COURSE CURRICULUM

The LL.M. in International and Comparative Law at Trinity College Dublin is a full-time, in-person one-year postgraduate program structured across two semesters. In each semester, students take three 10-ECTS modules, including a compulsory first-semester module titled Foundations of International Law. Teaching is delivered through weekly two-hour classes over a 12-week term, with a reading break included, and is often organised in small groups to encourage discussion and active engagement. Attendance in person is expected, and assessment methods vary depending on the module. Alongside taught components, all students must complete a 30-ECTS independent research dissertation on an approved topic during the academic year. The program is designed to promote critical analysis of both international and comparative legal systems, combining foundational legal principles with opportunities for specialised study. Students can choose from a wide range of optional modules covering key areas such as international dispute resolution, human rights law, international humanitarian law, international economic law, Islamic law, and refugee law. Comparative perspectives are also offered through modules such as international aviation law, freedom of expression, and intellectual property law. Overall, the course develops advanced legal knowledge, analytical skills, and research capability, preparing graduates for careers in international legal practice, policy, and global institutions.