Law - Global Legal Studies

The LLM (Global Legal Studies) masters degree provides graduates with an advanced and systematic understanding of specialised subject areas, affording an ideal platform for students to acquire expertise and knowledge informed by research-led teaching. The programme facilitates career pathways in law, business, politics, non-governmental organisations, and policymaking bodies at the national and international levels.

The distinct international focus of the programme reflects the increasingly global nature of legal practice. The modules offered are distinguished by the approach taken, which is to focus not on a national or regional jurisdiction, but to address these issues from the point of view of foundational (global) principles and to illustrate these with examples from jurisdictions all over the world.

In addition, certain modules on the programme are run in partnership with leading law firms, offering students the opportunity to apply for work placements at the end of their studies.

Students must complete 90 credits in total, taking 35 taught credits in semester 1 and 30 taught credits in semester 2. A taught Professional Development module and a 25-credit dissertation are the only compulsory elements of the programme.

Not all modules offered will run every year, offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Students may choose any combination of modules they wish. Please note that some modules will have prerequisites attached to them.

Students also have the option of graduation with a Postgraduate Diploma instead of an LLM. The structure of the Postgraduate Diploma follows that of the LLM's structure, but students do not complete a dissertation.

Candidates should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (level 8) undergraduate degree in law (a 'licence', an LLB, BCL or equivalent) or in a cognate discipline in the humanities, social and political sciences such as (but not limited to) business, finance, economics, international relations, sociology and political science. This must be a recognised primary degree that is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. A personal statement of up to 1,000 words outlining why an applicant is suitable for the programme should be included as part of an application. This personal statement will form part of the assessment by the Admissions Committee.

These are the minimum entry requirements and meeting these requirements will not guarantee an offer of entry onto the programme. Admission decisions are at the discretion of the Admissions 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 experiential learning.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Minimum English language requirements:

IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

All applications should be made through the PAC system.

Closing Date : 30 June 2021

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology has strong links with law firms, regulators, nongovernmental agencies, and the technology sector. Certain modules on the programme are run in partnership with leading law firms, offering students the opportunity to apply for work placements at the end of their studies. Candidates will also have the opportunity to attend recruitment presentations by prospective employers.

The unique perspectives offered by the programme will be relevant to those seeking to work in the increasingly internationalised field of commercial legal practice, as well as those looking to work in international public and private sector organisations. The insights gained from studying law in a global context will also be of benefit to those seeking careers in areas like financial services, policy-making and business.