Who is this course for? 

This LLM is ideal for graduates, legal professionals, and practitioners seeking to understand the complex legal frameworks governing armed conflict, humanitarian protection, and peace operations. If you are passionate about contributing to international peace efforts, shaping humanitarian responses, or working in conflict-affected environments, this course is designed for you. It suits those aiming for careers in international organisations, NGOs, government agencies, or academia focused on conflict, security, and human rights. 

Programme Structure 

Core modules (50 modules): 

• International Humanitarian Law (10 credits) 
• Peace Support Operations (10 credits) 
• Minor Thesis (30 credits) 

Optional Modules (40 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 Criminal Law (10 credits) 
• Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law (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

• Practice-Oriented Skills: Gain advanced knowledge of legal and policy advocacy, strategic litigation, fact-finding, international humanitarian law, and transnational lawyering through experiential and simulation-based teaching. 
• Specialised, Conflict-Focused Curriculum: Explore complex legal and ethical challenges in peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, accountability for war crimes, and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. 
• Research-Led Teaching: Learn from internationally recognised legal academics whose globally informed research in humanitarian law, peace operations, and conflict resolution directly shapes course content and classroom discussion. 
• Global Outlook, Operational Relevance: Examine the legal frameworks guiding international peace operations and humanitarian action, with emphasis on the UN system, international humanitarian law, and post-conflict justice. 
• Justice, Ethics & Sustainability Focus: Address the intersection of conflict, human rights, and sustainable peacebuilding - equipping you to shape ethical and durable legal responses in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

The LLM in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict prepares graduates for careers with international organizations such as the UN, and in humanitarian response, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution fields that are increasingly vital in today’s world of complex emergencies and evolving global challenges. Graduates are well-suited for roles with organisations such as the UN, OSCE, EU, ICRC, NGOs, and government agencies. 

Typical roles include legal or policy adviser, humanitarian or protection officer, programme manager, or researcher in humanitarian and conflict-related fields. The course also supports progression to PhD study and careers in academia or policy development. 

With a focus on the legal and operational challenges of modern conflict, the programme addresses emerging issues such as urban warfare, civilian protection, and the legal implications of new technologies in conflict. Graduates leave with the skills and legal expertise needed to work effectively in complex and evolving international environments. 

• Professor Ray Murphy (Programme Director)
• Professor Siobhán Mullally 
• Professor Shane Darcy  
• 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 Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict offers a rigorous, practice-focused learning experience rooted in international humanitarian law and human rights. You will engage in interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and group work led by expert faculty with real-world experience from courts, NGOs, and peace missions.

The programme emphasises applied learning through case studies, legal simulations, and scenario-based exercises covering armed conflict, peacekeeping, refugee protection, transitional justice, and accountability for war crimes. Workshops in legal research, international criminal law, and ethics will develop your skills in legal analysis and policy writing.

Collaborative discussions and independent research, culminating in a thesis, deepen your understanding and prepare you for careers in international organisations, humanitarian agencies, NGOs, and legal institutions at the intersection of law and conflict.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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 growth as a legal thinker and practitioner, building core competencies in international law, policy development, and interdisciplinary problem-solving essential for work in humanitarian, legal, and diplomatic sectors. 

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. 

ray.murphy@universityofgalway.ie 

Or  

lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Ray Murphy,  
Irish Centre for Human Rights, 
School of Law, 
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: ray.murphy@universityofgalway.ie 

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of international legal frameworks governing peace operations, humanitarian law, and conflict resolution 
• Analyse complex legal and policy challenges at the intersection of armed conflict, human rights, and international peacekeeping using interdisciplinary approaches 
• Retrieve, interpret, and synthesise treaties, case law, and scholarly research to formulate well-supported legal and policy arguments 
• Apply advanced legal reasoning and ethical considerations to issues such as the use of force, protection of civilians, and accountability for violations of humanitarian law 
• Plan, manage, and execute an independent research project through a supervised thesis on topics related to peace operations or humanitarian law 
• Reflect critically on the impact of armed conflict on human rights, civilian protection, and international peace and security 
• Exhibit strong self-direction, time management, and the ability to work independently within dynamic academic and professional environments 
• Develop communication skills tailored to legal, policy, and operational 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 political science, social sciences and humanities. 

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

Fieldtrips 

As part of the LLM in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict at the University of Galway, students take part in field trips that offer hands-on exposure to the real-world application of international humanitarian and human rights law. These visits may include institutions such as the Irish Defence Forces, NGOs involved in peacebuilding and humanitarian response, and international organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The trips enhance classroom learning by connecting students with practitioners, peacekeepers, and legal experts working in conflict and post-conflict settings. 

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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