COURSE CURRICULUM

The LLM in Disability Law and Policy at the University of Galway requires students to complete 90 credits in Year 1 under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), though module offerings may be subject to change for the current academic year. The curriculum combines foundational theoretical study with specialized optional modules that allow students to focus on particular aspects of disability rights and equality law. A module is an examinable component identified by a unique code and involves lectures, seminars, and assessed coursework.All students complete two required components. The Foundational Theoretical Framework in Disability Law and Policy module provides the essential conceptual and normative grounding for understanding disability rights within international and comparative legal contexts. The Dissertation, worth 30 credits, requires students to undertake independent, supervised research on a topic of their choice, enabling in-depth analysis and original contribution to scholarship or policy development.In addition to these required elements, students select from a range of optional modules in Semester 1, including Advocacy and Access to Justice; Regional Disability Law and Policy; Inclusive Education Law and Policy; the International Disability Human Rights Clinic; Mental Health Law and Policy; Legal Capacity Law and Policy; and Contemporary Challenges in Disability Law and Policy. These options allow students to explore issues such as access to courts, regional human rights systems, inclusive education frameworks, clinical legal practice, mental health regulation, and evolving global challenges in disability law. Together, the program equips graduates with advanced legal knowledge, policy expertise, and research skills to promote equality, influence reform, and advance disability rights at national and international levels.