LLM in Ireland: Courses, Universities, Fees, and Eligibility

Legal studies are quite extensive, even more so at a postgraduate level. International students wishing to study in Ireland have a lot of opportunities available in the legal field, especially for LLM in Ireland. With the exit of the UK from the European Union, many legal complexities have arisen in Ireland. The situation’s complexity makes it an excellent time to study law in Ireland. Irish universities furthermore rank among the top 3% of all universities worldwide. Almost seven such top-ranking universities have masters in law courses available to international students.

Since Ireland is the European center point of many global companies, setting up a legal base is essential. Companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, etc., have set up headquarters in Ireland. All these companies require experienced legal professionals. This further increases the strife to pursue LLM in Ireland. Students study any foreign law of their choice in addition to European law in the short span of just one year. In this article, Gyanberry provides all the essentials required for studying master’s in law in Ireland.

Overview: LLM in Ireland

Below is a brief overview of all that is entailed in the legal postgraduate course for international students wishing to study in Ireland.

Why study LLM in Ireland?

Ireland is a beautiful place to live and learn. Ireland’s law schools are well-funded and well-respected globally, providing a chance for an excellent legal education. Here are some reasons you should consider pursuing your LLM in Ireland. 

• Dual Language: A sizable portion of the people in Ireland speaks English. English is taught in Irish law schools, but the Irish language is critical to Irish society and the government in the Republic of Ireland. An Irish law degree can be used for practicing in any country of the EU if you qualify as a solicitor or a barrister in Ireland.
• Legal Complexity in Practice: While still a full member of the UK, Northern Ireland is a devolved country, meaning it has a government and uses the pound sterling as its official currency. This situation has become more complicated due to the UK’s exit from the EU, making it an exciting moment to study Irish law as the day-to-day realities of doing business and living on the island of Ireland continue to change.

• International Business Links: Numerous significant multinational corporations, especially tech firms like Apple, Google, Accenture, and Facebook, have headquarters in the Republic of Ireland. As a result, students who want to focus on corporate law or international business law will have many chances to pick the brains of experts in the field. 
• Warm & Friendly: Pursuing your LLM in Ireland is wise if you appreciate socializing and making new friends. Tourists enjoy visiting Ireland’s rural areas, and the island is simple to navigate, particularly by car. There is also a lot to see and do when you want to unwind from your LLM studies.
• Long Heritage: Ireland has a long tradition of providing higher education, and legal studies are no exception. From Trinity College Dublin, one of the oldest universities, to the University of Limerick, one of the most modern universities in Ireland, law students can gain a range of educational approaches and practices.

Top LLM Specializations in Ireland

As part of the European Union, Irish law schools teach their students the entirety of European law. In addition, LLM students can choose their field of specialization alongside learning European law. Although the modules in the LLM course include parts of different specializations, one can choose what to study further in detail. Such specializations are available in different universities spread pan Ireland. Some of these LLM specializations are listed below.

• Comparative International & European Law
• International Human Rights 
• Corporate Governance
• Environmental Law & Policy
• Mental Capacity Law
• Global Maritime Security Law
• International Migration & Refugee Law
• Criminal Law
• Humanitarian Law & Conflict
• Penology & Victimology
• International Perspectives on Property Law

*All courses are not available in every Irish University. Kindly scroll further to check which university offers the specialization you wish to undertake.

Top Universities offering LLM Programs in Ireland

Below mentioned are some of the top universities in Ireland offering LLM courses to international students. The LLM degree has specializations offered in electives, which are different in different colleges. Five such colleges and their LLM specializations are listed below.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the LLM program in Ireland, prospective candidates must fulfill a number of criteria. Depending on its area of specialization, every university may have a different collection of requirements. To enroll in one of the best Irish universities to seek an LLM, you must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field
• Minimum 60% or 7.5 GPA on a 10-point scale 
• Academic Transcripts 
• Minimum scores on English proficiency tests: IELTS: 6.5/ TOEFL: 88/ PTE: 63
• At least two letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Valid Passport
• Student Visa
• CV/ Résumé
• Some colleges may also require GRE scores

Note: Additionally, some colleges give priority to applicants with previous employment or research experience in the legal area.

Cost of studying LLM in Ireland for International Students

The three principal costs that make up the overall cost of studying overseas are pre-arrival fees, tuition, and living expenses. It will be simpler for international students to stick to their spending plan and, if necessary, submit a scholarship application to help pay for their education in Ireland. We have tabulated the average annual tuition fees for 2023-24 for international students wishing to pursue LLM full-time courses from an Irish university.

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland is influenced by several variables, such as a person’s lifestyle, geographic location, and currency exchange rates. The typical ones are your desired destination city, your lodging options, and your transportation mode. Although the thought of expenses in a foreign nation may overwhelm you, understanding costs and expenses beforehand will help you better prepare yourself. Setting up a budget and managing it will be extremely helpful in addition to prior information. You can always find part-time employment in Ireland with basic requirements, so have no worries!

Scholarships for International Students pursuing LLM in Ireland

Since the LLM is a master’s degree, the tuition fee is extensive. To reduce the lingering tension of paying such hefty amounts for tuition fees, Irish universities provide ample scholarships to international students. Some of these scholarships are listed below.

*all scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and excellence.

Career Prospects 

The legal field has a vast scope in Ireland, courtesy of being a developing globalized nation. Many MNCs are looking to expand their bases in Ireland, and as we all know, the legal aspect has to be attributed to every working of companies’ daily tasks. Some of the significant  legal firms and companies in Ireland that hire post-graduate law students are:

• Arthur Cox
• A&L Goodbody
• Matheson
• McCann Fitzgerald
• William Fry, Mason Hayes & Curran 

Major job options, along with their average salaries, which can be pursued after completion of LLM from Ireland are listed below for your perusal.

*All indicated salaries are average salaries as stipulated by Indeed.com, a leading employment website.

Conclusion

Ireland provides a variety of possibilities for those looking to pursue an LLM abroad. One must consider expense, educational quality, on-campus amenities, and international rankings when choosing.

If you want to study in Ireland, Gyanberry can assist you with everything admissions-related and beyond. Our thorough recommendations and specialized services allow you to select the institution best adapted to your interests and objectives. Kindly schedule a video consultation with one of our experts for more information.