DC662 - LLM (Master of Laws)

The School of Law and Government at DCU offers a world leading LLM (Masters of Laws) designed to develop outward-looking critical thinkers ready to excel in the modern world. To this end, the School offers a range of postgraduate modules that goes beyond black-letter, formulaic legal study embracing a socio-legal methodology with a European and International orientation.

Students have the choice between 5 alternate pathways (see links below): We offer a general LLM, plus four specialisms in European Law; International Human Rights Law; Public Law; and Policing, Crime and Security.

We welcome applicants from Ireland, the EU and the wider world who are interested in deepening their understanding of law in its broader social, political and global contexts.



You’ll be on-site for timetabled classes for two or three days a week in each semester (depending on the individual student’s module choice): 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after Christmas.

Most students are on campus throughout the week: working on assignments, contributing in School research seminars, etc. To complete the program, you’re required to write a research dissertation, to be drafted in the summer period.

In preparation for the dissertation, you’ll have regular supervision meetings as well as occasional collective dissertation initiatives (some students work off site for much of the summer period and are free to do so).

Across all LLM pathways there are two obligatory modules: Legal and Socio-Legal Research Skills and the independent research Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words). Specific pathways include a mix of other compulsory and optional modules across the first (September – December) and second (January – April) semesters.