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Accessibility & LanguageLLM (International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy)
College of Business, Public Policy & Law, Law
Course Code: LLM-MRL
Course Overview
The LLM in International Migration and Refugee Law is the only course of its kind on offer in an Irish university. This unique programme enables students to develop their knowledge of international and regional law, policy and practice as it relates to the phenomena of international migration, human trafficking and refugee law.
Students can combine the study of international migration with specialised courses in international humanitarian law and peace operations, gender and law, child rights, and international criminal law.
The programme engages students with current developments on the human rights of migrants and refugees, globally, regionally and nationally. It includes unique practice-oriented teaching, allowing students to specialise in oral and written advocacy (legal and policy), strategic litigation, fact-finding and international development.
Course highlights:
- The Irish Centre for Human Rights is one the world’s premier university-based institutions for the study and promotion of human rights.
- Expert lecturers deliver programme modules. Our academics are internationally recognised scholars with world-class expertise and strong records of engagement and impact in the fields of international migration, human trafficking and refugee law.
- Unique qualification on the practice of migration and refugee law through specialised modules, clinical lawyering and advocacy training.
- Excellent networks and links to leading international organisations and practitioners.
- Graduates will join a global alumni network of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, with options to pursue careers in the fields of migration, forced displacement, refugee law and policy, and human rights. Students are supported in seeking internship and work placement opportunities and provided with targeted career advice and supports.
- Skills development is enhanced through practice-oriented teaching, allowing students to specialise in oral and written advocacy (legal and policy), strategic litigation, fact-finding and international development and transnational lawyering clinical skills.
- Seminars and workshops with leading international practitioners in migration and refugee law and policy.
- Career support with targeted career advice and assistance in seeking internship and work placement opportunities.
- Field trips to the Hague and/or Strasbourg to visit leading international law institutions are optional.
- Assessment is primarily through research papers, presentations and minor thesis rather than exams.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
What Our Students Say
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Elisa Binon | Monitoring Associate with IDMC
Studying the LL.M. in International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy at the Irish Centre for Human Rights was a transformative experience which enriched my applied knowledge of the field with essential theoretical knowledge. The academic and practical expertise of the lecturers provided unique and invaluable perspectives, enhancing my understanding of global migration issues. Thanks to the continued support of my LL.M. Director after graduating, I was able to quickly find work for the European Union Agency for Asylum in Malta as a refugee status determination officer. I am now working for the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva
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Jibran | Policy Analyst on Forced Displacement With UNDP
My journey in international law, human rights, and refugee law began in Syria amidst displacement and armed conflict. Navigating the Greek and European asylum systems as a protection seeker and working with international NGOs and UNHCR further shaped my path. Seeking to advance my expertise and career, I pursued the LLM programme at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR). The programme provided comprehensive modules on migration and refugee law, fostering critical thinking and offering exceptional faculty, notably Dr. Ciara Smyth's interactive lectures on Refugee Law and Policy. Post-LLM, I served as a UN Volunteer at OHCHR and I currently work with UNDP in Geneva as a Policy Analyst on Forced Displacement, collaborating with various stakeholders to advance durable solutions to ending displacement. The reputation of the ICHR within the UN system significantly contributed to my career opportunities, and the knowledge gained during my studies is vital in my daily work.
Luke Hamilton | PhD student in International Refugee Law and LLM Graduate
I always thought that I wanted to work in the human rights field. However, it was through studying refugee law at the Irish Centre for Human Rights that my interest really crystallised. The interactive lectures and supportive staff inspired me to work towards a career promoting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. I am currently applying the knowledge gained from my LLM studies in my work as Legal Officer with the Irish Refugee Council’s Independent Law Centre where I provide legal advice to people seeking asylum in Ireland. I remain very-much involved in the life of the Centre as I am also in the process of completing a PhD in International Refugee Law there, funded by the Irish Research Council.
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