LLM Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law (Part time)

The LLM Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law brings together two of the most important legal questions of the 21st century: the fate of law in the information age, and the management and exploitation of diverse forms of creativity, reputation and innovation. Building on a long record of teaching at the cutting edge of law and technology, the UEA Law School is home to a strong team of scholars investigating everything from IP enforcement to the rights and risks associated with ‘Web 2.0’. Students can choose from a range of specialised, internationally-focused modules on IT and IP, but can also take the opportunity to study subjects in the closely related field of media law, or other subjects offered in the School on commercial and competition law.

The LLM Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law is offered over two years part-time, or one year full-time. Students undertake a range of compulsory and optional modules taught by the Law School. They may also, with the consent of the Course Director, choose modules worth up to 40 credits from other postgraduate courses offered by the University.

This degree also offers an optional Research Methods Training component. Research methods training is likely to be of particular interest to students who are considering working in the following areas: Academic legal research, including study for an advanced research degree, such as an MPhil or PhD, Law reform bodies and legal pressure groups, for example the Law Commission or Liberty, International organisations with a policy research focus, such as OECD, The World Bank.

Key Facts

1. Designed to develop legal knowledge and skills for those intending to specialise in a legal career in information technology law (including the Internet and e-commerce industries) or any area of intellectual property law
2. Focus on the relationship between law and technology (without assuming detailed knowledge of particular technologies), and the social, economic and cultural consequences of new or amended forms of regulation and governance
3. Over 25 subjects to choose from

Student Testimonials

"This course is the only one of its kind in the UK offering coverage of both intellectual property and information technology law... It is particularly interesting as it is taught in a very contemporary way... with every class being a study about what will happen in the future, rather than focusing on what happened in the past."

Douglas Gichuki (Kenya), 2009/10

“Studying the LLM Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law with Research Methods Training at the University of East Anglia has been a challenging but very enjoyable experience for me. Truly international in terms of its academically diverse modules offered allied with its strong commitment to its students’ pastoral care, this course has given me a cosmopolitan legal education and global outlook.

The Norwich Law School has offered me a supportive and stimulating learning environment with excellent resources, such as a well stocked library, modern online facilities, public lectures by prominent legal practitioners, workshops linked with other law schools, approachable teaching faculty and staff and encouraged interaction with my fellow students from internationally diverse backgrounds.

Thanks to this LLM degree, I now have a sound basis of knowledge and specialism in Information, Technology and Intellectual Property Law, which has enabled me to comprehend the interface of law and technology; and various issues dealing with the ownership, use, transfer and management of intellectual property. Further, having completed my first degree in a foreign jurisdiction, its Induction Programme in Legal Skills and Research has developed my analytical and legal skills thus preparing me to practise law in a global environment. Therefore, I believe that this LLM degree has enhanced my marketability and employability globally, thus helping me to become a truly ‘international’ lawyer.”

Eileen Menezes (India), Masters of Law, Information Technology and Intellectual Properly Law 2008/09

“Legal concerns are no longer merely local in nature, they are global. I chose to attend UEA’s International LLM program in order to gain a better understanding of global legal relations. UEA’s program has not disappointed.
Through UEA’s program I have come in contact with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, societies, and legal systems. This taught me about the global nature of law, and the need to be able to view legal situations through many societal and cultural lenses. In addition, the comparative nature of UEA’s program has allowed me greater understanding and insight into the legal theory of my own nation.

UEA’s program has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating today’s global legal issues. In turn, these skills will allow me to help clients compete within the global marketplace.”

John Nelson (USA), Masters of Law, Information Technology and Intellectual Property 2008/09

“I was working for years in a Ministerial Cabinet Office in Tunisia when I decided to go back to University. It was a very challenging decision. Coming from a Mediterranean country, basically dealing in French and applying a civil law system, it was quite difficult for me to be in a Law School again. As soon as I entered the Norwich law school, I just forgot about all this and got spontaneously involved in the environment.

My tutors are absolutely brilliant: dedicated to their work, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. Yet this is not the most exciting thing - they are very approachable, helpful and really kind. So do not hesitate, if you want to change your life and get a very good qualification, just get enrolled in one of the Norwich Law School Postgraduate programmes.”

Nefissa Chakroun (Tunisia), Masters of Law, Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law 2008/09

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Entry Requirements Degree Subject: Law or cognate degree Degree Classification: Good 2.2 pass or international equivalent Entry Requirement

Applicants should normally have a good first degree in Law, or, exceptionally, in a related subject from a recognised higher education institution in the UK or overseas.

The Law School will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant and encourages applications from those wishing to return to academic study to further their knowledge, or those planning to study for a degree while remaining in full-time employment.

It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 (minimum 19 listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
• PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

University of East Anglia Law School has a well-established reputation for excellence in its teaching standards and also for world class research. We are committed to supporting students both academically and pastorally and pride ourselves on creating an intellectually stimulating yet friendly environment, with small group teaching, ready access to leading academics and excellent research resources.

We offer a number of specialist taught Masters (LLM) degrees, supported by a diverse range of almost 40 modules. All courses provide foundational modules designed to give students a proper basis for learning and study in their chosen area.

Our postgraduate students come from a wide variety of geographical and personal backgrounds, and it is the vibrant and dynamic community which they create that completes the student experience. Though thriving, the postgraduate community rarely exceeds 100 each year, enabling us to offer small group teaching and thus ensuring that students have access to and benefit from the knowledge and experience of lecturers who are leaders in their field at both national and international levels. All students have their own Academic Adviser and assessment is by written assignment, examination, practical exercises and a dissertation.

A continuous control process ensures that our teaching quality continues to develop, and students have access to a number of quality-control channels including student feedback forms, debriefing meetings, and the Student Liaison Committee to help us monitor, evaluate and develop current practice.

There are many external indicators of the quality of our teaching and research; over 80% of our research has been graded to be of an "international standard" in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. The National Student Survey has rated us in the top 10 Law Schools in the UK every year since 2005.

Career Opportunities

Law School graduates have progressed to a wide variety of successful careers, from private practice in local and international firms to government legal departments and international organisations, from universities to industry and commerce.

The University of East Anglia provides a professional Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to choose their career path and develop their employability skills.

Please click to view endorsements from some of the Law School's recent graduates and to view Law School videos.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.

Fees and Funding Fees for the academic year 2013/2014 will be:

• UK/EU Students: £5,000 (full time)
• International Students: £12,500 (full time)

International applicants from outside the EU may need to pay a deposit.

If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home/EU students).

Living Expenses

Approximately £7,500 living expenses will be needed to adequately support yourself.

Scholarships and Funding

A variety of Scholarships may be offered to UK/EU and International students. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Please click here for more detailed information about funding for prospective Law students.