Who is this course for?  

This LLM is ideal for law graduates, legal professionals, and human rights advocates interested in efforts aimed at holding perpetrators of international crimes to account. It suits those aiming to work with international criminal tribunals (like the ICC), civil society organisations, national courts, or in academic research. The course is particularly relevant for careers in war crimes prosecution, transitional justice, human rights law, and post-conflict accountability processes. 

Programme Structure 

Core modules (40 modules): 

• International Criminal Law (10 credits) 
• Minor Thesis (30 credits) 

Optional Modules (50 credits) may include: 

The School reserves the right to amend or withdraw modules subject to demand and other operational considerations. 

LLM Programme Modules 

• International Human Rights Law (10 credits) 
• Public International Law (10 credits) 
• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits) 
• Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law (10 credits) 
• Peace Support Operations (10 credits) 
• Advocacy, Activism and Public Interest Law (10 credits) 
• Policing, Security and Rights (10 credits) 
• Gender and Human Rights (10 credits) 
• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits) 
• Business and Human Rights 2 (10 credits) 
• International Refugee Law (10 credits) 
• Climate Justice (5 credits) 
• The Common European Asylum System (5 credits) 
• European Convention on HR: Law and Politics (10 credits) 
• Transitional Justice (10 credits) 
• Procedure before International Criminal Courts (5 credits) 
• Counter Terrorism and Human Rights (5 credits) 
• Transnational Lawyering (5 credits) 
• International Child Rights (5 credits) 
• Islam and Human Rights (5 credits) 
• Minority Groups and the Criminal Justice System (10 credits)

Curriculum Information

• Research-Led Teaching: Learn from globally recognised legal scholars whose pioneering research in international criminal justice, atrocity crimes, and global accountability shapes both the curriculum and international policy debates. 
• Practice-Oriented Skills: Gain experience in oral presentation and written advocacy, legal drafting, and international trial procedures through simulation-based exercises. 
• Specialised, Justice-Centred Curriculum: Explore key areas such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the functioning of international courts and tribunals. 
• Expert Faculty with Real-World Insight: Study under academics and former practitioners with direct experience at the International Criminal Court (ICC), ad hoc tribunals, and UN investigative bodies. 
• Global Relevance & Ethical Focus: Tackle complex legal questions around accountability, transitional justice, and victims’ rights in post-conflict and fragile state contexts. 

The LLM in International Criminal Law prepares graduates for impactful careers in international justice, human rights protection, and criminal accountability. Graduates are equipped for roles with international courts and tribunals, the United Nations, NGOs, human rights bodies, and national prosecution services. 

Career paths include legal officer, human rights advocate, investigator, policy advisor, and roles in transitional justice or war crimes prosecution. Many also progress to PhD study or academic careers in international law and justice. 

The programme responds to global needs for accountability in conflict and post-conflict contexts, addressing topics such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and international cooperation in criminal justice. It equips graduates with the legal and analytical skills to contribute meaningfully to the fight against impunity worldwide. 

• Professor Shane Darcy (Programme Director) 
• Professor Ray Murphy  
• Professor Siobhán Mullally
• Dr Paul Bradfield
• Professor Ciara Smyth
• Professor Emeritus William Schabas
• Dr Ekaterina Yahyaoui Krivenko 
• Dr Anita Ferrara
• ‌‌Dr Maeve O'Rourke
• Dr Edel Hughes
• Professor Roja Fazaeli
• Dr Roisin Mulgrew 
• Dr Illan Wall
• Dr Rory Kelly 

How will I learn? 

The LLM in International Criminal Law offers a rigorous, practice-focused learning experience combining legal theory with real-world application. You will engage in interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experts active in international criminal law and human rights. 

Learning methods include case studies, mooting and class exercises to develop skills in legal analysis and advocacy. Group work and class discussions encourage collaboration, while your independent thesis allows for in-depth research on a specialised topic. 

This programme prepares you for careers in international justice, NGOs, academia, and legal practice focused on accountability and human rights. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress will be assessed through a combination of essays, presentations, and an independent research thesis, designed to support both academic development and practical skill-building.  

1. Taught Modules: Most modules are assessed through written essays. Students are engaging with formative assessments and presentations, where feedback is provided to support continuous improvement. 
2. Presentations and Class Participation:  Students will have opportunities to deliver presentations and participate in discussions, helping to develop oral communication and argumentation skills. These components often form part of the continuous assessment. 
3. Minor Thesis (30 ECTS credits): You will complete a substantial, independently researched thesis on a topic of your choice related to law and digital innovation. Supervised by an academic advisor, this project allows you to demonstrate advanced legal research, writing, and analytical abilities. 

This assessment structure is designed to support your development as a skilled legal thinker and practitioner, strengthening core competencies in international criminal law, evidentiary analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving essential for careers in international justice, legal advocacy, and human rights protection. 

Explore our News and Events to discover our seminars, research talks, and activities at the Irish Centre for Human Rights that will expand your knowledge, build skills, and connect you with experts while you studying at University of Galway. 

Recent news includes:   

• Guest Lecture by Dr. Michael O’Flaherty on Europe’s Human Rights Challenges
• Dr Paul Bradfield Represents 6,000 Victims in ICC Hearing Against Joseph Kony
• Irish Centre for Human Rights Team Impresses at ICC Moot Court in The Hague
• Irish Centre for Human Rights students visit The Hague 

Course queries: 
shane.darcy@universityofgalway.ie 

Or  

lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Shane Darcy,  
Irish Centre for Human Rights, 
School of Law, 
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: shane.darcy@universityofgalway.ie

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of international criminal law frameworks, including the substantive crimes, jurisdiction, criminal liability, and due process 
• Analyse complex issues involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and individual criminal responsibility
• Retrieve, interpret, and synthesise international treaties, case law from tribunals, and academic research to develop precise legal arguments
• Apply advanced legal reasoning and ethical considerations to challenges in prosecuting international crimes and ensuring fair trial standards 
• Plan, manage, and execute an independent research project through a supervised thesis on topics related to international criminal justice 
• Reflect critically on the role of international criminal law in promoting accountability, deterrence, and victims’ rights 
• Exhibit strong self-direction, time management, and the ability to work independently within dynamic academic and professional environments 
• Develop communication skills tailored to legal, judicial, and policy audiences in both written and oral formats 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

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. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents  

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle. 

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Fieldtrips 

Students in the LLM in International Criminal Law at the University of Galway have opportunities to participate in extra curricular field trips and events such as visits to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague and the ICC Moot Court Competition. These experiences provide valuable practical insights into the workings of international criminal justice.  

Students are required to cover the travel and accommodation costs in the Hague for the purpose of this annual field trip. Institutions previously visited include the ICC, the International Court of Justice, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Students have an opportunity to meet with court officials, attend hearings and engage with University of Galway graduates. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway, 
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

School of Law Global Scholarship:  

Eligible postgraduate students can receive a scholarship covering up to 50% off their tuition fees. Full details available here. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

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