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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieIn an era of globalisation, it is no longer possible to understand law in a purely national context. As globalisation not only intensifies but also comes under challenge, it has never been more important for lawyers to develop an in-depth understanding of law in its wider international context.
The LL.M. programme in International and Comparative Law offers students a valuable opportunity to develop this understanding. The programme offers a rich and diverse array of modules taught by experts in the fields of international and comparative law. Students develop their legal knowledge and advanced legal skills in these fields but also gain a deeper insight into law and legal practice in its evolving international context.
This programme is designed for law students interested in comparative study of different aspects of law across many jurisdictions. Students can study within fields such as Business and Human Rights, Human Rights at Work, International Humanitarian Law, International Economic Law, Freedom of Expression and Intellectual Property Law and Refugee Law, among others.
This programme equips students with the expertise, skills and attributes which are valuable across a wide range of careers, both within and beyond the legal profession, nationally and internationally. Modules are delivered by full-time academics and practitioners to provide a comprehensive learning experience and skill set that can be transferred to future legal careers.
We encourage students to become involved in extra-curricular activities within the school and university to further enrichen their profile. Registered students and recent graduates are also supported through the Trinity Careers Service in developing CV writing and interview skills to reach their career goals.
This is a full-time programme and is delivered in-person at Trinity College. It is divided into two semesters during each of which students are required to take three modules. Applicants should note that in 2025-26, it is likely there will be a mandatory 10 ECTS module entitled foundations of international in semester. Each module is offered in one semester only and involves 22 hours of classwork which is supported by independent reading and research. Various forms of assessment are utilised in the different modules to enhance students’ learning experience. In addition, all students must complete a research dissertation over the academic year on an approved theme.
The LL.M. International and Comparative Law is delivered over one academic year. It seeks to promote critical analysis of, and reflection on, different aspects of international law and comparative law.
Students on this programme are examined in six modules and will also complete a research dissertation on a topic approved by the Dissertation Director and related to some aspect of international and comparative law.
The LL.M International and Comparative Law offers students the chance to study from a large range of modules with a broad international and comparative law feel.. Module offerings may include International Dispute Resolution International Humanitarian Law; International Economic Law; Islamic Law; Refugee Law; as well as comparative modules relating to International Aviation Law; Freedom of Expression and Intellectual Property Law.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
Overview of the School of Law at Trinity College Dublin and its postgraduate LL.M. programmes.
September 2025
Professor Blanaid Clarke
31st May 2025
Applications are invited from well-qualified graduates who hold a very good Honours Bachelor degree in law or in a law-based interdisciplinary programme. Applications may also be considered from exceptional graduates in disciplines relevant to the LL.M degree they are applying for where: a substantial component of their undergraduate degree(s) is in Law; or applicants have significant professional experience in Law.
The above is the starting point for applications and does not guarantee admission. Admission to Trinity's LL.M. programmes is at the absolute discretion of the School of Law, which will decide on admissions with regard to a range of academic criteria, including the quality of the individual application and the objectives of ensuring a diverse LL.M. class of the highest possible academic calibre.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We advise students to apply for the course as early as possible as admission is competitive. The programme is subject to early closure.
This programme is academically rigorous and requires students to have a high level of English language and legal English competency. It is expected that students will be able to effectively and proficiently participate in classroom discussions.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
+ 353 (0)1 8968449
https://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught/llm-international-comparative/index.php
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
I hope to pursue a career in human rights law. The skills I gained through the course placed me in a position to apply for jobs I wasn’t able to before. Studying at Trinity also opened other opportunities for me. Through the guidance of Trinity’s lecturers, I am now looking into publishing articles in academic journals. Through Trinity’s mentoring programme I was able to connect with an experienced international criminal lawyer who provided me with ongoing career mentoring.
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