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Law (Structured PhD)

Structured PhD (Law)

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Course Overview

The Structured PhD is available as a 4-year full time programme and as a 6 year part-time programme (360 ECTS). Each student must obtain 30 ECTS through structured modules having a taught or skills component over the course of the PhD. The thesis remains central to the award of the PhD. The remaining ECTS are derived from the research component.

Structured PhD modules:

Research students undertaking a Structured PhD in Law must take 30 ECT in structured modules (see Guidelines for Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes 2023-24 for details). Structured modules can be chosen from the following:

  • Law PhD modules:

Article-based PhDs are also possible: see Article-Based-PhDs-Guidelines (College of Business, Public Policy and Law) for further information.

 

Programmes Available

Structured PhD (full-time, four years; part-time, six years)

Applications are made online via University of Galway's Postgraduate Applications System. 

Associated

Learning Outcomes

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the PhD programme, a candidate must normally have obtained an LL.M or other Master’s degree to honours standard (or equivalent international qualification). However, at a minimum, the candidate must have reached a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of his/her fitness.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Current research projects

 

 

Current funded research opportunity

Work Placement

Related Student Organisations

Career Opportunities

Find a Supervisor / PhD Project

If you are still looking for a potential supervisor or PhD project or would like to identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, you can use our online portal to help in that search

Course Outline

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Subject
Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Required Core Subject
A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 1
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 1
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 1
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 1
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 1
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 1
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 1
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 1

Year 2 (90 Credits)

OptionalHI546: Studies In The History Of Colonialism And Imperialism I - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGG100: Women's Human Rights: Issues, Debates and Practice - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGG103: Feminist Theorising - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC506: Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS501: Seminar Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS502: Journal Club Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS508: Formulating a Research Project Proposal - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS509: Participation in Workshops/Courses - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS511: Research Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS513: Research Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS514: Research Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS515: Research Paper Publication - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS520: BioInnovate I Core: Needs finding to concept generation - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS526: Oral/poster communications (year 1 - 3) - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS530: Graduate Research Information Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW561: Mental Health Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW6101: Legal Opinion or Advice - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 3
OptionalMS5101: Research Skills for Business Students (online) - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalNUIM-EC605B-6A: Fundamentals of Econometrics/Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM050: Research Component - 50 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM055: Research Component - 55 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM060: Research Component - 60 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM065: Research Component - 65 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM070: Research Component - 70 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM075: Research Component - 75 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM080: Research Component - 80 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM085: Research Component - 85 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalRM090: Research Component - 90 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalNUIM_PS861C: SPHeRE Perspectives on Population Health and Health Services Research - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalNUIM_PS862T: SPHERE Health Systems, Policy and Management - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalNUIM_PS863R: SPHERE Systematic Reviewing and Protocol Development - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalTI714.I: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS536: Communication & Outreach - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS5104: Intensive Writing Workshop - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS5107: Work Based Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS5108: Work Based Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS5109: Work Based Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW550: Advocacy and Access to Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW551: Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW553: Inclusive Education Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW558: Legal Capacity Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW562: Regional Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW566: Immigration Law: between sovereignty and equality - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5107: International Child Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5106: Economic Social and Cultural Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalMG5117: Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalMG6103: Employment Relations and Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS507: Statistical Methods for Research - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW439: Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW483: Advanced Legal Research & Method - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW485: Sentencing & Penal Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW491: Equality Law: Principles & Thematic Application - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW525: Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW530: Procedure Before International Criminal Courts - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW538: Transitional Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW471: International Humanitarian Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC5120: Economics of Health and Health Care - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5110: International Human Rights Law Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW455: Minority Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5111: Business and Human Rights 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5114: International Refugee Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5104: Islam and Human Rights II - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5113: The Common European Asylum System - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5112: Human Rights and Global Governance - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5109: European Migration Law - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5116: Gender and Human Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5117: International Human Rights Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5118: Public International Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5119: The Politics of Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5120: European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5121: Transnational Lawyering - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5122: International Criminal Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5123: International Peace Operations - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW556: Law and Policy on Independent Living - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW486: Theories of Judicial Activism - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalED6167: Educational Research Methodology and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC660: Research Seminar I (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW117: Constitutional Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW118: Contract - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW262: Tort - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW301: Criminal Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW427: European Union Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW225: Land Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW229: Company Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW263: Equity I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW513: Evidence I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW337: Administrative Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5124: Climate Justice - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5125: International Criminal Law: Issues and Application - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEAP5109: Academic English Writing Skills for Graduate Researchers - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC374: Advanced Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC556: Philosophy of Social Science - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW552: Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS505: Graduate Research Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalPO1100: Public and Patient Involvement in Research - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5103: Islam and Human Rights I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5126: Critical Race Theory and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalEC5143: Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalSC650: Shannon College PGR Identifier code - 0 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5101: International Disability Human Rights Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5105: Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5209: Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5205: Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5203: Advanced Comparative Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5206: Global Issues in Contemporary Labour Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5208: European Consumer Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5211: EU External Relations Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5212: Vis Moot - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW575: Crime and Disorder - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5214: Imprisonment and Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5201: EU Competition Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5204: International Commercial Property Law - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalLW5210: Commercial Law in Context - 10 Credits - Semester 3
OptionalGS506: Teaching & Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalGS5103: Conference Organisation - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW489: Disability Law Reform Challenges - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalNUIM_PS864CR: SPHeRE Practical Approaches to Population Health and Health Services Research Me - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalNUIM_PS865R: SPHeRE Working with Health Information , Data Informatics and Statisticial Analy - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalNUIM_PS866T: SPHeRE Health Economics - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalTI714.II: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalGG6101: Gender and Conflict - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalEC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalEC661: Research Seminar II (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW304: Criminal Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW428: European Union Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW226: Land Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW231: Company Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW265: Equity II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW514: Evidence II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalLW3119: Jurisprudence - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalMK5118: Social Marketing & Sustainability - 5 Credits - Semester 4
OptionalGS5112: Idea to Impact Bootcamp - Design Thinking Training Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Year 3 (90 Credits)

OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGG100: Women's Human Rights: Issues, Debates and Practice - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGG103: Feminist Theorising - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC506: Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS501: Seminar Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS502: Journal Club Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS508: Formulating a Research Project Proposal - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS509: Participation in Workshops/Courses - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS511: Research Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS513: Research Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS514: Research Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS515: Research Paper Publication - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS520: BioInnovate I Core: Needs finding to concept generation - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS526: Oral/poster communications (year 1 - 3) - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS530: Graduate Research Information Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW552: Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW561: Mental Health Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW6101: Legal Opinion or Advice - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 5
OptionalMS5101: Research Skills for Business Students (online) - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM030: Research Component - 30 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM045: Research Component - 45 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM050: Research Component - 50 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM055: Research Component - 55 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM060: Research Component - 60 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM065: Research Component - 65 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM070: Research Component - 70 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM075: Research Component - 75 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM080: Research Component - 80 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM085: Research Component - 85 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalRM090: Research Component - 90 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalSH112: Beginners Spanish Language I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalTI714.I: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalNUIM_PS861C: SPHeRE Perspectives on Population Health and Health Services Research - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalNUIM_PS862T: SPHERE Health Systems, Policy and Management - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalNUIM_PS863R: SPHERE Systematic Reviewing and Protocol Development - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalPS702: Qualitative Research Methods - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS536: Communication & Outreach - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS5104: Intensive Writing Workshop - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS5107: Work Based Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS5108: Work Based Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS5109: Work Based Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW550: Advocacy and Access to Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW551: Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW553: Inclusive Education Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW558: Legal Capacity Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW562: Regional Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW566: Immigration Law: between sovereignty and equality - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5107: International Child Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5105: Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5106: Economic Social and Cultural Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalMG5117: Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalMG6103: Employment Relations and Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW439: Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS507: Statistical Methods for Research - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW483: Advanced Legal Research & Method - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW485: Sentencing & Penal Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW491: Equality Law: Principles & Thematic Application - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW525: Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW530: Procedure Before International Criminal Courts - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW538: Transitional Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW471: International Humanitarian Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC5120: Economics of Health and Health Care - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5110: International Human Rights Law Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW455: Minority Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5111: Business and Human Rights 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5114: International Refugee Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5104: Islam and Human Rights II - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5113: The Common European Asylum System - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5112: Human Rights and Global Governance - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5109: European Migration Law - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5116: Gender and Human Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5117: International Human Rights Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5118: Public International Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5119: The Politics of Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5120: European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5121: Transnational Lawyering - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5122: International Criminal Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5123: International Peace Operations - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW556: Law and Policy on Independent Living - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW486: Theories of Judicial Activism - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalED6167: Educational Research Methodology and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC660: Research Seminar I (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW117: Constitutional Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW118: Contract - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW262: Tort - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW301: Criminal Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW427: European Union Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW225: Land Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW229: Company Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW263: Equity I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW513: Evidence I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW337: Administrative Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5124: Climate Justice - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5125: International Criminal Law: Issues and Application - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEAP5109: Academic English Writing Skills for Graduate Researchers - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC556: Philosophy of Social Science - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC374: Advanced Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalGS505: Graduate Research Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalPO1100: Public and Patient Involvement in Research - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5103: Islam and Human Rights I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5126: Critical Race Theory and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalEC5143: Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalSC650: Shannon College PGR Identifier code - 0 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5101: International Disability Human Rights Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5209: Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5205: Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5203: Advanced Comparative Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5206: Global Issues in Contemporary Labour Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5208: European Consumer Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5211: EU External Relations Law - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5212: Vis Moot - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW575: Crime and Disorder - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalLW5214: Imprisonment and Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 5
OptionalSP407: Sociology Of Work - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalGS506: Teaching & Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalGS5103: Conference Organisation - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalGS522: BioInnovate II Core: Concept Development and Implementation - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW6102: Law Research Skills 1 - Preparation, Presentation & Discussion - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalSP649: Power - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalSPA403: Conference Presentation - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalTI714.II: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalNUIM_PS864CR: SPHeRE Practical Approaches to Population Health and Health Services Research Me - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalNUIM_PS865R: SPHeRE Working with Health Information , Data Informatics and Statisticial Analy - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalNUIM_PS866T: SPHeRE Health Economics - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalUCD_BIOL 40110: Global Challenges and Green Issues: Policy and Innovation - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalUCD_BIOL 40300: Perspectives in Earth and Natural Sciences I - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalGG6101: Gender and Conflict - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalEC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalEC661: Research Seminar II (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW304: Criminal Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW428: European Union Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW226: Land Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW231: Company Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW265: Equity II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW514: Evidence II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalLW3119: Jurisprudence - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalMK5118: Social Marketing & Sustainability - 5 Credits - Semester 6
OptionalGS5112: Idea to Impact Bootcamp - Design Thinking Training Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 6

Year 4 (90 Credits)

OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGG100: Women's Human Rights: Issues, Debates and Practice - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGG103: Feminist Theorising - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC506: Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS501: Seminar Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS502: Journal Club Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS508: Formulating a Research Project Proposal - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS509: Participation in Workshops/Courses - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS511: Research Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS513: Research Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS514: Research Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS515: Research Paper Publication - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS520: BioInnovate I Core: Needs finding to concept generation - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS526: Oral/poster communications (year 1 - 3) - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS530: Graduate Research Information Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW552: Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW561: Mental Health Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW6101: Legal Opinion or Advice - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 7
OptionalMS5101: Research Skills for Business Students (online) - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM050: Research Component - 50 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM055: Research Component - 55 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM060: Research Component - 60 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM065: Research Component - 65 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM070: Research Component - 70 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM075: Research Component - 75 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM080: Research Component - 80 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM085: Research Component - 85 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalRM090: Research Component - 90 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalTI714.I: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS536: Communication & Outreach - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS5104: Intensive Writing Workshop - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS5107: Work Based Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS5108: Work Based Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS5109: Work Based Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW550: Advocacy and Access to Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW551: Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW553: Inclusive Education Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW558: Legal Capacity Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW562: Regional Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW566: Immigration Law: between sovereignty and equality - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5107: International Child Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5105: Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5106: Economic Social and Cultural Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalMG5117: Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalMG6103: Employment Relations and Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS507: Statistical Methods for Research - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW439: Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW483: Advanced Legal Research & Method - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW485: Sentencing & Penal Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW491: Equality Law: Principles & Thematic Application - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW525: Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW530: Procedure Before International Criminal Courts - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW538: Transitional Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW471: International Humanitarian Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC5120: Economics of Health and Health Care - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5110: International Human Rights Law Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW455: Minority Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5116: Gender and Human Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5117: International Human Rights Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5118: Public International Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5119: The Politics of Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5120: European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5121: Transnational Lawyering - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5122: International Criminal Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5123: International Peace Operations - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5114: International Refugee Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5104: Islam and Human Rights II - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5113: The Common European Asylum System - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5112: Human Rights and Global Governance - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5109: European Migration Law - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5111: Business and Human Rights 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW556: Law and Policy on Independent Living - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW486: Theories of Judicial Activism - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalED6167: Educational Research Methodology and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC660: Research Seminar I (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW117: Constitutional Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW118: Contract - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW262: Tort - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW301: Criminal Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW427: European Union Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW225: Land Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW229: Company Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW263: Equity I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW513: Evidence I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW337: Administrative Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5124: Climate Justice - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5125: International Criminal Law: Issues and Application - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEAP5109: Academic English Writing Skills for Graduate Researchers - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC374: Advanced Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC556: Philosophy of Social Science - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS505: Graduate Research Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalPO1100: Public and Patient Involvement in Research - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5103: Islam and Human Rights I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5126: Critical Race Theory and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalEC5143: Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalSC650: Shannon College PGR Identifier code - 0 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5101: International Disability Human Rights Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5209: Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5205: Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5203: Advanced Comparative Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5206: Global Issues in Contemporary Labour Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5208: European Consumer Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5211: EU External Relations Law - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5212: Vis Moot - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW575: Crime and Disorder - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalLW5214: Imprisonment and Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 7
OptionalGS506: Teaching & Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalGS5103: Conference Organisation - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalGS522: BioInnovate II Core: Concept Development and Implementation - 10 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW6102: Law Research Skills 1 - Preparation, Presentation & Discussion - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW6103: Law Research Skills 2 - Engaging in Scholarship & Debate - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalTI714.II: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalUCD_BIOL 40310: Perspectives in Earth and Natural Sciences II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalEC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalEC661: Research Seminar II (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW304: Criminal Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW428: European Union Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW226: Land Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW231: Company Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW265: Equity II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW514: Evidence II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalLW3119: Jurisprudence - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalMK5118: Social Marketing & Sustainability - 5 Credits - Semester 8
OptionalGS5112: Idea to Impact Bootcamp - Design Thinking Training Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 8

Year 5 (90 Credits)

OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGG100: Women's Human Rights: Issues, Debates and Practice - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGG103: Feminist Theorising - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC506: Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS501: Seminar Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS502: Journal Club Programme - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS508: Formulating a Research Project Proposal - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS509: Participation in Workshops/Courses - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS511: Research Placement 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS513: Research Placement 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS514: Research Placement 3 - 15 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS515: Research Paper Publication - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS520: BioInnovate I Core: Needs finding to concept generation - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS526: Oral/poster communications (year 1 - 3) - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS530: Graduate Research Information Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW552: Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW561: Mental Health Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 9
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM050: Research Component - 50 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM055: Research Component - 55 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM060: Research Component - 60 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM065: Research Component - 65 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM070: Research Component - 70 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM075: Research Component - 75 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM080: Research Component - 80 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM085: Research Component - 85 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalRM090: Research Component - 90 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalTI714.I: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS536: Communication & Outreach - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW550: Advocacy and Access to Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW551: Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW553: Inclusive Education Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW558: Legal Capacity Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW562: Regional Disability Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW566: Immigration Law: between sovereignty and equality - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5107: International Child Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5105: Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5106: Economic Social and Cultural Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalMG5117: Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalMG6103: Employment Relations and Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW432: Business & Human Rights 1 - 15 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW439: Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS507: Statistical Methods for Research - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW483: Advanced Legal Research & Method - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW485: Sentencing & Penal Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW491: Equality Law: Principles & Thematic Application - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW525: Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW530: Procedure Before International Criminal Courts - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW471: International Humanitarian Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC5120: Economics of Health and Health Care - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5111: Business and Human Rights 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5114: International Refugee Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5104: Islam and Human Rights II - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5113: The Common European Asylum System - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5112: Human Rights and Global Governance - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5109: European Migration Law - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5110: International Human Rights Law Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW455: Minority Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5116: Gender and Human Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5117: International Human Rights Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5118: Public International Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5119: The Politics of Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5120: European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5121: Transnational Lawyering - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5122: International Criminal Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5123: International Peace Operations - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW556: Law and Policy on Independent Living - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW486: Theories of Judicial Activism - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalED6167: Educational Research Methodology and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC660: Research Seminar I (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW117: Constitutional Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW118: Contract - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW262: Tort - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW301: Criminal Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW427: European Union Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW225: Land Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW229: Company Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW263: Equity I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW513: Evidence I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW337: Administrative Law I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5124: Climate Justice - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5125: International Criminal Law: Issues and Application - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEAP5109: Academic English Writing Skills for Graduate Researchers - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC556: Philosophy of Social Science - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC374: Advanced Econometrics - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS505: Graduate Research Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalMS5101: Research Skills for Business Students (online) - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalPO1100: Public and Patient Involvement in Research - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5103: Islam and Human Rights I - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5126: Critical Race Theory and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalEC5143: Research Methods for Health Economics and Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalSC650: Shannon College PGR Identifier code - 0 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5101: International Disability Human Rights Clinic - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW538: Transitional Justice - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5209: Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5205: Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5203: Advanced Comparative Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5206: Global Issues in Contemporary Labour Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5208: European Consumer Law and Policy - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5211: EU External Relations Law - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5212: Vis Moot - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW575: Crime and Disorder - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalLW5214: Imprisonment and Rights - 10 Credits - Semester 9
OptionalGS506: Teaching & Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalGS522: BioInnovate II Core: Concept Development and Implementation - 10 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalTI714.II: Introduction to Practical GIS - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalEC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalEC661: Research Seminar II (Economics) - 10 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW304: Criminal Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW428: European Union Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW226: Land Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW231: Company Law II - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW265: Equity II - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW514: Evidence II - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalLW3119: Jurisprudence - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalGS5103: Conference Organisation - 5 Credits - Semester 10
OptionalMK5118: Social Marketing & Sustainability - 5 Credits - Semester 10

Year 6 (0 Credits)

OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 11
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 11

Year 7 (0 Credits)

OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 13
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 13
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 13
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 13
OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 13
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 13
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 13
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 13

Year 8 (0 Credits)

OptionalAY650: Accountancy - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalEC650: Economics - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalLW610: Disability Law and Policy - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalLW650: Law - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalLW651: Human Rights - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalMG650: Management - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalMK650: Marketing - Credits - Semester 15
OptionalMS650: Management Information Systems - 0 Credits - Semester 15

Research Areas

If you are considering applying for a PhD, you should first prepare a research proposal – see this guidance document for more on what this should contain.

You should also consider how you will fund your studies. The two main sources of scholarships in Galway are the Hardiman scheme and the Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. The College of Business, Public Policy and Law, the School of Law and the Research Centres will also sometimes have funding for specific projects from time to time – please check our social media presences to stay up to date on those. In general, individual staff will not have funding for new PhD students and sourcing this is your responsibility.

Areas of expertise include:

  • Human Rights 
  • Disability Law
  • Housing Law and Policy
  • Family Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminology
  • Refugee and Immigration Law
  • Information Technology Law
  • Lawtech/Legaltech
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • EU Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Jurisprudence

A generic message to all staff is unlikely to yield success. Contact an appropriate expert with your proposal and CV, explaining clearly how your project fits with their interests. If your intended supervisor responds positively, they will assist you in finalising your application, which then needs to be submitted through the relevant online platform. Your application will then be considered by the School of Law. Candidates, proposed topic, and intended supervisor of research must be approved by the School.

Researcher Profiles

Once you have a well-developed proposal and have considered the practicalities, you should review the profiles and expertise of our staff to locate individuals who are a good match for your research proposal. You can also use our online portal to help locate a supervisor in a research area. Candidates who are unsure who to contact in relation to supervision, or who wish to obtain more information, should review the current relevant staff listing or contact Dr. Rónán Kennedy or the School of Law Administration.

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€5,750 p.a. (€5,890 including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€14,500 p.a. (€14,640 including levy) 2024/25

Extra Information


EU Part time: Year 1 €4,250 p.a. (€4,390 including levy) 2024/25


All students, irrespective of funding, must pay the student levy €140.

Contact Us

Structured PhD GuidelinesGuidelines for Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes 2023-24

Dr. Rónán Kennedy or School of Law Administrator
School of Law, University of Galway.
T +353 91 495626 or +353 91 492389
E ronan.m.kennedy@universityofgalway.ie or law@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/law/

 

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