Overview

• Students will be equipped with the knowledge to critically assess the capacity of criminal justice systems to ensure the protection of human rights.
• Teaching will focus on European and International Human Rights Law, criminal justice theory and practice.
• Completion of a dissertation will then allow students to develop their acquired research skills by focussing on a particular area of interest.  
• It will prepare graduates for work in international human rights, criminal justice, policing, domestic and international organisations.

Contact
For academic queries on this programme contact:
Course Director:  Dr Ger Coffey, School of Law, University of Limerick, Limerick
Tel: + 353 61 202574
Email: ger.coffey@ul.ie

Graduate Profile

This masters programme will prepare graduates for work in the field of international human rights and criminal justice/policing, domestic and international organisations, non-governmental organisations and as individual advocates incorporating human rights and criminal justice theory into practice.

Programme Content

The LL.M./M.A. in Human Rights in Criminal Justice comprises 6 substantive modules, 2 research/writing support modules and a 15,000 word dissertation. The modules are delivered  through a combination of seminars, tutorials, practical research methodology exercises, essays and student presentations. The dissertation offers the opportunity of sustained independent research and writing under the guidance of an expert supervisor.

* Students will choose three of these four modules. Modules will run dependent on sufficient numbers. Where a student wishes to complete the Masters over a two-year period of part-time study, two modules will be taken in each of four semesters, followed by a 15,000 word dissertation. The module selection will be by agreement with the Course Director.

Entry Requirements

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 NQAI).
In exceptional circumstances an applicant who cannot satisfy the undergraduate requirement may be accepted on the basis of relevant work experience.
Applications from those with practical experience in either field are particularly encouraged.

What to Upload with your Application

• Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable) 
• English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language) 
• A one page supporting statement 
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport

English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application)

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• 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 – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *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 A
• 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

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.