Postgraduate Admission Plan for Non-Iraqi Students

Postgraduate Degrees in Law in the Republic of Iraq for Master’s and Doctoral Programs

Study Duration for Each Program

1. Master’s Degree:
   The duration of study is two calendar years. The program qualifies graduates for advanced positions in the public and private sectors and the academic field. It is officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.

• First Year: Specialized coursework (theories, foundations, etc.) delivered over two semesters (typically 15 weeks each), with written and oral examinations.

• Second Year: Preparation and writing of the master’s thesis and conducting scientific research.

2. Doctoral Degree:
   The duration of study is three calendar years. The program qualifies graduates for advanced positions in the public and private sectors and the academic field. It is officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.

• First Year: Specialized coursework (theories, foundations, etc.) delivered over two semesters (typically 15 weeks each), with written and oral examinations, in addition to passing the comprehensive exam.

• Second and Third Years: Preparation and writing of the doctoral dissertation.

Objectives of Postgraduate Studies

1. Providing state institutions with qualified legal professionals for judicial work, ministries, and the private sector.

2. Developing scientific research to address societal challenges and solve problems.

3. Preparing personnel for academic careers at universities.

Overall, postgraduate programs aim to graduate specialized professionals qualified to work in governmental institutions and higher education. Degrees are granted after studying one of the following specializations:

1. Public Law: Including Financial Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Judiciary.

2. Private Law: Including Civil Law, Islamic Law, Commercial Law.

3. International Law: Including Public International Law, Private International Law, International Criminal Law, International Economic Law, International Human Rights Law, etc.
   (Study in International Law may be suspended for the academic year 2026/2027.)

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate law graduates may pursue, depending on regulations in their country:

1. Employment in the judiciary, the State Council, ministries, and government departments; work in legal consultation, arbitration, and compliance.

2. Employment in academic and research fields.