Law - Transitional Justice, Human Rights & Conflict

The LLM in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict at the University of Galway offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the legal, policy, and practical challenges facing societies emerging from conflict, authoritarianism, or mass human rights violations. The programme critically examines mechanisms such as truth commissions, criminal tribunals, reparations, and institutional reform, and addresses urgent global issues including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, genocide, and gender-based and sexual violence in conflict. Students gain a deep understanding of how transitional justice contributes to peacebuilding, accountability, and reconciliation, with a strong emphasis on international human rights and humanitarian law.



Delivered by the internationally renowned Irish Centre for Human Rights, the programme draws on the expertise of leading scholars and practitioners and benefits from close partnerships with the United Nations, international courts and tribunals, NGOs, and regional organisations. Ideal for those pursuing careers in international law, public policy, human rights, and development, this LLM equips graduates with the legal knowledge and practical skills to engage with post-conflict justice and peace processes across the globe. Alumni of the programme hold senior positions in diplomacy, advocacy, legal practice, and academic institutions worldwide.

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, Level 8 primary degree in in law or in another relevant discipline including business, computer science, or statistics.



In exceptional circumstances, an applicant holding a degree in another discipline or a degree of less than an approved Second Class Honours Degree, Grade 1 (H2.1) standard may be considered where they have relevant professional experience in law or in another relevant subject area.

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

Next start date: September 2026

Graduates of the LLM in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict are equipped for impactful careers in post-conflict recovery, human rights protection, international justice, and peacebuilding. Career opportunities span international organisations (such as the UN, ICC, and OHCHR), NGOs, truth commissions, reparations bodies, legal practices, government agencies, and academic institutions. Graduates commonly take up roles as legal advisors, transitional justice consultants, human rights officers, policy analysts, and researchers. The programme provides strong grounding in international human rights law, mechanisms of transitional justice, and conflict-related legal and policy frameworks, preparing students to work in complex, post-conflict environments.



This LLM also provides a pathway to senior positions in international courts, NGOs, or policy-making bodies, as well as academic careers and PhD study in related fields. As global attention to truth, justice, and reconciliation grows particularly in contexts of armed conflict, authoritarianism, or mass human rights violations there is a rising demand for legal and policy professionals skilled in accountability, institutional reform, reparations, and victim-centred justice. Students interested in legal practice may need to pursue further professional qualifications, with the University offering support in identifying appropriate next steps.