A Master of Law is a degree that considerably enhances law graduates' career opportunities. The curriculum in most courses is designed so that students develop practical skills through which they can use legal theories, concepts and doctrines in real-world settings. The postgraduate programme prepares students for a challenging, enriching and rewarding career in the legal department and beyond.
Ireland is one of the best countries to pursue LLM, as its universities are among the top 100 in law education. Irish universities provide one-year Master of Law degree options to students. The flexible courses allow students to choose from various modules across fields such as business, human rights or international law. The global law module mainly enables them to find work opportunities in other parts of the world. Studying in Ireland is also attractive because the country allows students to apply for a post-study work visa to stay in Ireland for two years after graduation and start their international career.
After graduation, students can get hired as paralegals, associate attorneys, legal advisors, legal officers, and experimental lawyers in the country. Salaries can generally vary according to work experience, employer size and location, and other factors. However, according to Payscale, a graduate with an LLM degree can earn around €61,000 per year.
If you wish to study for a Master of Law at a prestigious Irish university, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to start your application.
Best Universities to Study LLM in Ireland
1. University College Cork
University College Cork was established in 1845 as one of the Queen's Colleges in Cork. One of Ireland's prestigious universities, it offers the Masters in Law programme through the College of Business and Law.
The School of Law has offered the degree since 1992 and remains a popular postgraduate option for students. They can either focus their interest in one specific area, like international law or business law, or choose from a wide range of legal subjects, including medical, criminal, internet, human rights, environmental, and intellectual property law. There is also a provision to take up a dissertation in an area of interest, completed under experienced lecturers' supervision. To do this project properly, they are also allowed to take up a course in research methodology, allowing them to learn advanced methods to present the dissertation topic.
- Suggested course: LLM Law
- International fees: €11,500
- Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a Second Class Honours Grade 1 degree in a relevant field and showcase proficiency in the English language.
- Faculties: School of Law
- Campus: Cork
2. Trinity College Dublin
Among the oldest and most prestigious Irish universities, Trinity College Dublin has been imparting high-quality education to thousands of students. The flagship LLM degree is offered by the School of Law at TCD. It provides an opportunity to engage in postgraduate study while covering many branches of the subject at national, European and international levels. The degree is taught over one year, comprising two semesters during which students must take three modules.
While pursuing the degree, students can focus on public law or private law modules or even take a selection of both. They must also complete a research dissertation on an approved theme to earn their degree. Overall, the course enables students to develop skills to use appropriate legal theories, concepts, and doctrines to identify, analyse and solve the legal problems they face during their careers.
- Suggested course: LLM
- International fees: €21,290
- Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a good honours bachelor's degree in law and prove proficiency in the English language.
- Faculties: School of Law
- Campus: Dublin
3. University College Dublin
Established in 1854, University College Dublin is a prestigious Irish university that is also the largest educational institution in the country, with more than 33,000 students. Through the Sutherland School of Law, UCD offers its LLM General Programme, allowing students to choose any combination of subject modules. The significant modules students can take to complete their degree include Environmental Law and Policy, Immigration and Asylum Law, and Corporate Governance, among others.
The School's Comparative International and European Law module is an exchange programme for LLM students. The host universities for this module are Maastricht University, Universitat Mannheim, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, University of Antwerp and the University of Zagreb. Students can take up a joint thesis under the supervision of academic instructors of the home and host universities.
- Suggested course: LLM Law
- International fees: €22,600
- Entry requirements: Applicants must have a law degree and showcase proficiency in the English language.
- Faculties: Sutherland School of Law
- Campus: Dublin
4. University of Galway
Founded in 1845, the University of Galway has been providing high-quality education and, over the years, has also earned international recognition as a research-led university.
The School of Law is part of the College of Business, Public Policy & Law at the university. The LLM degree is a taught course designed to give students complete flexibility in choosing their modules for study. They can go for the subjects within the LLM programme and take up options from the Irish Centre for Human Rights and Centre for Disability Law and Policy. Expert lecturers deliver the course materials through small group seminars, and students also get to go on international field trips. Skill development is one of the most critical aspects of the curriculum, and career support is also provided through professional workshops.
- Suggested course: LLM International and Comparative Business Law
- International fees: €19,000
- Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a Second-class Honours degree in law and prove proficiency in the English language.
- Faculties: School of Law
- Campus: Galway
5. University of Limerick
The University of Limerick was founded in 1972 and is among the youngest Irish universities that have made a name for itself due to its excellence in education.
The School of Law at the University of Limerick offers an LLM degree designed to enhance students' legal skills and knowledge. The course is perfect for students looking for advanced legal education but do not wish to focus on a single branch of the subject. The modules available for students include criminal, property, competition, and human rights law. The law school has an internationally vibrant student body and is known for providing a great student expert and various support services.
- Suggested course: Law, and LLM Human Rights in Criminal Justice
- International fees: €9,092
- Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a Second-class Honours degree in law or a relevant social science subject and prove proficiency in the English language.
- Faculties: School of Law
- Campus: Limerick
6. Dublin City University
DCU is a prominent Irish university that was established as the National Institute for Higher Education in 1975. The university offers its law courses through the School of Law and Government. The university provides diverse educational programmes and research opportunities in law, politics and international relations.
The LLM (Master of Laws) is a leading degree available as a general degree with three specialisations: public law, international human rights law, and European business law. The courses have been designed to embrace a socio-legal methodology and a European and International orientation. Students can choose to complete the programme in a one-year full-time mode or two-year part-time mode.
- Suggested course: LLM (Master of Laws)
- International fees: €16,000
- Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a Second-class Honours degree in law or an interdisciplinary degree having law as a major component and showcase proficiency in the English language.
- Faculties: School of Law and Government
- Campus: Dublin
Study Law in Ireland
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