Who Is This Course For? 

This LLM is ideal for law graduates, legal professionals, and those interested in the international business environment who want to deepen their knowledge of comparative and global legal frameworks. If you are motivated by complex international legal challenges and seek a career in multinational corporations, law firms, regulatory bodies, or consultancy, this programme equips you with the critical legal and analytical skills needed for success. The course also suits students aiming to develop interdisciplinary expertise or prepare for further academic research in international business law. 

Programme Structure 

Core modules (40 modules): 

• Advanced Legal Research and Methods (10 credits) 
• Minor Thesis (30 credits) or Work Placements (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 

• EU Competition Law (10 credits)  
• Law of International Business Transactions (10 credits)  
• VIS Moot (20 credits)  
• Advanced Intellectual Property Law and Development (10 credits)   
• Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions (10 credits)   
• Legal Skills: Commercial Practice, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution (10 credits)   
• Economics and the Global Economy (10 credits)   
• International Civil Litigation (10 credits) 
• International Taxation Law (10 credits) 

VIS Moot Module 

Students on this programme are invited to participate in the prestigious Willen C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, held annually in Vienna each April. This international arbitration competition offers a unique international opportunity allowing students to develop and refine practical advocacy and oral argumentation skills while engaging with peers and legal professionals from around the world, providing invaluable exposure to global commercial dispute resolution. 

Work Placements  

Students have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of work placements. Selection for these competitive placements is based on interviews conducted by the employment partner, offering valuable real-world legal experience and professional networking opportunities. Students undertake such Work Placements (30 credits) as an alternate to the minor thesis (30 credits). 

Curriculum Information

• Specialist modules: In-depth study of international trade law, dispute resolution, intellectual property, corporate governance, international civil litigation, taxation, and an interdisciplinary economics module.  
• Research-led teaching: Delivered by academics from the Private and Commercial Law Research Cluster, incorporating cutting-edge global business law research. 
• Industry collaboration: Strong connections with legal practitioners and business leaders through guest lectures and networking. 
• Global perspective: Focus on cross-border transactions and comparative legal systems for international legal challenges. 
• Practical skills & work placements: Emphasis on negotiation, drafting, compliance, plus optional internships for real-world experience. 
• Career & sustainability focus: Prepares graduates for diverse roles with attention to sustainable development and corporate responsibility.

Graduates of the LLM in International and Comparative Business Law are well-prepared for careers in international trade, corporate law, financial regulation, compliance, and commercial dispute resolution.  

They are in demand across sectors including law firms, multinational corporations, financial institutions, international organisations, and regulatory bodies. Typical roles include legal associate, compliance officer, legal advisor, regulatory affairs specialist, and in-house counsel. With experience, graduates can progress to senior roles such as legal counsel, partner, or policy advisor in global institutions.  

The programme develops core skills in legal analysis, negotiation, cross-border regulatory understanding, and strategic thinking, qualities highly valued by employers navigating complex global markets. Emerging areas such as ESG law, digital trade, and international arbitration offer further growth opportunities for graduates. It also benefits from Ireland’s unique position as the EU’s only English-speaking common law jurisdiction, as well as its role as the European home to many of the world’s leading multinational corporations. 

Graduates are also well-positioned to pursue further study at PhD level or careers in academia or legal research.  

International Field Trip 

Students on the LLM in International and Comparative Business Law have the unique opportunity to participate in an international field trip to Vienna as part of the Vis Moot module. This advanced clinical legal education experience provides comprehensive training in international commercial arbitration, including research, drafting memoranda, and oral advocacy. Selected students compete in the prestigious Willen C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot each April, gaining valuable global exposure, practical advocacy skills, and engagement with an international legal community, enhancing both academic and professional development. 

The trip typically lasts for three-five days in Vienna. The School endeavours to cover the costs of flights, accommodation and a daily per diem rate. Students may incur limited additional cost which is kept as affordable as possible. 

In addition the programme also facilitates a field trip to a global corporate law firm. During this fieldtrip students interact and hear from lawyers about their experience applying international trade structures in the corporate field. 

Students on the LLM in International and Comparative Business Law have the opportunity to undertake a competitive, Work Placement (30 credits) after the taught components of the programme. Placements are available in a wide range of settings, including top Irish and international law firms.  

Roles vary but typically include legal research, compliance support, contract analysis, and policy development. While some placements are paid, this depends on the host organisation. All placements offer valuable, real-world experience and help students build practical skills such as legal drafting, commercial awareness, and cross-border problem-solving. 

Placements are awarded based on merit through a competitive application process and significantly enhance graduates’ employability. In many cases, students have secured post-graduation job offers with their placement organisations. 

• Prof. Donncha O'Connell
• Ms Ursula Connolly 
• Mr. Lawrence Donnelly  
• Professor Csongor Istvan Nagy (Programme Director) 
• Dr Eoin Daly 
• Dr. Conor Hanly 
• Ms. Anna-Louise Hinds 
• Dr. Connie Healy 
• Dr. Rónán Kennedy 
• Prof Padraic Kenna 
• Dr Maureen O'Sullivan 
• Dr. Charles O'Mahony 
• Dr Ciara Smyth 
• Dr. Shivaun Quinlivan 
• Dr Brian Tobin 

How will I learn?

The LLM in International and Comparative Business Law offers a dynamic, practice-oriented learning environment that blends rigorous legal study with real-world application. 

You will engage in interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and group projects led by expert faculty involved in cutting-edge research in international trade, corporate law, and regulation. The programme emphasises applied learning, exploring how legal systems shape and respond to global business strategies. 

Learning methods include case studies, simulations, and policy analysis, helping you link theory with current legal and commercial developments. Workshops in legal writing, negotiation, and advocacy build practical skills, while independent research and your final thesis support critical thinking and subject expertise. 

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 assignments, including legal essays, case analysis, and regulatory reviews. Formative assessments and presentations are also used to support ongoing learning and skill development.
2. Presentations and Class Participation: You will have opportunities to present legal arguments and engage in structured discussion, developing oral advocacy, analytical reasoning, and communication skills. These components often contribute to continuous assessment.
3. Minor Thesis (30 ECTS credits): You will complete a substantial, independently researched thesis on a topic of your choice related to international or comparative business law. Supervised by a faculty expert, this project allows you to demonstrate advanced skills in legal research, commercial analysis, and academic writing. 

This assessment framework builds advanced skills in legal research, regulatory analysis, and critical thinking for career or academic success. 

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

Course queries: 

csongoristvan.nagy@universityofgalway.ie  

Or  

lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Csongor Nagy,   
Professor in Commercial Law,  
School of Law,
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: csongoristvan.nagy@universityofgalway.ie  

• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Analysing complex legal and commercial scenarios to develop sound, strategic solutions. 
• Research and analytical skills: Conducting high-level legal research using international sources and applying findings in practical contexts. 
• Written and oral communication: Drafting legal documents, presenting arguments clearly, and engaging effectively with diverse audiences. 
• Negotiation and advocacy: Building persuasive cases and navigating cross-border legal negotiations. 
• Project and time management: Balancing multiple deadlines, working independently, and delivering high-quality work under pressure. 
• Cultural awareness and adaptability: Engaging with global legal systems and diverse regulatory environments. 
• Teamwork and collaboration: Working with peers, practitioners, and international experts in group projects and legal clinics. 

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  

other relevant academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience. 

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 

The LLM includes extracurricular field trips such as visits to Global Legal firm, providing students with real-world insights and enhancing their professional skills. 

There are some minor travel costs attached to participating in extracurricular fieldtrips (approximate cost of €100-200). 

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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