Law - International & Comparative Disability Law & Policy

Course Overview

The LLM in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy is unique in the world as an innovative and internationally focused LLM dealing with the process of law reform in the field of disability. The programme delivers a solid grounding for future practitioners, policymakers and academics in the field of disability reform.



The introduction of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has resulted in significant changes in the area of disability law and policy. Our graduates will be among the first to be skilled in this growing area of law and policy.



This programme will be of interest to students who have completed a primary law degree, legal practitioners, public servants, disability and human rights advocates and people working in disability services.



Course Outline

The mandatory module addresses two issues, firstly, to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the core foundational themes in disability law and policy, secondly, to provide students with the necessary research skills to complete their programme of study. The optional modules address law and policy at international and regional level as well as some very topical subjects such as Legal Capacity, Independent Living, and Inclusive Education.



This course-load will be spread over two years for those opting for the part-time mode.



The benefit of studying this Masters lies in its uniqueness. Students will benefit from unprecedented access to international experts who participate in the programme throughout the year.



The programme is affiliated with the Centre for Disability Law and Policy (CDLP), which is recognised worldwide as a research centre of excellence at the School of Law, University of Galway. The CDLP is dedicated to producing research that informs the debate on national and international disability law reform and policy. The formation of the centre coincided with one of the most intensive periods of disability law reform in Ireland as well as internationally. For more information visit www.universityofgalway.ie/cdlp/

Students are required to take one mandatory subject. Thereafter students may choose five optional modules from the below list. Finally, over the summer months, students will complete a Dissertation (Minor Thesis) on a subject of their choosing.



Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Foundational Theoretical Framework for Disability Law (Mandatory)

• Regional Disability Law and Policy

• Law and Policy on Independent Living

• Legal Capacity Law and Policy

• Mental Health Law and Policy

• Inclusive Education Law and Policy

• Advocacy and Access to Justice

• Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy

• International Human Rights Disability Clinic



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

Applicants must hold a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, degree (2.1) in law, or an interdisciplinary degree in which law was a major component. In exceptional circumstances, applicants holding a degree in another discipline or a degree of less than a 2.1 standard may be considered where they have relevant professional experience in law or disability rights. International students should refer to the country-specific information section of the International Office website.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment in a variety of areas, including work at the UN, in senior legal appointments, as lecturers, solicitors, and barristers, on the national advocacy board and human rights commissions, as government advisors and with non-governmental organisations.



Many of our graduates are leading change and law reform in disability law throughout the world. Graduates of the programme have also secured funding to pursue PhD research and are now working in universities around the world.