Law - Peace Operations Humanitarian Law & Conflict

Course Overview

The LLM in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict provides students with a comprehensive insight into global frameworks of international humanitarian law and human rights protection with the addition of a peacekeeping specialisation. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on UN peacekeeping and related operations to provide insights into the peace operations and conflict resolution frameworks.



This unique programme offering combines issues relating to peacekeeping, international humanitarian law, human rights and conflict resolution to prepare graduates for work in the field of international peace operations with international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and as individual advocates.



Course Outline

The programme draws upon the resources of the LLM in International Human Rights Law, with the addition of specialised courses on peacekeeping. The course work begins with a general introduction to international peacekeeping and peace support operations, and continues with a series of specialized courses in such areas as international relations and international organizations, international humanitarian law, refugee law, conflict and post conflict studies, and international criminal law.



The programme recognizes the experience of candidates who have participated in peacekeeping activities in various parts of the world. Thus the programme provides credit for a full semester course (15 credits) in exchange for submission of a written assignment of appropriate length, reviewing field experience and lessons learned.



The programme may also recognize and credit a peacekeeping course of appropriate duration delivered at a Centre/Institute recognized by the University of Galway. However, in order to allow for consistent evaluation, a written paper of appropriate length must be submitted. The maximum credits permitted in the case of any candidate in recognition of field experience or course work completed elsewhere are 15.



Alternatively, the programme is a two-year programme of part-time study, combining two semesters of course work the first year with a third semester the second year, devoted entirely to the research required for preparation of a final dissertation.



Obligatory subjects are: International Peace Support Operations, International Humanitarian Law and the dissertation. A full list of modules is available at: www.universityofgalway.ie/irish-centre-human-rights/academics/llmprogrammes/modules



Work Placement

Students are advised and encouraged to undertake internships with organisations around the world. There may be some financial support for students undertaking internships abroad.

Course and module offerings and details are subject to change. Below are the list of modules being offered during the academic year 2024/2025.



­­Core modules (20 ECTS)



International Humanitarian Law (10 ECTS)

Peace Support Operations (10 ECTS)

Elective Modules (Students choose 40 ECTS from a wide range of subject choices)



International Human Rights Law (10 ECTS)

Public International Law (10 ECTS)

International Criminal Law (10 ECTS)

Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law (10 ECTS)

European Migration Law (5 ECTS)

Peace Support Operations (10 ECTS)

European Convention on Human Rights: Law and Politics (10 ECTS)

Gender and Human Rights (10 ECTS)

International Humanitarian Law (10 ECTS)

Business and Human Rights 2 (10 ECTS)

International Refugee Law (10 ECTS)

Human Rights Law Clinic (10 ECTS)

Climate Justice (5 ECTS)

The Common European Asylum System (5 ECTS)

Transitional Justice (5 ECTS)

Procedure before International Criminal Courts (5 ECTS)

Counter Terrorism and Human Rights (5 ECTS)

Critical Race Theory and Human Rights (5 ECTS)

Transnational Lawyering (5 ECTS)

International Child Rights (5 ECTS)

Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

Legal Capacity Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

International Disability Human Rights Clinic (10 ECTS)

Advocacy and Access to Justice (10 ECTS)

Inclusive Education Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

Mental Health Law and Policy (10 ECTS)

Policing, Security and Rights (10 ECTS)

Minors, Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System (10 ECTS)

Sentencing and Penal Law Policy (10 ECTS)

Imprisonment and Rights (10 ECTS)



As part of the elective 50 ECTS, students may take up to 10 ECTS from the and LLM International and Comparative Business Law.



Dissertation (30 ECTS)

- Applicants must normally have attained at primary degree level an overall final grade of Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2.1) or equivalent. Those falling short of this standard may be considered where they can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience.



- Candidates who have completed a military command and staff course, or equivalent, at an institute recognised by University of Galway and who have relevant professional experience that, in the opinion of the School of Law, qualifies them to read for the LLM may also be considered.



- Candidates who have significant experience in the field of peace operations and/or international human rights, for example, with international organisations or international NGOs, are encouraged to apply under this rubric.



- International students should refer to the country-specific information section of the International Office website.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants must normally have attained at primary degree level an overall final grade of Second-Class Honours Grade 1 (2.1) or equivalent. Those falling short of this standard may be considered where they can demonstrate other appropriate academic accomplishments as well as relevant work experience. Candidates who have completed a military command and staff course, or equivalent, at an institute recognised by University of Galway and who have relevant professional experience that, in the opinion of the School of Law, qualifies them to read for the LLM may also be considered.

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 gone on to work with the UN, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU. Others are working with NGOs in conflict and post-conflict environments, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Sudan and Kosovo.



Military and police personnel from Ireland and elsewhere have completed the programme with a view to enhancing their career prospects. The programme will also provide a foundation for those who wish to pursue further studies through a structured PhD.