LL.M. in International Law
Course Overview
An opportunity to specialise in the exciting field of International Law for great career opportunities and further study.
The LL.M. in International Law is offered on a Full-Time (1 year) or Part-Time (2 years) basis starting in September. For the February intake, the programme is available in Full-Time (1.5 years) or Part-Time (2.5 years) formats.
Please note: The LL.M. in International Law is a cognate master's. To be eligible for the course, you will need to possess the following: 2.2 degree in Law or a related discipline (that has a 50% legal component to the degree) or foreign equivalent. *Relative work experience may also be taken into consideration.
Why Study International Law at Griffith?
The LL.M. in International Law programme aims to develop students' academic capabilities to their fullest, enhance their communication skills and develop their research skills, preparing them for career progression and/or laying the foundations for Ph.D. study.
- Unique international law focus
- Experienced lecturers - experts in their field.
- Small class sizes - more individual attention to help you reach your potential.
- Internationally recognised Master's of Law degree.
- Students will gain a firm understanding of the key principles of international law, including the Law of International Organisations, International Human Rights Law, and International Commercial Law (depending on their personal choice of modules).
- Students will acquire highly transferable skills that are attractive to a wide range of areas outside of law, including academia, journalism, media, finance, public administration, industry, and commerce.
- A strong international focus gives students a key advantage when building a career in today's globalised legal landscape.
- All of our lecturers are experienced academics who are specialists in their field.
Course Highlights
- Unique international law focus
- Experienced lecturers - experts in their field
- Small class sizes - more individual attention
- Part-Time Lectures - it is possible to obtain an LL.M. with work or other daytime commitments, by studying over 2 years.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
Course Details
The LL.M. in International Law is offered on a Full-Time (1 year) or Part-Time (2 years) basis starting in September. For the February intake, the programme is available Full-Time (1.5 years) or Part-Time (2.5 years).
September full-time students will complete six subjects and a dissertation. In the first semester, the student will complete three mandatory subjects (including a choice of either International Commercial Law or International Human Rights Law). In the second semester, they will choose three electives. (Electives run subject to demand and at the discretion of the faculty.) Assessment in the modules taught in semesters 1 and 2 is done by way of assignments and examinations. A dissertation is completed over the summer months under the guidance of a designated supervisor.
February full-time students will study two subjects each semester and complete their dissertation in semester 4.
Semester One
The aim of this module is to inculcate in the learner advanced legal research and writing skills. The module initially focusses on the development of online research skills and search operators. The learner develops an understanding of various research methodologies which can be employed when conducting research; doctrinal, comparative, socio-legal etc. Furthermore, the module fosters within learners the ability to write excellent legal prose with style, precision and accuracy. Learners master a legal house style; the Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA).
This module aims to introduce learners to the international system of law and international institutions. It explores the origin and function of the international legal system and the role and function of international institutions throughout the world. Learners will be introduced to some of the many challenges facing international law and international institutions in carrying out their mandate, including rogue states, the fragmentation of international law, the institutional legacy of the origins of the United Nations. It will explore growing fields of study such as the accountability of international institutions, and global constitutionalism. Through the content of the module, there will be a focus on theories of international law and of diplomacy. It provides a basis for learners to build their understanding of international peace-building and reconciliation in the Masters programme.
Typical international commercial transactions involve numerous contracts over national boundaries. The objective of the module is to make participants familiar with the key contracts and institutions in international commerce. Learners examine private international law (conflict of laws) issues, international contract terms (INCOTERMS), and the Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and UNIDROIT principles as they apply to international contracts. Attention is paid to the role of the WTO as it is considered one of the most important developments in the history of international trade law. GATT is another significant area upon which there is significant focus.
This module examines the development of International Human Rights Law with specific reference to its expansion in the 20th and 21st centuries. The evolution of the protection of Human Rights from purely a national concern to a global concern is a central theme and involves analysis of the birth of international enforcement mechanisms. The divisions between civil and political rights and socio-economic and cultural rights are discussed with particular focus on the relationship between both sets of rights. Current International Human Rights issues form the final part of this module with learners looking at specific concerns of the international community.
Semester Two: Electives
The primary objective of this course is to impart a critical understanding of the structure, objectives and mechanisms of Corporate Governance, and the legal and other issues affecting systems by which corporations are directed and controlled. Themes and issues explored include: theoretical and overview perspectives on Corporate Governance; the nature of the corporation, the basic model of the firm, principal-agent theory; the legal framework of Corporate Governance; the role and responsibilities of directors and boards; enforcement of director duties; monitoring and legal compliance issues; executive compensation, takeovers, and shareholder activism. This module also deals with the emergence of Corporate Governance requirements in developed/developing capital markets. The module sets out the divergent ways in which Corporate Governance is applied across the globe, in particular examining the reliance on principles or alternatively, rules. It examines both country specific codes and international practices. Case studies on major corporate scandals are carried out in detail in order to assist in the understanding of Corporate Governance principles.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module is designed to provide a broad overview of the legal and practical aspects underpinning International Commercial Arbitration. The objective of any arbitration is to resolve a dispute. So as to facilitate resolution, all unnecessary obstacles need to be removed. In the context of international disputes there can be many obstacles, such as language barriers, different jurisdictions, different legal principles etc. To alleviate these difficulties a number of international instruments have been enacted throughout the years culminating in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law in 1985.
This module focusses primarily on both the substance and application of the UNCITRAL Model Law, and also its integration into Irish law. Candidates are required to achieve a high level understanding of the UNCITRAL Model Law so as to discuss in a competent manner the practice and procedure involved in International Commercial Arbitration, and the applicable legal principles.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
The objectives of this module are twofold. Firstly, it seeks to develop within the learner an in-depth understanding of the economic and political basis for the Internal Market of the European Union and the laws that ensure its operation. Secondly, it requires the learner to critically analyse the European Union’s policies in the sphere of Competition Law. The module will address a number of current legal issues in the development of the Internal Market, such as the future of the Eurozone, the position of Public Services and the impact of the developing jurisprudence on Citizenship. The learner is encouraged to critically assess the basis for Competition Law within the EU and engage with academic commentary and court decisions to determine whether the overall policy goals are being met.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
At a time of tentative emergence from crisis on the global markets, this module seeks to enable learners to address the major regulatory and contractual aspects of Financial Services Law. The module deals with the institutional structures created to protect international financial transactions. There is a particular focus on the impact that European Union legislation is having on the area, with a number of the key regulations being examined in detail. There is also a strong emphasis on the 2008 Financial crisis and the impact that it has had on the financial services industry. The module is suitable for those seeking to work in law firms which have International Financial Services as a significant part of their workload, but also for those who hope to work directly in the Financial Services sector.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module focusses on an analysis of principal features of the International Tax Law system, from the perspective of Irish and EU law. The module looks generally at the main theories, concepts and principles of International Tax Law and then more particularly at the main substantive areas of the subject such as Public International Law and Taxation, the OECD Model Income Tax Convention and EC law as it affects Member States’ tax systems. Thereafter, the module examines important issues such as the different approaches to Corporate Income Taxation, tackling International Tax Avoidance, International Tax Law as it applies to developing countries, and the issues in modifying established International Tax Rules to regulate E-commerce activity.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module provides a detailed overview of the principles regarding the key aspects of Intellectual Property Law: International Copyright, Patents, Design Rights, Trademark and Passing Off and Misappropriation of Personality and Publicity and Privacy Rights. Case law illustrating the application of these principles along with international treaties dealing with Intellectual Property is addressed. The module seeks to enhance the learner’s ability to apply theoretical aspects of the jurisprudence to real life situations through the use of case studies.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module combines analysis of current law with a critical exploration of the structures, potential, and limits of law and legal reform. The focus of the module is human rights, both as a legal regime with specific application to gender and sexuality issues, and as a political sphere within which issues relating to gender and sexuality are negotiated. The module includes discussions of domestic, European, and international developments. As such, this module provides grounding in the key issues of gender, sexuality and human rights discourse whilst ensuring that learners will gain an understanding and appreciation of those issues which are at the cutting edge of these discussions.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of International Asylum and Immigration Law. The learner studies the principles, doctrines and rules underpinning International Asylum and Immigration law, along with relevant international legal instruments. The module addresses the political, social and philosophical issues raised by asylum seeking, while also providing learners with the tools to solve technical asylum problems.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
The module in International Criminal Law examines selected issues and current problems involving the criminal law aspects of International Law. The module looks at the origin and purpose of International Criminal Law and it examines the duty to prosecute those who commit international crimes. It also focuses on the application of domestic and international law to the question of jurisdiction over international criminal activities. The course further examines the substantive international criminal law as contained in multi-lateral treaties concerning, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Lastly, the course covers the International Criminal Tribunals for Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the permanent International Criminal Court.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module extensively examines the development of the laws of armed conflict derived from the 1863 Lieber Code and the 1868 St Petersburg Declaration and its application to the theatre of hostilities. Far-reaching advances in the categorisation of conflicts, the dynamics of warfare, weapons and aerial bombardment have resulted in an international struggle to apply a dated international Humanitarian Law framework to altered realities on the ground. In parallel, developing Human Rights norms now extend to armed conflict but the relationship and interpretation of the competing sets of norms is open to dispute. This module examines the categorisation of armed conflicts, the status of parties to the conflict, PoW’s, civilians, belligerent occupation, methods and means of warfare, and self determination and armed conflict. Accordingly, the module analyses the application of the laws of armed conflict in contemporary battle grounds through case studies examining inter alia Iraq, Palestine and Syria.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
The aim of this module is to bring together academic rigour, and practical knowledge and skills in the field of restorative justice practices and enable identification of vital link between such practices and peacebuilding and reconciliation. The crucial relationship between the concept and practice of reconciliation, and the broader fields of peacebuilding, conflict transformation, human rights and development will also be critically analysed.
The module offers an in-depth analysis of the study and practice of restorative justice. The programme explores the essential skills, tools, processes and frameworks needed for building relationships across differences and divides, at both an individual and community level. Throughout the module, learners will be encouraged to draw on their own experiences of difference, division and relationship building, and reflect on how these inform their ideas and views about restorative methods and techniques, and their motivation for studying this module.
The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to the various aspects of the discipline of criminology, the study of crime as a social phenomenon. The sub-discipline of victimology is also examined in this module, the study of the causes and impact of victimisation in society. This module aims to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of a number of criminological theories, all of which see crime as a social construct.
This module examines the protection of Social and Economic Rights within International Law. It seeks to locate social and economic rights within the wider scope of International Human Rights Law protection and addresses the theoretical debates over the method of protection that these rights should be given. Learners study the operation of the UNESCR and assess its effectiveness. The UNESCR is compared to a range of regional instruments and the contrasts between the various methods of protection discussed. Case studies are undertaken focusing on the protection of specific rights within developing and developed nations.
*Please note that electives are run subject to demand and discretion of the faculty.
This module provides an explanatory overview to data protection and privacy law, taking an international perspective that encompasses Irish and EU law. The module will consider theoretical and practical approaches in understanding the power and significance of handling personal information securely.
Semester Three: Dissertation
The research dissertation is designed to permit learners to delve into a topic which is of particular interest to them, and it comes at the end of the LLM, at a point in time when continuous assessment and examinations in all taught modules have been completed, and therefore, learners are well placed to undertake independent research. Those learners who are obtaining the general LLM in International Law are free to choose either a commercial or human rights dissertation subject.
Timetables
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
2.2 degree in Law or a related discipline (that has a 50% legal component to the degree)or foreign equivalent or relevant work experience.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply online here uploading a copy of the following:
- Photo I.D. (driving licence or passport)
- Degree transcripts from previous studies
- Module descriptors from previous studies where the degree is not of a cognate discipline
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 8,150.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Fee: EUR 9,000.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards.
A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: [email protected]
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Many of our LL.M. graduates go on to pursue PhD studies, having acquired not only legal expertise but also advanced academic writing and legal research skills during the LL.M. programme.
Career Progression
Through the LL.M. in International Law, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong foundation of critical analysis and presentation skills, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Promotion for those who are already practising in law.
- In-house legal roles with international or domestic human rights organisations.
- Legal advisor within international or domestic commercial/human rights organisations .
- Legal researcher in the area of International Law.
