Masters Degrees in European Union Law, Ireland

An interdisciplinary approach to the law and politics of the European Union for those who want a deeper understanding of EU law and wider government trends. This genuinely inter-disciplinary programme (with the School of Politics and International Relations) provides an approach to the study of the EU which will enable you to analyse how our understanding of the nature of the European Union is shaped by our particular disciplinary perspectives. Core modules include Constitutional Law of the EU and Politics of European Governance. You will also complete a supervised dissertation and have international exchange opportunities.

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the law and politics of the european Union. It is designed for those who want a deeper understanding of EU law and wider government trends.

See the website http://www.ucd.ie/law/graduateprogrammes/llmeuropeanlawandpublicaffairs/

Your studies

Core modules in this programme include EU External Relations, and the Law and Governance of the EU. Optional modules will include: EU Competition Law; Law of the Eurozone; and, Social and Economic Law of the EU. You will also complete a supervised dissertation.

On completion of your studies, you will have:
- a deep understanding and knowledge of law and governance in the European Union;
- identified legal and policy trends in EU governance;
- developed advanced legal research skills;
- increased your ability to communicate the results of research; and,
- an increased ability to identify and analyse problems from a legal perspective.

Studying abroad

The School affords its students the opportunity to spend a semester abroad as part of the Comparative, International and European Law (CIEL) Graduate exchange programme with our partner Universities in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Students participating in the programme will have their dissertations jointly supervised by staff in UCD and in the institution which they are visiting. Successful completion of the semester abroad will lead to the award of a Certificate in Comparative, International and European Law.

Your future

This programme will enable you to qualify in the legal profession with the intent of specialising in European law and public affairs. It is also the ideal platform from which to pursue a career in the European public service.

Features

The Sutherland School of Law offers a wide range of modules for the Masters programmes. Reflecting its interdisciplinary nature, there are core modules that must be taken in both Law and Politics. The core law modules are

- Law and Governance of the EU involves identifies and analyses the nature of the rule of law, the constitutionalisation of the EU and the nature of governance in general and in the EU in particular.

- EU External Relations Law examines the legal aspects of the EU's role as a global player using Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union that provides the basis for external action by the EU.

Other Law modules of especial interest to those undertaking this programme include:
- Social and Economic Law of the EU examines not only modern EU economic policy but also its increasingly important and controversial role in the area of social policy, and the role of the EU social partners.

- European Environmental Law traces the development of EU and international environmental law to date with particular attention being paid to current key areas of controversy in environmental law, such as climate change.

CIEL

Any student admitted to an LLM programme in the Law School also can apply on a competitive basis to spend their second semester at one of our sister Law Schools:
- University of Antwerp
- Maastricht University
- The University of Mannhein
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona
- Universite de Toulouse 1 – Capitole

Students must score 6.5 in IELTS or 90 in the internet TOEFL exams in the relevant language of instruction (English, French or German). Spaces are allocated on a competitive basis. Students who are accepted onto this programme graduate with an LLM and are awarded a certificate in International and Comparative Law (CIEL).

Careers

This programme will enable you to qualify in the legal profession with the intent of specialising in European Law and Public Affairs. It also the ideal platform from which to pursue a career in European Public Service.

We have an excellent Careers Development Centre here at UCD, designed to help you with information regarding future employment or studies. UCD hold a number of graduate events throughout the year including a dedicated law fair at which at which many of the big Law firms will be in attendance. The School of Law has a dedicated careers advisor on it’s Academic staff, Dr. Oonagh Breen, and a staff member from the careers office will be in attendance at the School of law on a number of occasions throughout the academic year. To see the full range of services offered by the careers office go to http://www.ucd.ie/careers/

See the website http://www.ucd.ie/law/graduateprogrammes/llmeuropeanlawandpublicaffairs/

Find out how to apply here http://www.ucd.ie/law/graduateprogrammes/llmeuropeanlawandpublicaffairs/apply,80080,en.html

Scholarships

The University and UCD Sutherland School of Law have a list of scholarships that are open to Irish, EU and International applicants.
For further information please see http://www.ucd.ie/scholarships
International students may wish to visit: http://www.ucd.ie/international

Why you should choose UCD

In the state-of-the-art UCD Sutherland School of Law, graduate students engage in advanced study with internationally renowned specialists to develop the transformative potential of law.

The School is ranked by the authoritative QS World University Rankings as Ireland's number one law school and amongst the world's 100 leading law schools. Students benefit from the School’s strong links with university partners; businesses; NGOs; and, domestic, EU and international governments.
We place particular emphasis on the quality and breadth of our graduate programmes across Diploma, Masters and Doctoral levels. Our graduate degrees are available on a full-time or part-time basis, beginning in either January or September.
We also offer part-time Diploma programmes and single subject certificates with the possibility of securing CPD points and building study up to achieve diploma or masters awards.

Read less

The LL.M. is directed at well-qualified graduates in law and related disciplines. It seeks to promote critical analysis of, and reflection on, different aspects of national, European and international law. This programme is delivered over one academic year. Students are examined in six modules and complete a research dissertation of up to 25,000 words over the academic year on an approved theme relating to some aspect of International and/or European business law.
The modules offered might typically include the following:

Advanced Comparative Law: European Legal Systems, Advanced European Union Law, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Chinese Legal System in Comparative Perspective, Comparative Product Liability: Common Law, EU and US Perspectives, Copyright and Innovation, Online, Corporate Governance, Corporate, White-Collar and Regulatory Crime, Corruption Law, Creative Works and Intellectual Property, Employment Litigation, EU Aviation Law, EU Banking and Securities Law, EU Competition Law, EU Consumer Law, EU Copyright, Patents and Design Law, EU External Relations Law, EU Financial Services Law, EU Trademark Law, Globalisation and Law, Intellectual Property Law and Sport, International Aviation Law, International Dispute Resolution, International Economic Law, International and European Tax Law, International Trade Law, Islamic Law, Law and Bioethics, Principles of Corporate Insolvency and Rescue, Principles of Delaware Corporate Law, Public Law of the EU.

The Law School reserves the right to vary the above list and, in particular, the right to withdraw and add courses. Note that timetabling considerations may also restrict choice. Further information on the precise modules available in a given year is available on the LLM website.

Read less

The LL.M. is directed at well-qualified graduates in law and related disciplines. It seeks to promote critical analysis of, and reflection on, different aspects of national, European and international law. This programme is delivered over one academic year. Students are examined in six modules and complete a research dissertation of up to 25,000 words over the academic year on an approved theme relating to some aspect of International and/or European intellectual property law. The modules offered might typically include the following: Advanced European Union Law, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Chinese Legal System in Comparative Perspective, Comparative Product Liability, Common Law, EU and US Perspective, Copyright and Innovation, Online, Corportate Governance, Creative Works and Intellectual Property, EU Competition Law, EU Consumer Law, EU Copyright, Patents and Design Law, EU Trademark Law, Freedom of Expression and Intellectual Property, Online, Intellectual Property Law and Sport, International and Comparative Trade Mark, and Unfair Competition Law, International Dispute Resolution, International Economic Law, International and European Tax Law, International Trade Law, Law and Bioethics, Principles of Corporate Insolvency and Rescue. The Law School reserves the right to vary the above list and, in particular, the right to withdraw and add courses. Note that timetabling considerations may also restrict choice. Further information on the precise modules available in a given year is available on the LLM website.

Read less

Overview

The LLM International Business Law is a dual masters degree jointly offered by Maynooth University Department of Law and the Law School at the Catholic University of Lyon (UCLy); it enables law graduates to further their legal education by gaining a systematic understanding of the critical issues at the forefront of select areas of international business law.

The programme also aims to develop legal research, reasoning, writing, advocacy, and teamwork skills, which are highly sought after by employers. The first semester of the masters is spent at UCLy (from September to December) and the second semester at Maynooth University, (from January to May). At the end of the two semesters, successful students will be awarded a dual qualification: 1.French Master 1 Degree awarded by UCLy and 2. Master of Laws (LLM) awarded by Maynooth University. The language of instruction is English. However, French language courses can be taken for free at UCLy. Experience has shown that students who are comfortable with the language have an easier time assimilating into the culture and have broader experiences during their stay in France.

In addition to reading the information available here, you may wish to consult the UCLy website.

Funding Opportunities

Erasmus

There is a small amount of funding available to students in the form of an Erasmus Mobility Allowance, even where students have previously availed of Erasmus funding at undergraduate level. The exact amount varies each year, but is likely to be approximately €1,000. As soon as you have accepted a place on the programme, you should complete an Expression of Interest Form and submit this to the International Office.

Maynooth University Scholarships

For details, see the Graduate Studies website.

“The LLM in International Business Law (dual degree) was a wonderful opportunity not only to receive a dual qualification but also to experience the wonders of studying abroad. Studying abroad opened my mind and allowed me to mature and grow as a person, and intellectually. I did not have a strong base in the French language, but this was not a problem, as the lectures were in English, and classes in French of all levels were provided by the University.”

Course Structure

The first semester (comprised entirely of mandatory modules) of this programme is taught in Lyon and students are required to be resident there. During the second semester in Maynooth, students choose from a range of optional modules.

Students complete 30 taught credits in each semester. Students must complete a dissertation (30 ECTS) during the summer, which can be supervised by either university.

Duration: Dual degree 1 year Full-time

Read less

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Law enables law graduates to further their legal education by gaining a systematic understanding of the critical issues at the forefront of select areas of international business law. The programme also aims to develop legal research, reasoning, writing, advocacy, and teamwork skills, which are highly sought after by employers.

Certain modules on the programme are run in partnership with leading law firms, offering students the opportunity to apply for work placements at the end of their studies.

Commences

September

Course Structure

Students complete a total of 60 ECTS over the course of this programme. Students are required to complete the International Investment Law and Information Technology Law modules in Year 1 and then have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of optional modules. Students must complete 30 taught credits in each year.

Not all modules offered will run every year; offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Students may choose any combination of modules they wish, however, they cannot take more than 30 taught credits per semester.

Read less

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Global Legal Studies is an innovative programme that provides students with a world-class legal education, which is grounded in an appreciation of global social, economic, and cultural contexts and challenges. The increased potential for international elements to any legal issue – from trade and business, to crime, to migration, to information technology, to privacy – has meant that legal graduates need to possess skills that transcend one national jurisdiction. The Postgraduate Diploma in Global Legal Studies imparts just those skills. By taking the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Legal Studies, students will be exposed to a range of areas of legal regulation in a manner that goes far beyond one jurisdiction and will gain critical insights from a range of other disciplines, including politics, psychology, economics, and sociology. The programme facilitates career pathways in law, business, politics, non-governmental organisations, and policymaking bodies at the national and international levels. In addition, certain modules on the programme are run in partnership with leading law firms, offering students the opportunity to apply for work placements at the end of their studies.

Modules focus on three areas:

·        Global Business (including International Investment Law; World Trade Law; Funds Law);

·        Social Justice and Human Rights (including International Human Rights Law; Disability Law & Policy; Gender, Sexuality and the Law);

·        Transnational Regulation (including Information Privacy Law; Information Technology Law; Globalisation, Migration and the Law).

Students may specialise in a particular area or choose modules from different areas.

Commences

September

Course Structure

Students complete a total of 60 ECTS over the course of this programme. There are no compulsory modules; students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of optional modules. Students must complete 60 taught credits over two years.

Not all modules offered will run every year; offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Students may choose any combination of modules they wish, however, they cannot take more than 30 taught credits per semester.

Read less

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Justice and Law provides students with critical insights into the international legal system and how it operates to promote and secure justice. It analyses how the international legal order works and how it seeks to protect vulnerable groups, including minorities, migrants, and peoples with disabilities. The programme draws on law and other disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and politics, to provide students with a comprehensive examination of the challenges facing international justice mechanisms today.

Work placement opportunities are available as part the programme with partner civil society organisations including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Transparency International, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Trócaire and Oxfam.

Teaching is delivered by means of small class lectures, in-class simulations and workshops. Students will also benefit from guest lectures delivered by international speakers.The programme is very attractive to law graduates who wish to specialise in the fields of international law and human rights, and to non-law graduates who are interested in questions of social justice and in acquiring legal tools and skills for future career options.

Commences

September

Course Structure

Students complete a total of 60 ECTS over the course of this programme. Students must complete 30 taught credits in each year.

Not all modules offered will run every year; offerings are dependent upon demand and other potential constraints. Students may choose any combination of modules they wish, however, they cannot take more than 30 taught credits per semester.

Duration: 2 years Part-time

Read less

Course Outline

The course combines a focus on realities of business law in practice with a broader discussion of relevant theoretical and policy issues. The course builds on the School’s wide range of expertise and knowledge in a broad range of aspects of business law, including banking, commercial, corporate, financial services, and insolvency, and in regulation and compliance in the business area. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with the practical operation of business law. Students also complete a research dissertation in their chosen aspect of business law under expert individualised supervision. Students will also benefit from guest seminars with experts from legal and business practice, relevant Government departments, regulatory bodies and legal practitioners and international experts in this field. 

Applicants for the LLM (Business Law) Degree also have the option of registering for a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Law. Students take 60 credits of taught masters’ modules from those on offer for the LLM (Business Law). The Postgraduate Diploma can be completed over 9 months full-time or 18 months part-time. Those who wish to apply for the Diploma should contact [email protected] for application details.

This shorter programme may be attractive to legal professionals and others who may prefer not to make an initial commitment to a full master’s programme. Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma may further progress their studies by completing a 15,000 word research dissertation and graduating with a Masters in Law (LLM). 

The course includes a core Business Law in Practice module where students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with business law in practice. Students can choose from a range of postgraduate business law modules, business modules and undergraduate law subjects.

Please visit the Law School website here for up to date information on the programme. 

Programme regulations are available in the College Calendar 

Please see the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

Why Choose This Course

• The perfect specialist qualification for those seeking to establish a career in all aspects of business law including regulation and compliance.
• An opportunity for professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and skills
• Includes a core Business Law in Practice module, where students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage the practicalities of business.  
• Students will also benefit from guest seminars with experts from legal and business practice, relevant Government departments, regulatory bodies and legal practitioners and international experts in this field.
• Opportunity to expand your knowledge by taking business courses in Economics, Food Business, Management and Marketing 
• Allows you to develop specialised skills in writing, researching and presenting on all aspects of business law
• Teaching approach is informed by practical experience and academic commitment of teaching School

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of this degree will be well placed to seek employment in any area of business law, within Ireland, Europe or internationally. Employment opportunities include specialist legal practice in the commercial and corporate fields as well as general legal practice, regulatory bodies, business regulation and compliance, the financial services sector, the insolvency sector, law reform and research. Because of the transferrable knowledge and skills which this programme develops, graduates may also avail of crossover opportunities using their LLM to pursue careers in the business world.

You can find more information here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckl38/

Read less