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.

Modules each year are subject to change, but may include the following:

Peace Support Operations

International Humanitarian Law

Business and Human Rights

Children's Rights

Conflict and Post-Conflict

Contemporary Issues in International Migration Law and Transnational Lawyering

Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights

Economic, Social & Cultural Rights

European Convention on Human Rights

European Union and Human Rights

International Criminal Law

International Criminal Procedure

International Refugee Law

Introduction to Human Rights Law

Minority Rights

Public International Law

Procedure before International Criminal Courts

Right to Development

Transitional Justice

- 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.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Next start date: September 2024.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

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.