ObjectivesIn the competitive area of law, it is becoming increasingly apparent that many recent graduates wish to improve their academic profile by undertaking a period of postgraduate study. Further to this, both newly qualified solicitors and more experienced practitioners may find it necessary to enhance their career prospects by obtaining a postgraduate qualification. Intellectual Property rights impinge on many commercial areas, from the development of medicines, both in developed and developing countries, to branding of sports goods and image rights, to industrial patents. With the continuing development of globalisation it has worldwide significance and the law in the UK, EU, USA and internationally is particularly important. The aim of the subject is to enable you to explore Intellectual Property Law in these contexts. The course is offered as a Single, Joint or Major/Minor LLM.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements A good degree in law, or a degree in another discipline, plus either the CPE or GDL conversion qualifications, are normally required. However, applicants from other disciplines will be considered in appropriate circumstances. It is important that all international Law students speak, write and understand English well. Students can assess their fluency by taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For entry onto the LLM programmes a minimum level of 6.5 is required for IELTS, or a written TOEFL score of 580 or computer based TOEFL score of 237. If applicants do not meet the language entry requirements, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses are available through our Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the Masters programmes.
Academic titleLLM Intellectual Property Law
Course descriptionModules
The LLM programmes consist of two common modules, Legal Research and Writing, and the dissertation. Students elect seven modules depending on their interests.
Currently there are three modules in this area which enable you to acquire an LLM with either Intellectual Property Law as a minor subject, a major subject or as a joint subject.
Course content
The LLM programmes consist of two common modules:
* Legal Research and Writing: This module is designed to develop the special legal research and writing skills that students will need to complete the assessments. It provides an opportunity to examine research methodologies, academic writing and library and information skills.
* dissertation: The Law School provides a supportive environment for students to carry out a major but focussed individual research project. Students wishing to achieve a Masters degree are required to submit a dissertation of 18,000 to 20,000 words on a suitable topic of their choice. Students elect seven modules depending on their interests.
This subject offers the opportunity for students to explore intellectual property law in both the UK and EU contexts, together with the links to competition law and sport.
How do you study?
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed as appropriate to each module and aims to enhance contextualised skills of research and writing. The methods employed include lectures, seminars and workshops. The seminars allow you to examine topics in-depth through the discussion of papers presented during seminars. Although the primary focus is on individual independent study you may have an opportunity to work in groups within seminars.
Assessment
With the exception of the dissertation and the Legal Research and Writing module, which is assessed by the submission of a research proposal, the modules for the LLM programmes are assessed by means of a 4,000 word piece of work. These could be discursive essays, reports, case studies or problem scenarios.
Resources and facilities
Teaching is normally held at the city site of Nottingham Trent University, and utilises all the facilities available to students, including a well-stocked library, with electronic access.
Study routes
The course is one year full-time and runs from September to September. A part-time route of study is also available.