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

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
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Banking Law30 CreditsOptional
    International Financial Law30 CreditsOptional
    Data Protection Law30 CreditsOptional
    Medical Law and Ethics30 CreditsOptional
    Employment Law30 CreditsOptional
    Legal Risk and Compliance30 CreditsOptional
    Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Law30 CreditsOptional
    Public International Law30 CreditsOptional
    Private International Law30 CreditsOptional
    International Human Rights Law30 CreditsOptional
    Intellectual Property Law30 CreditsCompulsory
    International Commercial Law30 CreditsOptional
    Introduction to Work Placement0 CreditsCompulsory
    Work Placement60 CreditsCompulsory
    Information Technology Law30 CreditsCompulsory
    Crimes of the Powerful30 CreditsOptional
    GLOBAL POLICING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT30 CreditsOptional
    Company Law30 CreditsOptional
    Research Methods and Skills0 CreditsCompulsory
    LLM Dissertation60 CreditsCompulsory
  • 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.

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