LLM (International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy)

University of Galway

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 Highlights:

• Prestigious internships based in Geneva with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are exclusively offered to two of our students. Interns will complete research to support the UN Committee’s work and will have the chance to participate and observe Committee sessions.
• Unique qualification achieved as no other university offers a similar programme. This LLM is innovative, pioneering and provides specialist education for our students.
• Expert Lecturers with national, European and international teaching and research profiles deliver the programme.
• The Centre for Disability Law and Policy (CDLP) is the only research centre of its kind in Ireland dedicated to producing research that informs the debate on national and international disability law reform and policy.
• Skills development is a key focus of this programme. Modules develop expertise and an ability to critically appraise issues faced by law and policy-makers in this rapidly changing environment.
• Guest lectures from practitioners and international experts on current challenges around disability policy and reform. Students are also encouraged to attend the conferences, seminars and events run by the CDLP.
• A Minor Thesis is completed by students on a topic of their choice under close supervision by leading national and international experts.
• Career Support is provided through professional workshops concentrating on students CV and interview skills. Careers in Law Week also provides an opportunity to meet partners from leading law firms.
• Assessment is primarily through research papers, presentations and minor thesis rather than exams.

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.

The majority of countries in the world are currently in the process of ratifying the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities creating a real demand for skilled knowledge workers to help states draft their legislation and policy in this field. This programme is aimed at those who work in governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as for those who wish to progress to doctoral research.

Graduates have been hired by such companies as the National Advocacy body, Inclusion International, and Zafod (disability public interest litigation firm in Zambia).