Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology

The LLM programme in International Justice provides students with critical insights into the field of international justice. It focuses, in particular, on issues of human rights, equality, and social inclusion in the context of international law. It provides insights into how the international legal order works, and how it seeks to protect vulnerable groups, including minorities, migrants, and people with disabilities. It critiques the applicable legal regimes, and illustrates how these systems operate in practice.

Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures, in-class simulations, workshops, and master classes. In addition to the modules, The School works with leading academics and practitioners who provide seminars in various fields of law throughout the academic year.

We partner with leading international law firms such as Matheson and A&L Goodbody on several initiatives. We also offer students the opportunity to apply for our Postgraduate Placement module, which gives successful applicants the chance to work part-time for one semester at one of our partner organisations. We have partnerships with a broad range of organisations across the public and private sector, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Forsa, PrivacyEngine, and Alcohol Action Ireland.

What our students say:

I thoroughly enjoyed my LLM in International Justice in Maynooth. I choose to my Masters  in Maynooth as the modules and options offered broader than other LLM’s I had researched. 

The LLM course is designed to not only encourage academic excellence, but also personal growth in the array of modules and assessments offered. There is a strong emphasis on independent research, collaboration with peers and public-speaking skills - all of which are vital to any industry you proceed to work in. The small class groups harness an atmosphere of support and collegiality.

As part of the programme, I opted to undertake the Research Placement, where over the course of three months, I gained practical insight into daily life as a legal researcher, a profession I am interested in. This opportunity proved invaluable when it came round to writing my own dissertation. 

A highlight of my LLM was the International Mooting module, in which, one team enters the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Competition. I was honoured to be part of the Maynooth’s first ever team, and to win the national rounds of the competition in 2023. We travelled to Washington DC to represent Ireland during the international rounds of the competition - a truly once in a lifetime opportunity! 

Overall, I could not recommend the International Justice LLM in Maynooth enough - it was by far my best academic experience to date!  Eimear McCaffrey, Paralegal, Lewis Silkin, LLM International Justice Class of 2022/23