Public Law

The programme aims to provide a solid grounding in the theory, substance and application of Public Law for future practitioners, academics and policy makers, and gives students a keen understanding of the most pressing issues for public interest litigation in both the state and private sectors. Led by a dynamic team of experts at NUI Galway, with national, European and international teaching and research profiles, students will acquire expertise in their chosen subjects across a range of different areas, with a focus particularly on law reform, social justice, policy and administration. Students can now obtain an LLM in Public Law or choose to specialise for an award of LLM in Public Law & Criminal Justice, LLM in Public Law & Social Justice or LLM in Public Law & Administration. The programme also puts a strong emphasis on research and presentation skills.

Foundational Courses (Mandatory)

• Advanced Legal Research and Methods   
• Law, Regulation and Policy
• Minor Thesis

Optional Courses

• Activism, Advocacy and Public Interest Law
• Comparative Criminal Process
• Contemporary Issues in Law and Society
• Disability Law: Contemporary Law Reform Challenges in the National and International Sphere
• Equality Law: Principles and Thematic Application
• Immigration Law: Between Sovereignty and Equality
• Local Government Law
• Minors, Minority Groups and the Criminal Justice System
• Processes of Law Reform  
• Sentencing and Penal Policy
• The Criminal Jury
• Theories of Judicial Activism

Requirements

• Applicants must have a degree in law (Honours 2.1 or higher) or an interdisciplinary degree, which includes a substantial law component (Honours 2:1 or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances, applicants who hold a degree other than a law degree and who have relevant education and/or professional experience in law may be considered.
• Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). 
• Minimum Grade Required: 3.8 CGPA
• All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language. IELTS 6.5. TOEFL 92
• Statement of intent
• Transcripts
• CV
• Academic letters of recommendation

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Merit Scholarships