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An LLM degree can equip you with specialised knowledge, but the most impactful programmes go beyond that. They aim to equip you with transferable skills – the kind that make you adaptable, critical thinkers, and ready to face the disruptions and transformations impacting your industry. If this is the kind of preparation you seek, University College Cork (UCC)’s School of Law might be the perfect fit.
UCC’s School of Law is ranked among the top 100 law schools in the world — it is #73 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 — consistently holding its position for the past four years. This recognition reflects the school’s strengths across various legal fields. Here, you’ll gain access to world-class postgraduate programmes that allow you to delve deep into your areas of interest while also developing transferable skills employers value.
Beyond performing well on rankings and empowering students to create impact, the school is just as committed to providing unparalleled learning experiences. Supervisors are experienced and experts in their fields. There is a full suite of resources, facilities, and activities designed — all accessible and designed to support and enrich your learning. Research master’s students, PhD candidates, and internationally renowned experts are always available to offer advice and mentorship inside and outside the classroom.
This is precisely what drew Pilar, an LLM (International Human Rights Law and Public Policy) student, to UCC. “I chose UCC because of the prestige of its Law School and the wide variety of modules the LLM offered,” she says. “During my semesters here, I studied international human rights, public international law, refugee and forced displacement law, environmental law, among other modules taught by Irish and European professors with vast experience and knowledge in their fields.”
UCC is part of the top 1.1% of universities in the world and its School of Law ranks 73rd globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). Source: University College Cork
The School of Law offers LLM programmes across all major legal disciplines, reflecting its research strengths. These programmes include Business Law, Law, Children’s Rights and Family Law, Environmental and Natural Resources Law, International Human Rights Law and Public Policy, Intellectual Property and E-Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Marine and Maritime Law.
Take the LLM (Business Law) as an example. This programme leverages the school’s extensive expertise in various aspects of business law, encompassing banking, commercial law, corporate law, financial services, insolvency, and business regulation and compliance. Such a research-led curriculum provides students with the most relevant and latest knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the practical application of business law.
Quan, a Business Law student, is “really enjoying” UCC’s courses. “My interest is in Technology Law. The school offers modules in law and technologies — something I was personally interested in,” he says. “Meanwhile, the Digital Finance and FinTech courses helped me observe the intersections between the law and technology and understand how EU and Irish policies support the technology.”
In September 2024, the school will introduce a new LLM programme: Alternative Dispute Resolution. This programme will immerse students in the practice and policy context of mediation and dispute resolution nationally and internationally. You’ll gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in mediation and dispute resolution, developing advanced skills and knowledge to achieve favourable outcomes during conflict resolution.
This programme caters to recent graduates, established professionals and practitioners from other fields seeking to add mediation skills to their existing repertoire. “The core skills developed in this programme are central to many employment contexts and roles, including non-legal roles increasingly pursued by law graduates,” says Dr. Aisling Parkes, Interim Director of the programme.
At UCC School of Law, students gain an unparalleled experience within a vibrant community of research master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral scholars. Source: University College Cork
The School also offers an LLB programme, a postgraduate law degree suitable for law and non-law graduates. Designed to ensure non-law graduates gain a strong grounding and a critical understanding of core legal issues within two years, the LLB programme has proven valuable for students like Emily. “I love the LLB programme,” she shares. “I was able to enter it as a non-law graduate and I’m really enjoying it. It’s challenging but has opened up a completely new pathway. The professors are very skilled at the particular subjects that they teach, and they’re all very approachable and helpful.”
Whichever programme you choose, you’ll get to join the school’s various Law Clinics. A great bridge of the gap between academic teaching and research with real-world litigation, civil society advocacy, and law reform, these clinics are where you can work with academics on submissions to law reform processes and research briefs supporting civil society groups or lawyers engaged in litigation. Notable examples include the Child Law Clinic, Family Law, IT Law, and Sports Law.
Public engagement is another hallmark of the school’s work in shaping a just society. Many faculty members contribute to shaping public policy and debate through expert roles, committees, and contributions to media analysis and discussions.
Such experiences develop skills employers value, including research, advocacy, communication, and critical thinking. This package of soft skills will take any graduate’s career far — the best kind of outcome to cap off an LLM’s student’s transformative time here.
Just ask Mohammed, an LLM (Marine and Maritime Law) student. “UCC has exceeded all my expectations,” he shares. “The academic curriculum proved to be challenging and rewarding at the same time. The professors are very knowledgeable and passionate about Maritime Law — they have supported my educational journey here at UCC.”
Interested? Apply to the School of Law at University College Cork.
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