Law: Transitional Justice, Human Rights & Conflict

Course Overview

The LLM in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict examines the complex legal, policy and practical questions of justice and peacebuilding in societies emerging from conflict, authoritarianism or situations of mass human rights violations. This innovative programme will provide an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and researching the world's most pressing issues on transitional justice, peacebuilding and reconciliation.



The programme will be of interest to those seeking to pursue advanced studies in transitional justice, human rights, post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding. It will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with issues of transitional justice and peacebuilding in the aftermath of gross human rights violations, such as forced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, gender-based and sexual violence in conflict, and genocide.



The programme will also be of interest to those seeking to pursue careers in public policy in the United Nations, international humanitarian and development organisations, government, and transitional justice processes.



The programme is delivered by the Irish Centre for Human Rights which has a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research in international human rights, peacebuilding and conflict studies. The Irish Centre for Human Rights has developed excellent links with international and regional organisations, diplomatic missions, United Nations, international courts and tribunals, international non-governmental organisations, and European institutions, and has a global network of alumni in senior roles working on transitional justice, peacebuilding, conflict and security.



Transferable Skills Employers Value

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the institutions and processes of transitional justice and their application in societies emerging from conflict or authoritarian regimes and transitioning to democracy.

• Critically evaluate transitional justice mechanisms based on their stated objectives, such as justice, truth, peace, reconciliation, and compliance with human rights law.

• Analyse core concepts of transitional justice, peacebuilding and international human rights law and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of UN systems of human rights protection, and apply this knowledge to diverse situations.

• Apply knowledge and skills in carrying out research projects from design to write-up on topics relating to transitional justice and international human rights law.

• Demonstrate skills highly relevant to transitional justice, peacebuilding, reconciliation and justice sector reform and accountability, in the voluntary, public and private sectors, in peace operations and post-conflict societies.

• Apply and analyse socio-legal arguments in diverse country contexts in relation to transitional justice.

• Discuss and analyse the role of transitional justice mechanisms in complementing international criminal justice in diverse societies.

Teaching takes place in Semesters One and Two (September – May). Field trips, Summer Schools and the LLM Dissertation are completed in the summer period (May – August).



The 90 ECTS programme consists of:

Compulsory modules 10 ECTS + Disseration 30 ECTS + Elective Modules 50 ECTS

Core module (10 ECTS)

• Transitional Justice (10 ECTS)

Dissertation (30 ECTS)



Elective Modules (Students chose 50 ECTS from a wide range of subject choices)

Course and module offerings and details are subject to change. Below are the list of modules being offered during the academic year 2024/2025. View descriptions of each module here ror click on ‘Year 1 (90 credits)’ below to view module information.



Highly Recommended Elective Modules

• International Human Rights Law (10 ECTS)

• International Peace Operations (10 ECTS)



Other Elective Modules

• Public International Law (10 ECTS)

• Gender and Human Rights (10 ECTS)

• International Criminal Law (10 ECTS)

• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits)

• Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law (10 ECTS)

• European Migration Law (5 ECTS)

• European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics (10 ECTS)

• International Humanitarian Law (10 ECTS)

• Business and Human Rights 2 (10 ECTS)

• International Refugee Law (10 ECTS)

• Human Rights Law Clinic (10 ECTS)

• Climate Justice (5 ECTS)

• The Common European Asylum System (5 ECTS)

• Procedure before International Criminal Courts (5 ECTS)

• Counter Terrorism and Human Rights (5 ECTS)

• Critical Race Theory and Human Rights (5 ECTS)

• Transnational Lawyering (5 ECTS)

• International Child Rights (5 ECTS)

• Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

• Legal Capacity Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

• International Disability Human Rights Clinic (10 ECTS)

• Advocacy and Access to Justice (10 ECTS)

• Inclusive Education Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

• Mental Health Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

• Policing, Security and Rights (10 ECTS)

• Minors, Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System (10 ECTS)

• Sentencing and Penal Law Policy (10 ECTS)

• Imprisonment and Rights (10 ECTS)



Students may also take up to 10 ECTS from the LLM (General) and LLM International and Comparative Business Law.



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

Entry Requirements

• The Irish Centre for Human Rights welcomes students with a Level 8 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in a range of disciplines including law, political science, social sciences and humanities.

• In cases where applicants come from a non-law background, the Irish Centre for Human Rights will consider academic background, relevant work experience, references and a personal statement.

• Applicants must normally have attained at primary degree level a result of Second-Class Honours Grade 1 (2.1) or equivalent. However, those falling short of this standard may be considered where they can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience.



International students should refer to the country-specific information section of the Global Galway website.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants must normally have attained at primary degree level a result of Second-Class Honours Grade 1 (2.1) or equivalent. However, those falling short of this standard may be considered where they can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

The programme will open up career opportunities in the justice sector, peace building, conflict and security, and peace operations with the United Nations, international and regional organisations, EU institutions, Council of Europe, African Union, Inter-American human rights system, and international non-government human rights organisations. Graduates may also seek career opportunities with international courts and tribunals, in justice sector reform programmes, international development, diplomacy and international public policy, and humanitarian organisations.



International and regional organisations and civil society increasingly require skills, training and expertise in the field of transitional justice, human rights and conflict.



Current societal challenges, including conflict, insecurity and threats to democracy, as reflected in the Horizon Europe programmes, highlight the need for knowledge, skills and competence in transitional justice, human rights and peacebuilding.