Trinity College Dublin (TCD) School of Law

The School of Law is very proud of its postgraduate programmes which have attracted and continue to attract top legal graduates from prestigious universities around the world. Our current postgraduate student population is 170. Consisting
of students from over thirty EU and Non-EU countries, our postgraduate cohort of students benefit from an intellectually rigorous and culturally diverse environment with a deep sense of community. 

Our  LL.M. programmes continue to expand and to grow in profile. In recent years, the LL.M. was listed by the Irish Times as one of the top masters courses in any discipline in an Irish University. It also ranked No. 18 in Western Europe in the Top 200 Best Masters
in Business and Commercial Law Global Rankings 2017.

-Master of Laws (LL.M.)
-Master of Laws (LL.M.) International and Comparative Law
-Master of Laws (LL.M.) International and European Business Law
-Master of Laws (LL.M.) Intellectual Property  and Information Technology Law

The School of Law currently offers four taught Master in Laws (LL.M.) Degrees that boast an enormous variety of modules - enough to ensure that all students have their needs and interests catered for by our gifted academics and expert practitioners. Our flagship LL.M. course is the general LL.M., but some of you may wish to focus and streamline your studies through our LL.M. in International and Comparative Law, our LL.M. in International and European Business Law or our LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law. These are briefly discussed below, but the general message is that whether you wish to learn about the world of banking and financial services law, law and bioethics, EU aviation law or Digital Technologies and Privacy Law, Islamic law, African Human Rights law or the legal system of China  (and anything in between!) you will find it on our LLM programmes

The LLM programme welcomes graduates from many different countries, thereby offering students the chance to study in an intellectually rigorous and culturally diverse environment. It is the perfect programme for students who do not wish to be overly specialised in their postgraduate studies and who wish to broaden their knowledge base and to enhance their legal qualifications.

To see the vast list of modules available to LLM students, please visit http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes 

LLM
Our flagship LL.M programme offers students the opportunity for postgraduate study where they can select modules from a wide range of modules covering many disparate branches of law at national, European and international level. Students can learn about the world of financial services, aviation law or technology law while at the same time having the opportunity to study Islamic law, refugee law or international humanitarian law.
The programme encourages independent learning and innovative thinking in a supportive academic community and attracts students from around the world. It is the perfect programme for students who do not wish to be overly specialised in their postgraduate legal studies while at the same time it enables them to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the law, further develop their research skills and significantly enhance their career prospects both within the legal profession and elsewhere.

LL.M (International and Comparative Law)
In 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 indepth 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 which can be tailored according to students’ interests. 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 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.

LL.M (International and European Business Law)
In a global economy where companies of all sizes seek to expand beyond domestic borders, building an awareness of the legal environment in which these companies operate requires us to look beyond our national laws. The LL.M. (International and European Business Law) meets this challenge by offering a comprehensive list of modules exploring the complex legal issues surrounding international business, commercial and financial services law. 
Academic staff engage in research-led teaching and the modules allow graduates to develop their knowledge and expertise in areas including international trade law, international dispute resolution, international business tax law, competition law, corporate governance, intellectual property and market regulation. 

LL.M. Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law
Technology is ubiquitous. It is the infrastructure of our daily lives; it is constantly developing; and it gives rise to many exciting and weighty legal issues. They arise in the context of intellectual property (IP) law in particular, where the tensions between rewarding intellectual development, on the one hand, and incentivising further developments, on the other, are most acute in the context of technological advance. And such issues arise in the context of information technology (IT) law more generally, where the rapid emergence of new technologies raises questions of how, if at all, the law should respond to, regulate, and promote, such developments.
On the LLM in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, you will take modules in which you will study the inter-relationships between law, science and technology. These modules cover the substantive, policy, and practical elements of IP and IT law within European and International contexts. This programme provides graduates with the knowledge and tools to meet the demands of our sophisticated knowledge economy. 

Master in Letters (M.Litt) and Doctor in Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The School of Law also provides for students attracted to in depth research and writing with our two research degree programmes

Our expert staff provide academic support to those interested in undertaking independent research while our postgraduate research module and weekly research seminar series provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of work in progress from different areas of law.
Further information is available at http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/research-programmes ;

LERU European Ph.D. Exchange Programme 
To enrich the doctoral studies experience and to facilitate the international mobility of Ph.D. candidates, the School of Law has joined with a number of select partner university law faculties within the prestigious League of European Research Universities to offer an exchange scheme. PhD candidates now have the possibility of spending up to eight weeks at partner universities within Europe which typically include esteemed universities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Geneva, Heidelberg, Helsinki, KU Leuven, Leiden Lund, Milan, UCL, Utrecht.

Please visit http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes ;

Founded in 1592, Trinity College, the single constituent college of the University of Dublin, is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the oldest universities of Europe 

Located in the heart of Dublin City and one of Ireland major tourist attractions, it contains many historical buildings alongside many state-of-the-art libraries, lecture theatres, laboratories, IT facilities and recreational facilities.

Trinity prides itself on its tradition of personal contact between staff and students, encouraged by its collegiate atmosphere. Its seventeen thousand staff and students form a compact academic community, with several hundred students and a number of staff living on campus.

The University Library is one of the largest in Europe, with extensive collections, electronic books and core academic journals available online. Postgraduate students can also enjoy exclusive 24 hour access to the 1937 Postgraduate Reading Room.

Trinity College Dublin is the top Irish university for postgraduates, with some 5,300 students (32% of the total student body) on the postgraduate register. It is recognised internationally as Ireland's premier university and the only Irish university in the world top 100 universities.

The historic and picturesque squares in Trinity College were recently chosen by renowned Indian director Kabir Khan to film his latest Bollywood movie "Ek Tha Tiger" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfsFx_6Eluc

Trinity students and alumni share their Trinity experience stories, which helped shape their lives - https://youtu.be/J8evbCLVepg

Comprehensive information for EU and Non-EU students who wish to study at Trinity College Dublin is available at http://www.tcd.ie/study/why-trinity/

Trinity College Dublin's School of Law founded in 1740, is Ireland's oldest and most internationally renowned Law School. We are a relatively small and very friendly school, with student welfare at the heart of our activities. We attract students of the highest calibre both nationally and internationally and currently have a student population of approximately 510 undergraduates and 170 postgraduate taught and research students.

The School of Law is strongly committed to maintaining and further developing its reputation for rigorous legal scholarship and research, both in a national and international context and seeks to promote standards of academic excellence, and in particular, the ability to think analytically, among the student body. It is widely recognised as providing a liberal environment where independent thinking is encouraged and as promoting the ideals of social inclusion and equality. Together the Law School staff and students form a vibrant community inspired by the values of mutual respect and co-operation.

Our staff members are experts in their chosen field, involved in writing and editing leading textbooks, casebooks and commentaries on a vast number of different areas of law including disciplines with a strong International and Comparative law focus (such as International Human Rights Law, International Criminal law and Islamic law), to disciplines with a broad International and European Commercial law basis (including subjects such as Banking and Financial Services law, Corporate Governance and International Dispute Resolution) and to our specialised Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology Law masters degree (such as Copyright, Patents, Trademark Law and Digital Society and Media law). In addition, the Law School is delighted to welcome various national and international legal experts as lecturers on the LLM programmes.

Former members of staff include former President, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and current Chancellor of Trinity College Dublin Mary Robinson, former President Mary McAleese, the late South African Minister for Education Professor Kader Asmal and the late Irish Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan.

The Law School is home to one of Ireland's leading legal periodicals, the Dublin University Law Journal and to the Trinity College Law Review published by the student members of the College's Law Society. The annual Law Student Colloquium, an international conference in which undergraduate and postgraduate law students present short papers on a wide variety of topics, is also run by students at the School of Law. In addition the law school runs a large number of top level legal conferences annually which postgraduate students are warmly invited to attend.

Further information is available at http://www.tcd.ie/Law/

Follow the School of Law on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TrinityCollegeDublinLaw

General Admission Requirements

• Applications are invited from well-qualified graduates who hold a very good Honors Bachelor degree in law or in a law-based interdisciplinary programme.
• Applications will also be considered from exceptional graduates in related disciplines in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences who can convincingly demonstrate that their studies have fully prepared them for the LLM.
• Assuming that this basic pre-requisite is in place, thereafter admission to the various LLM programmes is at the absolute discretion of the School of Law, which will decide on questions of admission having regard to a wide range of academic criteria, including the quality of the individual application and the objectives of ensuring a diverse LLM class of the highest possible academic calibre.
• Admission requirements may vary from year to year.

 

English Language Requirements
Students whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must present one of the following qualifications in the English Language:

• IELTS: Grade 6.5
• TOEFL: 88 - Internet based (with a written score of 21)
• University of Cambridge:
  Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
  Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
  First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE Academic: a minimum score of 63 (with no section score below 59)

Please note that test scores are only valid for 2 years

The 2019-20  LL.M application process will open in early November 2018.
Applicants must complete an online application form and submit required supporting documentation by 31st May 2019.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Applicants must complete an online application form, pay the relevant application fee and upload the following supporting documentation:

-Proof of Undergraduate Degree (Degree certificates and transcripts of results) and all other qualifications received to date
- Two Academic References*
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
- Proof of English Language Certification (If necessary)
- If you are applying as an EU Student, we require proof that you have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least three of the last five years in order to consider you as an EU student for fee-paying purposes.

Applications can be submitted via http://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/

Further information is available at http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes/admissions

*When completing your application form, you will also be asked to supply email addresses for two academic referees. Trinity will send each referee an automated email containing the reference document and a link through which they upload the completed reference. You should contact your nominated referees before including their details to seek permission and request that they submit references in a timely fashion.

LL.M Tuition Fees 2018-2019

*Fees listed do not include Sports Centre Charge (€120), USI Levy (€8) and Commencement/Graduation fee (€135)

Further information available at http://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/fees-payments/

• Fees listed are annual fees and are subject to change
• College regulations permit the payment of EU tuition fees in 2 instalments.
• New entrant Non-EU students must pay fees in full in advance of registration.
• Regulations relating to the payment of fees are set out in the College Calendar and can be viewed at http://www.tcd.ie/calendar.

There are a number of scholarship opportunities for LL.M students at the School of Law.

Please visit http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes/scholarships for conditions of application and application procedures.

Constantina Maxwell Faculty Studentship 2018/19

Students may apply to be considered for Constantia Maxwell Faculty Studentship for academic year 2018-19. The value of the studentship is a 5,000 euro contribution towards LL.M tuition fees (EU or Non-EU) in academic year 2018/19. It is generously funded by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Trinity College Dublin.

This studentship seeks to acknowledge the quality of entrants to our taught LL.M programmes and the on-going contribution of LL.M students to our Law School and Faculty. It aims to support and develop gifted postgraduate students.

Further information is available at http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes/scholarships

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Hyman Tarlo Scholarship in Law 2018/19 for Australian Students
The Scholarship covers full LL.M Non-EU tuition fees in academic year 2018/19, payable directly by the Law School to Student Finance, and a stipend of AUS$10,000.
Applications are assessed competitively with the sole criteria for the granting of the scholarship being the proven academic merit of the candidate.

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Irish Aid Casement Fellowship

The Roger Casement fellowship has been established by Irish Aid to honour the memory of the Irish human rights activist Roger Casement who spent some of his early working life in Calabar, Nigeria. The purpose of the Irish Aid Casement Fellowship Programme is to provide talented candidates with the opportunity to pursue advanced education and professional development in Ireland in order to contribute to the future development of Nigeria.

Under the Casement fellowship, full financial support is provided for one successful candidate from Nigeria to undertake a one-year masters level course of study in Human Rights in Ireland such as Trinity College's LL.M (International and Comapartive Law)degree.

The Irish Aid Casement Fellowship Programme normally covers: return airfares, full tuition, stipends to cover accommodation and subsistence costs, health insurance and other allowances, in addition to the necessary entry arrangements such as medical examination and visa.

Full eligibility criteria, conditions of application and application procedures are available at http://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/casement-fellowship

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Kader Asmal Fellowship 
Open to South African or Zimbabwean nationals
This fellowship applies to Human Rights Law, specifically the LL.M (International and Comparative Law) at the School of Law, Trinity College Dublin, with candidates to be selected by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC). Canon Collins Trust, on behalf of the Government of Ireland, invites applications for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme via http://www.canoncollins.org.uk/ireland.html

The Kader Asmal Fellowship will cover, amongst other costs, tuition fees, economy travel to and from your country of residence to Ireland, a monthly personal living allowance (stipend).

Full details are available at http://www.canoncollins.org.uk/ireland.html
 

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Postgraduate Global Scholarship for Excellence 2018/19

Students may apply to be considered for a Postgraduate Global Scholarship for Excellence 2018/19. Several scholarships valued at 5,000 euro each, applied as a reduction of the tuition fees of a full-time postgraduate taught program. It is open to all Non-EU postgraduate Students at Trinity College Dublin and is not specific to the School of Law. The scholarship will be assessed based on academic achievement, and evaluation of the applicants’ potential to contribute to the overall TCD community.

For further information, please see http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes/scholarships

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Claddagh Scholarship Programme 2018/19 (China)

Trinity College Dublin are delighted offer a number of scholarships for Chinese nationals under the Claddagh Scholarship Programme. Five scholarships valued at 5,000 euro each, applied as a reduction of the tuition fees of a full-time postgraduate taught program. These scholarships are offered throughout the University and are not specific to the School of Law.  The scholarship will be assessed based on academic achievement, and evaluation of the applicants’ potential to contribute to the overall TCD community

Further information is available at http://www.tcd.ie/law/programmes/postgraduate/taught-programmes/scholarships

"Dublin has become a more multicultural and cosmopolitan place in the past two decades but at its heart remains a tradition and culture that is all its own."

Trinity College is located in the very heart of Dublin, the principal city of Ireland - a country located on the western edge of Europe with air links to all major cities worldwide. Small by present-day international standards and easily navigated, Dublin has nevertheless the resources of a capital city with a full and varied historical, cultural and intellectual life. Our National Museums and Galleries showcase our unique Celtic history while our smaller galleries showcase modern and contemporary art.

Trinity College is located in the very heart of Dublin, the principal city of Ireland. Small by present-day international standards and easily navigated, Dublin has nevertheless the resources of a capital city with a full and varied historical, cultural and intellectual life. Our National Museums and Galleries showcase our unique Celtic history while our smaller galleries showcase modern and contemporary art. In the work of its writers, playwrights, actors and musicians, Dublin stands up well to comparison in quality and variety with any capital city in Europe. A hub for sporting activities, Dublin hosts sporting events in all major sports and caters for those with more obscure sporting interests.

A variety of industries thrive in Dublin and students can benefit from studying at the centre of Irish political, administrative and commercial life. With many Irish and EU headquarters located in Dublin, students have access to many avenues upon completion of their studies at Trinity College.

Dublin in the twenty first century is an exciting and progressive capital city with much for people to do and see. With one of the youngest populations in Europe, it is home to many Irish and global eateries, boutiques, shops and markets to suit every budget and taste and provides students with a pleasant environment to carry out their studies at Trinity College.

The Accommodation Office at Trinity College offers support to those wishing to apply for College accommodation on campus or at the modern and comfortable Trinity Hall of Residence. Find out more about College accommodation and the on-line application facility at www.tcd.ie/accommodation/StudentsandStaff.

Many postgraduate students find accommodation in shared houses or self-catering flats and apartments in the city centre. Each September, the Accommodation Advisory Service also provides support to those seeking private accommodation. Advertisements also appear on the many noticeboards around College, especially in Front Arch and the Accommodation Office. These are generally looking for people to share accommodation with and if you do not know anyone in Dublin, may be a good option.

Temporary housing of up to a maximum of two weeks can be arranged on the main campus in August to allow international students time to search for long-term accommodation

In addition to the vast array of activities available in Dublin's city centre, Trinity College provides a complete day-time environment, with a range of facilities - dining hall, cafeterias and bars, and a varied social life sustained by over 90 College societies and 50 TCD Sports Clubs. The newly built Science Gallery and Sports Centre, together with the Douglas Hyde Gallery, numerous school museums and the Samuel Beckett and Players Theatre provide students with many ways to spend time between lectures.

The School of Law also encourages student interaction outside the classroom and organises numerous social events throughout the academic year, including LLM receptions, the Staff Student Walk, the Staff-Student cabaret. The Student Law Society also provides social and academic events such as high profile guest lectures, law debates and moot courts, the Law Ball and much more.

Postgraduate students can also benefit from numerous support services provided by College, including but not limited to the Graduate Students Union, Careers Advisory Service, IT Services, the Centre for Academic Practice and eLearning (CAPSL), Student Health and Counseling Service, Disability Service, the College Day Nursery.

Samuel Tyrer, LL.M (General) 
2015/16 Hyman Tarlo scholarship recipient, Sam Tyrer, is a lawyer from Melbourne. Sam came to Trinity College Dublin's School of Law to develop knowledge in international law and human rights and, through the LL.M research dissertation component, to investigate alternatives to Australia’s current refugee policies. His research dissertation entitled “Australia and Southeast Asia: Regional cooperation for arrangements on refugees”, aspects of which he will present at a conference in July, did just that.
"Postgraduate study at TCD has allowed me to take my academic skills to a whole new level, and in ways that were not necessarily possible in legal practice or at an undergraduate level. Along the way, I have been challenged by teachers and new friends from an array of other legal jurisdictions. Assumptions I did not even realise I had made about how a legal system should work have been explored, and for the better"

Shonottra Kumar, LL.M (International and Comparative Law)  
GSU Postgraduate of the Year 2017
“My reason for pursuing an LLM (International and Comparative Law) at the School of Law was to get a better understanding of the global development sector. Having completed the course, I can guarantee that this was the most rewarding experience; not just in terms of academics, where I got to interact with and study under some remarkable professionals, but also in terms of an overall university experience where Trinity’s hundred something clubs and societies offer you the space to explore new things about yourself. While studying, I also got to experience it first hand with yet another unique feature of Trinity, its Graduate Students’ Union, an independent student body that works for the benefit of postgraduate students in the university. Working with the GSU afforded me with the opportunity of interacting with students from different disciples and allowing me to significantly grow my network. An important lesson that I learned from my year in Trinity, was that my network was my net worth. Overall, from the variety of excellent modules to choose from, to making global connections that would last a lifetime, I would recommend this course to everyone. And if you do choose to come here, make the most of it!"

Léa Duly, LL.M (International and European Business Law)
"Having undertaken my Erasmus year at Trinity, I did not imagine myself studying anywhere other than the School of Law and undertaking the LL.M (International and European Business Law). This LL.M programme gave me the opportunity to specialise in the legal fields in which I had significant interest in and write a dissertation on a related legal topic, with clear and helpful advice from my dissertation supervisor. During the year, I had the opportunity to meet legal professionals, which gave me a chance to really consider the direction I would like to follow in my future legal profession. The LL.M. was an asset to my future professional career, as I aspire to work in an International Business Law Firm, possibly in Dublin. I really appreciated being an LL.M. student. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of International and European Business Law but it gave me an opportunity to meet students from many different countries and backgrounds. I was among the youngest, but belonging to this student community was very enriching, both personally and professionally”

Alexander Dunne LL.M (Intellectual Property)
“Since graduating from the LL.M (IP), I can proudly say that it was one of the best decisions of my life to decide to do so at Trinity. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience obtaining in-depth knowledge and gaining academic expertise in both intellectual property and data protection law from some of the best academics in Ireland. Furthermore, I got to make some life-long friends in the process both at home and abroad. Having graduated quite recently, I can say that my career prospects have increased exponentially. Truly if I had the option to revisit my LL.M again I would still choose Trinity”

Brady Gordon, Canada. LL.M, (General), Ph.D.
​​​​​​​"Choosing to do my LL.M and my Ph.D at Trinity College Dublin was the best choice I could have made for my career, my life and myself. It set me up as an expert in my field, and left me with lifelong friendships with colleagues at leading universities and companies all around the world. Coming from degrees in Canada and the UK, I was struck to find that the culture at Trinity was very much one of friendliness and collaboration. I wasn't treated as "just another student", but as a member of their scholarly community. I was asked what I needed to pursue my ideas and my research, and I was paired with experts in my area and professors who knew my name. Even just the experience of studying at Trinity was remarkable. Trinity is one of the seven ancient universities and comes with a worldwide academic reputation, but it is also sitting right in the middle of Dublin - a young, bustling city at the centre of the western commercial world. Walking through the gates of Trinity every morning, and passing from this modern city into the quiet of this ancient university, was an an experience I will never forget." 

Centre for English Language Learning and Teaching at Trinity College Dublin provides English Language Learning Support for prospective and accepted students of Trinity College who are not native-speakers of English.

https://www.tcd.ie/slscs/english/

Summer English for Academic Purposes
The Summer English for Academic Purposes modules are twelve, eight or four-week intensive courses that run throughout June, July, and August, and focus on the development of spoken and written academic English. Classes take place for four hours daily, 20 hours per week. These courses are available for any student, who wants to improve their academic English skills. Students can choose two of the following study options: academic english skills modules, content-based modules, or IELTS preparation modules.

Pre-sessional intensive English module - The pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes Modules are eight or four-week intensive courses that run before the start of the Michaelmas term, and focus on the development of spoken and written academic English. Classes take place for four hours daily, 20 hours per week. These courses are available for accepted Trinity College students, who want to improve their academic English skills.

In-sessional English module - This module runs throughout the academic year. Classes are free of charge for registered postgraduate students , upon nomination from the LLM Course Director.

Legal English Module - The Law School offers a module on Legal English to registered international postgraduate students throughout the academic year