ObjectivesThis programme aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of substantive intellectual property law in its European and international context and to equip you with the theoretical framework necessary to analyse critically the intellectual property law regime. It also aims to encourage students to develop research skills in intellectual property law. It is a self-contained twelve month programme for those whose training in legal techniques has equipped them to proceed directly to the study of postgraduate level subjects within the scope of the programme. Its focus is on UK law and policy within a European, International and comparative context. It provides a thorough grounding in substantive intellectual property law and the economic, social and theoretical basis of the subject.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: A minimum Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in law.
Academic titleIntellectual Property Law LLM
Course descriptionModule details
The LL.M in Intellectual Property Law has three compulsory course units, in the core topics of the programme. The compulsory course units are Trade Mark Law & Policy; Patent Law & Policy; and Copyright Law & Policy. These compulsory course units constitute 75 credits of the 120 taught credits required for the programme.
In addition to these core areas, you will be required to study other course units, selected from a range of options, that either cover specialist or peripheral areas of intellectual property law or that complement the study of intellectual property. Optional course units to a total value of 45 credits must be selected (individual course units are of 15 or 30 credits value).
Course units available in any given year will not be confirmed until perhaps May or June preceding the start of the academic year. However, the LL.M in Intellectual Property Law will typically offer optional course units in Industrial Design Law; International Aspects of Intellectual Property Law; Unfair Competition Law; Globalisation, Brands & Business Organisation; Conflict of Laws in Business & Commerce; and International Economic Law.
Progression and assessment
Most course units are assessed by standard methods - either one unseen written examination, or one coursework essay, or a combination of these two methods of assessment. The assessment method of each individual course unit is listed in the course unit description on The School of Law website.
Students must also submit two research papers for the LL.M degree (one research paper submitted in April, and one submitted in September).
Other programs related to intellectual and industrial property