- Overview
- Syllabus
- What we offer
- Requirements
Overview
The LL.M Comparative Media Law is the first and only course of its type to be offered in the Republic of Ireland.
It is a specialised programme which examines the regulation of media in Ireland and internationally. In particular, Irish and international developments relating to restrictions on the media ranging from the laws on privacy, defamation, contempt of court and freedom of information are examined in depth. The statutory regulation of the media in Ireland and throughout the European Union is also analysed.
This course is ideal for those with an interest in the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression worldwide.
Through its association with Independent News & Media, the College has access to the very best practitioners in this area whether they be legal professionals practicing media law or editors or journalists who grapple with these legal issues on a daily basis.
Together with the College’s experienced and enthusiastic teaching team, the LL.M provides unique opportunity for students to learn about the theoretical aspects of law and how it operates in practice.
The LL.M is not confined to those who have studied law at undergraduate level. It is also open to those from other disciplines such as the Arts, Journalism and other related programmes.
Course Start Date
September 2012
Course Timetable
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm
Awarding Body
The University of the West of England, Bristol
Contact Details
The Admissions Office
Email: admissions@independentcolleges.ie
Tel: 01 635 1184
Course Duration
One year full-time, two years part-time
Course Fees
Full time:
EU Students: €6,850
Non-EU Students: €9,000. (Payment plan options available)
Part time:
EU Students: €6,850
Non-EU Students: €9,000. (Payment plan options available)
Syllabus
Semester 1
- Research Methods
- Freedom of Expression: Constitutional Perspectives
- Defamation & the Media
Semester 2
- Law of Privacy
- Media Regulation
- Elective (choose one): Defamation: Practice & Procedure; Freedom of Information Law; Intellectual Property; Law & the Media
Semester 3
- Thesis (15,000 - 20,000 words)
Assessment Details
Modules are typically assessed by way of a written piece of coursework (approximately 3,000 words) and an unseen two hour examination at the end of each semester (January and May). Students will also have to complete a thesis of 15,000 to 20,000 words on a chosen area associated with media law. The thesis would usually be submitted in September.
What We Offer
Students undertaking the LL.M will attend seminars in each of the modules for two hours once per week.
Students are expected to prepare for seminars through reading and analysis of distributed material, readings from the indicative reading list and their own research. This process will develop the student’s knowledge and skills of critical analysis. This preparation will allow an exchange of ideas to develop during seminars in order to delve deeper into the topic and aid the student’s broader understanding.
Requirements
The LL.M is not confined to those who have studied law at undergraduate level. It is also open to those from other disciplines such as the Arts, Journalism and other related programmes.
At least a lower second-class (2.2) degree in law or a related discipline or foreign equivalent or relevant work experience, including having held a position of responsibility relevant to the LL.M.
Where the applicant’s first language is not English, the applicant must also demonstrate proficiency in English: the minimum standard is British Council IELTS band 6.5, or TOEFL scores of 575 (paper-based), 232 (computer-based) or 89 (internet-based).
We welcome applications from those who do not have the entry requirements outlined here. The University will consider applications on the basis of evidence of personal, professional and educational experience which indicate an applicant's ability to meet the demands of a Masters. We like to give such applicants every opportunity to show that they have the motivation and ability to succeed in their chosen programme of study.
