This programme is designed to emphasise the inter-relationship between what have traditionally been taught as the two distinct disciplines of human rights and criminal justice. Students will be provided with a comprehensive knowledge of this ever developing field of law and encouraged to assess the merit of mainstreaming human rights within the criminal justice system. Covering key areas such as policing and human rights and law of the European Convention on Human Rights, the programme aims to foster general and specific skills with respect to the modern criminal justice system both in Ireland and internationally.
Who is it for?
• LLM: talented law graduates with an interest in working in the field of international human rights and criminal justice/agencies
• MA: talented graduates in a related discipline (e.g. politics, international relations etc.) with an interest in working in the field of international human rights and criminal justice/agencies
The Human Rights in Criminal Justice programme is open to law and non-law applicants. Applicants with a law degree such as LL.B., B.C.L., J.D. should apply for the LL.M. programme, and all other non-law applicants should apply for the MA programme. The programme structure and methods of assessment are the same for both LLM and MA students.
Choose from a wide range of modules including:
• Comparative International Protection of Human Rights
• International Criminal Law
• Policing and Human Rights
• Comparative and European Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Criminal Justice Processes and Sentencing
• Penology and Victimology
We aim to provide some flexibility for students with full-time work commitments by offering a restricted election choice of modules on the part-time mode of study, meaning that modules would be scheduled on the same day.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
University of Limerick
University of Limerick Limerick,
Limerick,
V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Applicants must normally have a second class honours degree, grade 2 (2.2) in law or in a relevant social science (Primary degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland). In exceptional circumstances an applicant who cannot satisfy the undergraduate requirement may be accepted on the basis of relevant work experience in accordance with UL’s Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning. Applicants with a primary degree in law should apply for the LLM whereas applicants from cognate disciplines to law should apply for the MA. The course structure, elective modules and assessment instruments are the same for LLM and MA students. Applicants with a primary degree in law will be awarded an LL.M., whereas all other applicants will be awarded an M.A.
Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved. Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above. TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based). IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component. English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1. GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above. University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English - Grade B. GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6. PEARSON TEST OF ENGLISH (ACADEMIC) - PTE ACADEMIC: a minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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