DC662 - LLM (Master of Laws)

The School of Law and Government at DCU offers a world leading LLM (Masters of Laws) designed to develop outward-looking critical thinkers ready to excel in the modern world. To this end, the School offers a range of postgraduate modules that goes beyond black-letter, formulaic legal study embracing a socio-legal and law and economics methodology with a European and International orientation.

Students have the choice between 6 alternate pathways (see links below): We offer a general LLM, plus five specialisms in European Law; International Human Rights Law; Public Law; Policing, Crime and Security; and Business and Trade Law and Market Regulation.

We welcome applicants from Ireland, the EU and the wider world who are interested in deepening their understanding of law in its broader social, political, economic, and global contexts.

The LLM programme is offered both full-time and part-time. Full-time students take three taught modules in semester 1 and three taught modules in semester 2. Part-time students take two taught modules in semester 1 (year 1), two taught modules in semester 2 (Year 1), and two taught modules year 2. In addition, all students need to complete a dissertation. Each module entails 2 hours of classes per week.

Modules are offered in-person. Some modules may be offered in hybrid form/online, but this will normally be a rare exception. 

Modules can be offered throughout the day/evening. We try to offer core modules in the late afternoon/evening (i.e., after 4 pm) to allow students with commitments during the day to attend classes. However, this is not guaranteed. 

Full-time students will be on-site for timetabled classes for two or three days a week in each semester (depending on the individual student’s module choice): 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after Christmas. Part-time students might be able to be on campus one to two days a week (but this is not guaranteed, as it depends on timetabling and individual student’s module choice).

Most students are on campus throughout the week: working on assignments, contributing in School research seminars, etc. To complete the program, you’re required to write a research dissertation. In preparation for the dissertation, you’ll have regular supervision meetings as well as occasional collective dissertation initiatives (some students work off site for much of the summer period and are free to do so).

Across all LLM pathways there are two obligatory modules: one on research methods and the independent research Dissertation (15,000 words). Specific pathways include a mix of other compulsory and optional modules across the first (September – December) and second (January – April) semesters.