Master of Laws Intellectual Property and Information Law with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

Strong industry links with law firms and specialists
Expert teaching led by practicing solicitors and barristers
Real-life scenario experience in our £10m Law Building which includes a full-scale replica Crown Court Room

First degree in Law (or a subject in a related discipline, such as Business, Political Science or International Relations) at a minimum of 2:2. Or, an overseas qualification which is equivalent to a UK Honours degree, minimum 2:2 classification.

You must also satisfy the University’s English language requirement for the course, which is a GCSE grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure), or IELTS at 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. Find out about country-specific qualifications

Please contact our Admissions Tutor: lawadmissions@herts.ac.uk to further discuss entry requirements.


Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Law School
Course length	Sandwich Placement, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

Explore private and public sector, consultancy work or even an academic or a research career. You may wish to specialise in a particular role in Information management, E-Commerce, privacy, data and related compliance roles or use your Intellectual Property knowledge within a business or commercial role.

Students with ideas for a new business, or wishing to grow an existing business, can access the support and networks of our University’s Enterprise Team.

Our award-winning Enterprise Hub building on de Havilland campus, which has been part-funded by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and our status as a University Enterprise Zone, reinforce an entrepreneurial vision that runs through the University. Support is available for early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs to use as and when it suits their needs, alongside access to our academic experts, talented graduates, facilities and equipment.

Work placement

Please contact your tutor to plan and prepare for your workplacement.

This course also has a one-year and Work Experience study-route available.

About the course

You’ll examine development of both Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology Law as distinct areas of legal practice and consider their ongoing reform and development, particularly in light of continuing technological advancements.
The Intellectual Property Law module will also consider current intellectual property framework from a national, European and international perspective, along with copyright, trademarks, and patents.
The Information Technology Law module will also include topics such as E-commerce, intermediary liability, cybercrime and the increasing rise of artificial intelligence.
Many students within this specialism choose to study Data Protection Law as one of their optional modules and we would recommend this for students.
You’ll study two modules during Semester A and two modules in Semester B. Each module will be taught through a two-hour Seminar each week together with a rich blend of online activities.
Join a Research Methods and Skills seminar every fortnight in your first semester of study to help you develop your academic writing and research skills required for your module coursework and Dissertation.
In Semester B and C you’ll study for your Dissertation with the help of an expert supervisor.
Benefit from a digitally enhanced blended learning experience making full use of technology and using authentic activities and assessments to ensure you develop skills and understanding required in their future careers.

Why choose this course?

Information and intellectual property are fast-moving sectors, particularly in view of the continual advancements in twenty-first-century technology.
This course is constantly updated to reflect new developments and best practice, and is supported by the latest research and methods.
Course content is designed and delivered by specialists in their field who are at the forefront of their discipline.
The course will equip you with vital skills required in our specialist career.
Benefit from pastoral support.
Engage within an active law society.
Explore a wide range of employability-boosting co-curriculars, including access to careers and enterprise support for the duration of your degree and 4 years following graduation.
The wide range of optional modules available to you enables you to tailor your course according to the career path you plan to follow. In addition to your degree modules, you can choose from a range of extra-curricular programmes to develop your skills further.
The School follows a blended learning approach to the delivery of its programmes, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. The School’s strategic focus centres around community, inclusivity, diversity of opportunity and employability in line with the University's strategic objective (2020-25) of ‘Transforming Lives’ through the three pillars of Offering Opportunity, Building Community and Embracing Flexibility.
You have opportunity to partake in a wide range of co-curricular and pro bono activities, including commercial awareness, adjudication, mediation, advocacy, mooting and legal technology, design and innovation.
From academic staff with PhDs to Qualified Barristers and Solicitors, Judges, Competition Law experts and Legal Risk Consultants, our teaching staff provide a wide range of skills and experience. Our strong connections with Law Firms and Industry ensure we remain up-to-date with legal and commercial developments.
External Industry speakers are invited to share their experiences with our Masters students to provide insight into potential future career choices.
We’re very proud of our diverse student population and an active partner in inclusive futures, LLM students will have access to our inclusive futures fair in semester A.
Students are well-placed in Hertfordshire to visit London and explore important legal landmarks such as the Supreme Court, Houses of Parliament, Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court. There are also opportunities for students to attend Legal Talks and Conferences relating to their specialism.
Students with an interest in mooting and advocacy can gain ‘real life’ experience of litigation in action in our replica Crown Court.
Hertfordshire Law School host networking events providing students with the opportunity to meet with industry connections.
3rd for law in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024).

What will I study?

You’ll examine the development of both Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology Law as distinct areas of legal practice and consider their ongoing reform and development, particularly in light of continuing technological advancements.
The Intellectual Property Law module will also consider the current intellectual property framework from a national, European and international perspective, along with copyrights, trademarks, and patents.
The Information Technology Law module will also include topics such as E-commerce, intermediary liability, cybercrime and the increasing rise of artificial intelligence.
Many students within this specialism choose to study Data Protection Law as one of their optional modules and we would recommend this for students.
You’ll study two modules during Semester A and two modules in Semester B. Each module will be taught through a two-hour Seminar each week together with a rich blend of online activities.
Join a Research Methods and Skills seminar every fortnight in your first semester of study to help you develop your academic writing and research skills required for your module coursework and dissertation.
In Semesters B and C, you’ll study for your Dissertation with the help of an expert supervisor.
Benefit from a digitally enhanced blended learning experience making full use of technology and using authentic activities and assessments to ensure you develop the skills and understanding required in their future careers.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Banking Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will allow students to develop an understanding of the role of Banks in our economy and certain regulatory and supervisory regimes that apply to them. You will analyse the nature of the Banker-Customer relationship and examine the impact of new electronic payments systems on the Banking industry. You will also consider developments within Money Laundering Regulations and the issue of Bank resolution with reference to the global financial crisis.
International Financial Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will allow students to compare the approach of different jurisdictions to key aspects of financial law. You will examine aspects of the regulation and supervision of financial institutions (particularly in response to the global financial crisis), explore aspects of the International Financial Architecture and evaluate the role of Credit Rating Agencies. You will also examine the nature of certain key debt and financial instruments including International Bonds and Syndicated Loan Agreements. You will be encouraged to research and discuss emerging legal issues relating to International Financial Law.
Data Protection Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will enable you to examine the development of data protection law as a distinct area of legal practice. You will explore the current data protection legislation in the UK and the EU and its implementation through case law, real-life examples and scenarios. In this context, you will examine the key concepts of the data protection law, such as the notion of informed consent and transparency requirements in the face of continuous technological developments, e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things. You will also consider in detail the obligations placed on data controllers, as well as the rights enjoyed by individual data subjects. Furthermore, the module involves the analysis of various policy challenges posed by Brexit such as in relation to international data transfers.
Medical Law and Ethics	30 Credits	Optional
On this course, you will examine a wide range of both medical law and bioethics, with an international perspective. Included in the module will be medical negligence and legal and ethical dilemmas regarding patients consent to medical treatment including Advance Decisions and treatment of the incompetent patient. You will then consider medical law and ethics from birth to death . Beginning with new and emerging assisted reproductive technologies that have global application to the start of life then turns to subjects such as abortion. Highly topical issues and relevant issues to the global society such as organ donation will be explored before moving onto the end of life which will include, examination of the law and ethics of assisted suicide in the UK and other countries and other end of life issues. You will also examine any new emerging technologies/areas of law in this fast-developing area of law and ethics globally.
Employment Law	30 Credits	Optional
In this course, you will look at the concept of employment status, particularly in the light of new ways of working and possible reform. You will be considering both express and implied terms of a contract of employment, along with possible ways to vary them and the implications thereof. You will analyse current Equality Law. The law relating to dismissal in its various forms will also be considered. You will also study remedies available for various claims.
Legal Risk and Compliance	30 Credits	Optional
Legal Risk is an atypical practically-oriented module that attempts to place the student into the role and mindset of an in-house adviser undertaking the evolving dual legal / commercial role within the risk / compliance paradigm. Seminars are structured with a view to student-focussed participation and discussion and bookended with a structured set of pre-seminar and post seminar tasks to enable students to consider and evaluate issues and topics of the week both in advance and consolidate and reflect after seminar sessions.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Law	30 Credits	Optional
You will study Copyright Law which is an Intellectual Property right providing its owner with the exclusive right to use a creative work such as, written, audio-visual, musical, or dramatic works, with some exceptions. Over the years, copyright law has gone through great changes to keep up with advances in technology and media. Current developments in AI technology raise new issues concerning the scope and purpose of copyright protection. Copyright is relevant to AI in multiple ways. Machine learning technology learns from data that might be protected by copyright. Moreover, some AI systems can also autonomously generate new works, which might be copyright protected. Additionally, AI technology is also used to identify and prevent online copyright infringement. By striking the right balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, copyright and Artificial Intelligence aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Public International Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module considers the nature, sources, and mechanisms of public international law. It examines the role of the state and international institutions and engages students with contemporary international law challenges and encourages them to reflect on their geopolitical implications.
Private International Law	30 Credits	Optional
The subject comprises of the general principles of private international law and the role of connecting factors (domicile/residence etc.) while moving on to the three substantive areas (a) jurisdiction (b) choice of law (c) recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Students are encouraged to read and consider the content of primary materials and to reflect on the difficult litigation that may sometimes arise in this area of law, acknowledging how the nature of the subject has changed from being concerned with the propertied expatriate to the multinational operations of a globalised world.
International Human Rights Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module provides a rigorous and stimulating, theoretical and practical understanding of human rights law from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Students will examine theoretical and philosophical discussions on human rights, international law on human rights, as well as regional systems of protection and the effectiveness of the United Nations system. In this module, students will focus on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and will use certain case studies from around the world to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of international human rights law.
Intellectual Property Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
Intellectual Property (IP) can be defined as creations of the mind - everything from works of art to inventions, computer programs to trademarks and other commercial signs. The purpose of the various fields of Intellectual Property Law is to deter others from copying or taking advantage of the works or reputations of another and provide remedies should this occur. Intellectual Property is protected in law by, for instance, trademarks, copyright and patents that allow individuals to gain financial benefit or recognition from what they create or invent. By striking a fair balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, Intellectual Property aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
International Commercial Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module will examine the choice of law/jurisdiction clauses, the different types of international commercial contracts and the respective implications for the parties involved. In the module, you will also examine the various international conventions applicable to international commerce as well as the role of documentation through a consideration of bill of lading. Finally, marine insurance and the typical method of financing used in international commerce will be discussed in detail.
Introduction to Work Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explain the benefits of a work placement and will support students in their applications for work placement. It will help student identify their strengths and weakness and help them select the most appropriate role for them. The Module will assist students to make an application through a combination of lectures and skills support.
Work Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement year provides students with an opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience of the legal professional services and to strengthen employability skills. During the placement, students will critically reflect on their experiences, culminating in the submission of a portfolio.
Information Technology Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine the impact that digital technologies such as computerisation and internet communications are currently having on society, the law, as well as legal procedures. We will explore the development of the Internet in terms of technology and the debate on its regulation. As part of the module, we will also examine the development of E-Commerce and digital economy and consider consumer protection issues. We will also evaluate the nature of online contracts including relevant terms of service and focus on consumer protection matters. The module will also explore the issue of internet intermediary liability along with related internet topics. We will also analyse the impact of new and emerging technologies such as, AI robotics, and computing on Information Technology Law. There will also be an introduction to the certain key principles, rules and concepts surrounding data protection issues.
Crimes of the Powerful	30 Credits	Optional
To limit criminological blindness on how crime is defined and/or considered, studies have sought to broaden the criminological discourse on criminality and examined crimes or harm committed by the powerful in society. Crimes of the elite cover a range of harmful activities, crimes committed by the powerful and states have harmed, killed, injured, robbed, and sexually violated more people than non-state violent crime/terrorism, and this pattern continues. This module will enable students to examine crimes/harm perpetrated by the state and individuals who hold a significant social/political authority. Students will be challenged to examine the full dimensions of crimes of the elite as one of the social problems within society. The module will generally include state crime, human rights with human security, war crime, and human rights, historical and contemporary forms of mass violence, corruption, hate crime, cooperate crimes, and the international mechanisms designed to prevent large-scale social harms.
GLOBAL POLICING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT	30 Credits	Optional
Global law enforcement operates within a complex and interconnected world to respond to crime by sourcing their efforts within an international legal framework to enforce national criminal law. This module aims to enable students to examine law enforcement in different cultural contexts (i.e., Europe, Africa, Asia, North America), a comparative analysis between the policing systems. The respective social, cultural, and political systems that influence social order and control will be considered. The module traces the development of international, transnational and EU legal frameworks on law enforcement cooperation. Develop conceptual and critical insights into contemporary issues in the theory, policy, and practice of law enforcement, and apply the knowledge to own jurisdictions. Key concepts include the development of global policing, global policing power, theorising global policing, law enforcement models and procedural requirements in different jurisdictions. The module considers the nature of global policing, police cooperation strategies and underlying legal frameworks.
Company Law	30 Credits	Optional
In this module, you will focus on the fundamental and contemporary aspects of company law. You will learn and develop your knowledge of the internal operations of a company, ranging its incorporation, the rights and duties of shareholders and directors, the governance of the firm and remedies available to the company. You will also critically evaluate the nature of its separate legal personality and consider the agency problem.
Research Methods and Skills	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares you for undertaking independent research in your chosen modules, as well as an individual research dissertation in your chosen field. The aim is to provide the opportunity for students to develop and apply postgraduate level skills of independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation. You will examine different legal and other research methods and assess their relevance to your own independent research and practice.
LLM Dissertation	60 Credits	Compulsory
The dissertation requires you to select a topic relevant to one of your LLM module choices. Guidance is given on topic selection. Students are allocated a supervisor for their dissertation to provide them with support and some formative feedback. Supervision meetings are documented through diary sheets completed by both parties.

Further course information

Course fact sheets
LLM Intellectual Property and Information Law with Sandwich Placement	Download

Programme specifications
LLM in Intellectual Property and Information Law - Extended	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Mandatory
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £14805. for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £17950. for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £17950. for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £15720. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £18800. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £18800. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Sandwich)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Sandwich)

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Master of Laws Intellectual Property and Information Law with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Work placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026