obligation on the scholar to accept any such offers of paid work.
 
Moreover, any such work, where offered, is for the exclusive purpose of advancing the scholar’s training and development in their capacity as a Doctoral Scholar. These activities will be carried out under the direction of the Head of School, or a member of staff nominated by the Head.
 
Reimbursement of expenses for travel and participation in conferences, events or for the purchase of books will be available in accordance with School policies (funding is usually limited to €1,000 in total for all items per annum per student, subject to availability and bugdetary constraints).
  
Application and Selection Procedure
The appointment will be made by the Head of School on the advice of a representative selection committee and based on a transparent recruitment process that meets the needs of the School. The Scholarship will be awarded by the School on the basis of:
 

• The quality of the applicant’s academic skills and experience. This criterion includes excellence in academic and research achievements as well as applicants’ non-academic accomplishments, in line with the University’s mission and Strategic Plan. In the case of existing Maynooth PhD students, regard will be had to annual progress reports, where relevant.
• The quality of the project proposal. This criterion includes the quality of the aims and objectives of the proposed research, the proposed methodology, the feasibility of the proposal, and plans for dissemination.
• The project’s potential alignment with the School’s research priorities and with the University’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028. 

 
Applicants for the scholarship, who already have secured a supervisor in the School of Law and Criminology, are asked to submit all of the following documents to [email protected] by no later than 5 p.m. Irish time on Monday 2 June, 2025:

• A CV detailing academic experience, and any prior teaching experience;
• A cover letter of up to two pages outlining your motivation and suitability for the role; if you are an existing MU PhD student, your cover letter should include an indication as to whether you consent to the selection committee having access to your annual PhD progress reports, where relevant.
• A short letter or email from a permanent, whole-time academic member of the Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology confirming they have agreed to supervise the candidate, that they endorse the application for a doctoral scholarship, and that, in their considered view, and with regard to the quality of the research proposal, the candidate has a realistic prospect of success in attaining a PhD;
• A copy of a PhD research proposal of maximum 6 pages (not including references) which should ideally include  the following elements: Project Title; Abstract; Description of the project to include, for example, aims and central research questions; Methodology; Indication of the Novelty and Significance of the Research and Research Plans. The suggested structure is merely indicative, and students are welcome to include additional elements or highlight certain specific aspect of their research. A list of references should be included at the end; AND
• Relevant academic transcripts (evidence of completion of degree and degree award mark).

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must provide written evidence of competency in the English language that satisfy the programme-specific requirements set out by the Maynooth University International Office. 
 
Applicants may be shortlisted for interview and, if so, will be contacted directly by the School. 
 

Closing date for applications to [email protected]: 5 p.m. on Monday 2 June, 2025.

All scholarship Awards are conditional on approval for registration by the University.

Equality and Diversity
Maynooth University values the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seeks to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual. To learn more about our commitment to Equality and Diversity, please read the Maynooth University Equality and Diversity Policy. Additionally, both Maynooth University and the School of Law and Criminology hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, which recognises work undertaken to advance gender equality for staff and students in Higher Education.

Are you a final-year BCL Law and Business student or a recent graduate from the School? Version1, a leading tech-driven consultancy with 3,000+ employees across Ireland, the UK, and beyond, is offering a 6-month Legal Operations Internship to a MU School Graduate.

What You’ll Do:

• Streamline legal processes and improve team efficiency
• Work with legal tech like Contract Lifecycle Management tools
• Support contract reviews and document management
• Assist in legal projects, research, and team operations
• Gain experience with legal reporting, data analysis, and interdepartmental support

What Vision1 are Looking For:

• Final-year or recent BCL Law and Business graduates (2024–2025)
• Strong organisation, communication, and tech skills
• Interest in legal operations and innovation
• Based in or near Dublin – one day/week required on-site

What You’ll Get:

• Monthly salary of €2,405
• Full-time 6-month internship (start date negotiable)
• Pathway to Version1’s Early Careers Programme (€32,000+ salary & benefits)
• Hands-on experience that will set you apart in any legal or business career

Full Details here: Legal Operations Internship with Version1
Deadline to apply: 6 June 2025

Apply now: https://forms.office.com/e/yJAZtNWkAW

Questions to: Dr Elaine Burroughs, External Relations Manager
Email: [email protected]
 

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

The Irish Women Lawyer Association (IWLA) Scholarship - Supporting Future Female Leaders in Law and Criminology
Are you a passionate and motivated female law/criminology student at Maynooth University? The Irish Women Lawyers Association (IWLA) is proud to support the next generation of women in law through the IWLA Scholarship, exclusively for Year 2 undergraduate students in the School of Law and Criminology who are registered with the MU Access Programme. This prestigious scholarship is designed to promote equality of opportunity in the legal profession and provide invaluable career-enhancing experiences. 

What the Scholarship Offers:
✔ €6,000 financial award
✔ A structured summer internship to gain real-world legal experience with The Innocence Project.
✔ Professional and academic mentoring to guide your career journey
✔ Opportunities for graduate employment and accredited work placements

Who Can Apply?

• Female students in Year 2 of an undergraduate programme within the School of Law and Criminology
• Registered with the MU Access Programme
• Have demonstrated academic achievement, motivation, and a keen interest in law or criminology
• Have experienced or are currently experiencing disadvantage

*For full details on eligibility criteria see:  Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is contingent on completing the summer internship, as its primary aim is to provide this hands-on opportunity. Don't miss this chance to boost your legal career with financial support, mentorship, and work experience!

Apply by 5pm, 31 March 2025, here: https://forms.office.com/e/7bXUH8ar9E

❓All queries should be emailed to [email protected]

Please note the IAPP Westin Scholar Award is currently paused until further notice.

The School of Law and Criminology is thrilled to announce a new opportunity for postgraduate students in the 2024-2025 academic year: the IAPP Westin Scholar Award. This prestigious award celebrates and supports students who demonstrate exceptional potential in the fields of privacy and data protection.
 
Award Details
Prize: $1,000 USD for the top-performing student in the Health Privacy Law module.
Eligibility: This award is available to students enrolled in the Health Privacy Law module (LW654), delivered by Prof. Edward Dove in Semester 2.
Selection Process: Faculty will identify the student who demonstrates outstanding academic performance and potential for leadership in privacy or data protection. 
Full application details will be available in Semester 2 2024-2025.
 
About the Westin Scholar Award
The Westin Scholar Award is administered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the data protection profession. With over 50,000 members worldwide, the IAPP is at the forefront of promoting privacy as an essential field of expertise. To date, 94 universities and institutions worldwide participate in this program, which aims to recognize and inspire the next generation of privacy leaders. For more information on the Westin Scholar Awards program, please visit the IAPP website here.
 

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

The Bar of Ireland has very kindly approached the School about the Bar of Ireland's new pilot paid internship programme. Four successful students drawn from across law schools in Ireland will spend two weeks from Monday 23rd June to Thursday 3rd July 2025 (Monday to Thursday) at The Bar of Ireland. They will spend time job-shadowing with two host barristers as well as engaging in other activities including advocacy training, research tasks and mock trials.
 
We have been invited to nominate two students. Being nominated does not guarantee a place but will allow you to make a formal application for the programme. 
This programme is open to students who are:
• currently enrolled on the LLB, and any of the BCL programmes (Law and Accounting/Arts/Business/Criminology/Languages) but not the BA or BCL Études Juridiques);
• in their penultimate or final year; this means years 2 and 3 of the BCL and years 3 and 4 of the LLB; and
• interested in pursuing a legal career at the Bar.
In our specific case, we will (in addition to the above criteria) prioritise students based on academic performance, motivation and experience (including experience in mooting, debating and negotiation, and otherwise advocacy activities). The internship will likely be of most relevance and interest to students who are interested in pursuing a career at the Bar. 
 
We are now accepting expressions of interest from students in the penultimate and final years of the BCL and LLB wishing to be nominated for this internship programme. Internal applications must be completed and submitted by Monday 3 March 2025 at 12 noon. 
 
The application form is relatively short and is available here:
 
https://forms.office.com/e/XvrRjkE87P

Based on these applications, Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology will nominate two candidates. A team of colleagues from the School will judge the entries.
 
The Bar of Ireland will then determine which of the nominated students from all eligible institutions will be selected to participate in the internship programme against the following criteria:
• Academic performance
• Each candidate’s reflections on their interests and goals
• Extra-curricular activities including mooting, mock trials, and work experience
• EDI considerations

The two chosen nominees from Maynooth will be informed by Friday 14 March 2025. The nominees must then complete and return an application form to the Bar of Ireland by 9am on Tuesday 1st April 2025.  The four successful candidates will be informed by the Bar of Ireland on Tuesday 15th April. Unsuccessful candidates will also be informed and invited to attend an Open Day on Monday 7th July.
 

Pathways to the Legal Profession – Summer Internship opportunity

The School of Law and Criminology and the Maynooth Access Programme are delighted to announce that the Pathways to the Legal Profession Summer Internship Programme 2025 is now open for applications!
The MAP and School of Law and Criminology Summer Internship Programme is supported by the Association of Criminal Justice Research Development (ACJRD), Prevention Accommodation Community Enterprise Clg (PACE) and Matheson Law Firm.
The programme offers MAP-supported students opportunities to access paid summer internships in the legal profession to gain valuable experience, build networks in the legal profession and enhance their employability opportunities following graduation.
Two internships are open to final year undergraduates studying law or criminology who are supported by the Maynooth Access Programme.
·         One 4-week paid internship from 3 June 2025 (€2,000 payment and a €500 stipend) with the Association of Criminal Justice Research Development (ACJRD).
·         One 4-week paid internship from 17 June 2025 (€2,000 payment and a €500 stipend) with Prevention Accommodation Community Enterprise Clg (PACE) (Interview to be held between 3-6 June 2025).
One additional placement with a €600 stipend is open to second year undergraduates studying law or criminology who are supported by the Maynooth Access Programme (MAP):
·         One-week placement from 21-25 July 2025 followed by a one-day placement on 10 September 2025 (with €600 stipend) with Matheson Law Firm

How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the Pathways to the Legal Profession Summer Internship Programme application form. Applicants are required to provide personal, academic and financial information, and should prepare a Personal Statement in advance ready to copy and paste into the application form that should be submitted by 11pm (Irish time) on Sunday 25 May 2025.

Any student considering making an application should speak to their MAP student advisor by selecting an available time on their MAP Student Advisor’s calendar and booking either an in person or Teams appointment at a convenient day and time. Any other queries regarding the summer programme or the application process may be directed to [email protected].