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LLM (GLOBAL LEGAL STUDIES)

Qualification : MASTERS IN LAW

Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)

CAO/MU Apply code : MH51J

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 30 June 2025

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The increased potential for international elements to any legal issue – from trade and business, to crime, to migration, to information technology, to privacy – has meant that legal graduates need to possess skills that transcend one national jurisdiction. The LLM in Global Legal Studies imparts just those skills. By taking the LLM in Global Legal Studies, students will be exposed to a range of legal issues that extend across jurisdictions and will gain critical insights from a variety of other disciplines, including politics, psychology, economics and sociology.

Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures, in-class simulations, workshops and master classes. In addition to the modules, the School works with leading academics and practitioners who provide seminars in various fields of law throughout the academic year.

We partner with leading international law firms such as Matheson and A & L Goodbody on several initiatives. We also offer students the opportunity to apply for our Postgraduate Placement module, which gives successful applicants the chance to work part-time for one semester at one of our partner organisations. We have partnerships with a broad range of organisations across the public and private sector, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Forsa, PrivacyEngine and Alcohol Action Ireland.

What our graduates say:

I chose to do the LLM in Global Legal Studies as it covers a wide range of interesting legal topics. Modules are taught in smaller groups, which allows students to have a discussion with their peers and the lecturers are passionate about the topics they are teaching. Not only were my research skills greatly developed, there were also practical forms of assessment, which allowed me to strengthen my presentation and negotiation skills. I believe that this LLM helps to develop the skills required for your future career, whether that be in research or in practice.  Áine Harkin, FE-1 Candidate
Global Legal Studies Class of 2022/23

The LLM in Global Legal Studies has been instrumental in shaping my career and providing me with exciting opportunities within the student community. Having completed my undergraduate degree in Maynooth, I can affirm the Law Department's commitment and desire for supporting each student's success. Further, the modules are thoughtfully designed to reflect the changing legal landscape, ensuring students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. There are also many options to gain practical experience in leading law firms, NGOs and private companies. An exceptional experience during my time in the course was participating in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition through the International Mooting module. With truly the best coaches guiding us, it was brilliant to engage in such a wide-scale competition prior to becoming a trainee, which again underscores the Department's dedication to providing unparalleled professional development. For aspiring legal professionals, this course really equips you with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to take that pivotal first step in your careers! Jobitha Prince, Legal Intern, Philip Lee LLP, Global Legal Studies Class of 2022/23

 

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a 2:2 overall classification in a Level 8 undergraduate degree. This degree must be in law or a cognate discipline in the humanities or social/political sciences (including but not limited to business, finance, economics, international relations, sociology, etc).  

Applicants from certain non-EU countries are required to meet different minimum entrance criteria, which can be found here.

The International Office will be able to advise international applicants on the compatibility of their degree with these criteria – [email protected].

Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency can find the minimum required scores in a variety of accepted tests here.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of entry onto this programme. Decision on admission to the programme are at the discretion of the Admission Committee.  

Applications by applicants with other types of diplomas or who do not reach this minimum level of qualifications will be determined by the Admissions Committee in line with the University’s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, which can be accessed here.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

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The Global Legal Studies programme allows students to choose from our full range of postgraduate law modules (with specific exceptions that are reserved to the international business or international justice programmes).

Students must complete 90 credits in total – 60 credits from the optional modules, plus the compulsory Professional Development (5 credits) and Dissertation (25 credits) modules.

Professional Development is undertaken in year 1 of the programme, and the dissertation is undertaken in year 2. Students should then register for 30 credits of optional modules each year and can elect how to spread these modules across the year.

Not all modules offered will run every year; offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Please note that some modules will have prerequisites attached to them.

Students can elect to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of an LLM, if they find that they are unable to complete the dissertation.

Course Duration: 2 years part-time. 

More detail in Course Finder.

Course Duration: 2 years part-time

Students who undertake the LLM in Global Legal Studies will have valuable critical analytical and research skills that will be beneficial for careers in a wide range of sectors. Our students have gone on to work for government departments, national and international NGOs, community organisations, leading law firms and a range of other organisations. The LLM in Global Legal studies is also excellent preparation for undertaking doctoral studies. The School has strong links with several private and public sector organisations, including several leading Irish law firms. Through these relationships we offer students valuable opportunities for professional development and networking, both as part of the degree and outside of it.    

Online application only. To make an application please click here

To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application: 

  • Evidence of your primary degree 
  • Academic transcripts 
  • A copy of your passport 
  • A personal statement   
  • An academic letter of recommendation 

 Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants 
 

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