Global - Legal Studies

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 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.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) 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 who do not hold a primary degree but have relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process for Non-Standard Entrants. Eligible candidates may be invited to interview. Please click here.



English Language requirements:

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. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

1 year full-time

2 years part-time.

Commences: September

Graduates of our postgraduate programmes have secured roles at a variety of organisations including leading law firms such as Mathesons and A&L Goodbody, commercial organisations such as AIB, public bodies such as the NSAI and the Department of Justice, and non-governmental organisations such as the Peter McVerry Trust and the Organization for Women and Children. Our graduates have also successfully pursued PhD studies in a range of fields.



The School of Law and Criminology supports the career development and employability prospects of our postgraduate students though a range of teaching and extracurricular opportunities.



Our Professional Development module, which is compulsory on all our Postgraduate programmes, helps students to reflect on their skills and career ambitions. The programme of guest speakers within the module exposes students to insights and advice from a variety of legal and criminological career paths. The module assessment helps students to practice articulating their skills, experiences and development needs.

Our Placement module offers students the opportunity to apply for a paid internship with one of our partner organisations (which are generally public authorities, NGOs, and private sectors organisations in the law or criminology field). This module allows successful applicants to gain work experience in a field that is relevant to their programme of study. It allows them to develop their professional skills and networks.

Our Volunteering and Work Shadowing Scheme provides students with the opportunity to observe and experience the manner of work that organisations in the legal and criminological sectors conduct. This allows students to network and build valuable professional connections, as well as gain insights into potential career paths. Students can gain an inside perspective on work that relates to their study, and could use the opportunity as a springboard for future volunteering or job applications.

Our Guest Lectures provide students the opportunity to listen to influential figures within legal and criminological practice. Students are exposed to expert analysis of current events and issues, have the opportunity to network and ask questions that may help their career reflection and development, and develop ideas and opinions that may influence future career planning or applications.



All Maynooth University students can avail of our Careers and Employability Service, which provides advice and resources to help students at any stage of career planning. All of our Postgraduate Students are encouraged to join one of the many legal or criminological clubs and societies such as the Law Society, Criminology Society, Free Legal Advice Clinic, Debating Society, European Law Students Association Society, and more. These provide ideal opportunities for enhancing transferrable skills, networking, and developing leadership capabilities.