Who is this course for? 

The LLM in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict at the University of Galway offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the legal, policy, and practical challenges facing societies emerging from conflict, authoritarianism, or mass human rights violations. The programme critically examines mechanisms such as truth commissions, criminal tribunals, reparations, and institutional reform, and addresses urgent global issues including enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, genocide, and gender-based and sexual violence in conflict. Students gain a deep understanding of how transitional justice contributes to peacebuilding, accountability, and reconciliation, with a strong emphasis on international human rights and humanitarian law. 

Delivered by the internationally renowned Irish Centre for Human Rights, the programme draws on the expertise of leading scholars and practitioners and benefits from close partnerships with the United Nations, international courts and tribunals, NGOs, and regional organisations. Ideal for those pursuing careers in international law, public policy, human rights, and development, this LLM equips graduates with the legal knowledge and practical skills to engage with post-conflict justice and peace processes across the globe. Alumni of the programme hold senior positions in diplomacy, advocacy, legal practice, and academic institutions worldwide. 

Programme Structure 

Core modules (40 modules): 

• Transitional Justice (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. The Programme Director strongly recommends choosing the optional modules International Human Rights Law (10 credits) and International Peace Operations (10 credits). 

LLM Programme Modules 

• International Human Rights Law (10 credits) 
• Public International Law (10 credits) 
• International Criminal 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) 
• 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

• Focused on Justice in Post-Conflict Societies: Examine how law addresses legacies of mass violence and authoritarianism through truth commissions, reparations, criminal prosecutions, and institutional reform. 
• Practice-Based and Experiential Learning: Build key skills in legal advocacy, transitional justice policy design, fact-finding, and human rights documentation through simulations and real-world case studies. 
• Learn from Global Experts: Be taught by internationally recognised scholars and practitioners with direct experience in post-conflict contexts, international tribunals, and peacebuilding initiatives. 
• Opportunities for Research & Field Engagement: Conduct independent research on pressing transitional justice challenges, with potential collaboration opportunities with NGOs, UN bodies, or advocacy networks. 
• Career-Focused Skills Development: Prepare for roles in international law, post-conflict reconstruction, human rights advocacy, and global justice initiatives with practical legal and policy expertise. 
• Justice-Driven and Future-Oriented: Explore the intersection of human rights, conflict resolution, and sustainable peacebuilding, with a strong emphasis on ethical practice and inclusive justice.

Graduates of the LLM in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict are equipped for impactful careers in post-conflict recovery, human rights protection, international justice, and peacebuilding. Career opportunities span international organisations (such as the UN, ICC, and OHCHR), NGOs, truth commissions, reparations bodies, legal practices, government agencies, and academic institutions. Graduates commonly take up roles as legal advisors, transitional justice consultants, human rights officers, policy analysts, and researchers. The programme provides strong grounding in international human rights law, mechanisms of transitional justice, and conflict-related legal and policy frameworks, preparing students to work in complex, post-conflict environments. 

This LLM also provides a pathway to senior positions in international courts, NGOs, or policy-making bodies, as well as academic careers and PhD study in related fields. As global attention to truth, justice, and reconciliation grows particularly in contexts of armed conflict, authoritarianism, or mass human rights violations there is a rising demand for legal and policy professionals skilled in accountability, institutional reform, reparations, and victim-centred justice. Students interested in legal practice may need to pursue further professional qualifications, with the University offering support in identifying appropriate next steps. 

• Professor Shane Darcy 
• Professor Ray Murphy  
• Professor Siobhán Mullally
• Dr Paul Bradfield
• Professor Ciara Smyth
• Professor Emeritus William Schabas
• Dr Ekaterina Yahyaoui Krivenko 
• Dr Anita Ferrara (Programme Director) 
• ‌‌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 Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict combines expert-led lectures, interactive seminars, and practical workshops designed to deepen your understanding of post-conflict legal frameworks and human rights challenges. You will engage with real-world case studies, policy analysis, and simulations that enhance your skills in legal reasoning, advocacy, and transitional justice mechanisms.

Collaborative group work and dynamic class discussions foster diverse perspectives and critical thinking. Additionally, you will undertake an independent research thesis, allowing you to investigate a specialised topic related to conflict, human rights, or transitional justice in depth. 

This comprehensive, practice-focused approach equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue impactful careers in international organisations, peacebuilding institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and academia. 

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.

The assessment structure of the LLM in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict is designed to support your development as a critical legal and policy thinker, with a strong foundation in post-conflict justice, human rights law, and transitional mechanisms. It builds essential competencies in legal analysis, policy evaluation, and interdisciplinary approaches preparing you for impactful roles in international organisations, peacebuilding initiatives, advocacy work, and legal practice in conflict-affected settings. 

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. 

Course queries: 

anita.ferrara@universityofgalway.ie 

Or

 lawpostgrad@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s): 

Dr Anita Ferrara, 
Irish Centre for Human Rights, School of Law, 
College of Business, Public Policy and Law 
E: anita.ferrara@universityofgalway.ie

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of international legal frameworks governing transitional justice, human rights, and conflict resolution 
• Analyse complex issues related to accountability, reconciliation, and peacebuilding using interdisciplinary and context-sensitive approaches 
• Retrieve, interpret, and synthesise international treaties, human rights instruments, case law, and scholarly research to develop well-founded legal and policy arguments 
• Apply advanced legal reasoning and ethical considerations to challenges in addressing past human rights violations and fostering sustainable peace 
• Plan, manage, and execute an independent research project through a supervised thesis on transitional justice, human rights, or conflict-related topics 
• Reflect critically on the role of transitional justice mechanisms in promoting accountability, healing, and social transformation in post-conflict societies 
• 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 advocacy audiences engaged in transitional justice, human rights, and conflict issues 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 Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Conflict have opportunities to participate in extracurricular field trips and events, including visits to institutions and organisations working on post-conflict justice, truth commissions, and human rights accountability. These experiences provide valuable practical insights into how transitional justice mechanisms operate in real-world settings and deepen students’ understanding of conflict resolution and human rights protection. 

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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