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LLM|Postgraduate Taught

Intellectual Property Law

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2 (minimum 55%) in Law / 2.1 in cognate subject
Duration
2 years (Part-time)
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
Part Time (Open) (Part Time)
Full Time (Open) (Full Time)

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law is an innovative programme that offers a unique focus on the intersections between globalisation, creative industries, health and life sciences, new technological challenges, and fundamental rights in the field of intellectual property law. The programme will provide students with a general overview of IP law through three core modules and a flexible structure, which allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals with three major tracks, including IP and global trade, IP and digital tech, global innovation and the public interest. The programme provides a global perspective on the legal issues involved in protecting and promoting intellectual property rights, as well as an in-depth exploration of the ways in which these rights intersect with technological challenges, competing fundamental rights, and the social function of IP.

Through a combination of coursework, seminars, and practical training opportunities, students in this programme will develop a deep understanding of the legal principles and issues involved in protecting and promoting intellectual property rights in a global context.

This programme is an excellent base for students who wish to find employment as in-house legal specialists in the high-tech, life-science and creative industries or as IP litigators, patent lawyers, trademark attorneys, or licensing executives, among other roles. Students may also work in the public sector, advising government agencies on intellectual property law matters or working for non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations focused on intellectual property issues. The broad understanding and the ability to think critically about the field that this programme is meant to provide can also be a great advantage for students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree and a future academic career.

Intellectual Property Law highlights

Career Development

We are dedicated to student employability and have strong industry links. Law was ranked Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2024).

This employer focused programme places employability skills at the core of the student experience (including problem-based learning and leadership modules), introducing students to the interplay of and interfaces between IP law, creative industries, health and life sciences, technological development and global public interest policy challenges.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Law at Queen's is taught by world-leading experts in the area of Law. Our staff have close research links with the professions, government and Civil Society. Law at Queen's is in the top 150 Law Schools worldwide and we are ranked 18th in the world for international outlook. Research in Law was ranked 8th in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2021).

World Class Facilities

Our facilities at Queen’s include a state-of-the-art Law building with superb teaching facilities, a moot court and study spaces. Queen’s has one of the most modern campuses in the UK, including the award winning McClay Library, one of the finest libraries in the world and home to 1.2 million volumes and over 2,000 reader places.

Our Physical Education Centre was used as a training camp for the 2012 Olympics. Our Queen’s Elms Student Village and city centre student accommodation (built in 2018) are located within easy walking distance of the University.

Student Experience

This programme will equip you with a thorough and crucial understanding of the key questions we face regarding Intellectual Property and the Law, with emphasis on global policy challenges brought about by technological development in the creative industries and health and life sciences.

You will possess a deep appreciation of matters in the regulation of creativity and innovation, borne from both classroom and project-based experience. You will have developed a sophisticated sense of how creativity and innovation interact with law, but also a sense of how Intellectual Property law intersects with other important public interest goals and values.

At Queen's you will be part of a thriving postgraduate culture built on teaching excellence, leading-edge research, innovation, collaboration and engagement. These components are woven together in our Graduate School. It is here you will develop new skills and increased personal effectiveness that will enable you to stand out in the crowded and increasingly competitive global job market.

Life at Queen's is not just about the degree. We offer our students the opportunity to really enrich their studies. Whether you're into student societies, sports, music, dance, or just a coffee with your friends, Queen's has exceptional facilities to cater for all interests.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Students must complete core modules (80 CATS points), optional modules (40 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

The Masters is awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules (120 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

Compulsory Modules

Foundations of IP Law: Theory, Economics and Policy
Global IP Law, Trade and Technology
Intellectual Property and Creative Industries: Copyright, Designs and Trademarks
Innovation and Creativity Clinic: project-based learning
Approaches to Legal Research
Dissertation (Maximum 15,000 words)
(Students who secure a summer work placement of at least 8 weeks can complete a Dissertation in Practice Module including 12,000 word dissertation and 3,000 word reflective journal of the learning experience)

Optional Modules

Intellectual Property, Green Economy, and Sustainability
Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property, and the Law
Metaverse Law: Copyright, Trademarks, and Immersive Technologies
Platform Regulation: IP Enforcement and Content Moderation
Advanced International Trade Law and Policy
Business and Human Rights

Please note this is not an exclusive list of the optional modules available. Optional modules are reviewed each year and subject to staff availability and student numbers.

People teaching you

Programme Lead

Law
Professor Frosio is the Chair in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the School of Law. He designed and launched the LLM in Intellectual Property Law. His primary research interest lies at the intersection of law, technology and the humanities. His focus is on five main legal research clusters: Intellectual Property (IP) and digitisation; IP, public interest, and global justice; history and economics of creativity; Information Technology (IT), Internet governance and platform economy; and Artificial Intelligence(AI).

Programme Co-ordinator

Law
Dr. Pratyush Nath Upreti is a Senior Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law. Pratyush's research focuses on the intersection between International Intellectual Property (IP), World Trade, and International Investment Law. His interest lies in exploring the role of national and international legal orders in implementing IP laws and policies in developing countries. His research addresses policy issues on IP, sustainability, and innovations. His current research also focuses on IP and COVID-19; examining the impact, assessment, and framework for post-pandemic recovery.

Lecturer

Law
Dr Alessandra Guida’s research focuses on topics relating to health protection, biosafety, trade rules, food safety, and sustainable development, including the relationship between human rights and pesticide regulations, human rights and new technologies, especially biotechnology, and the links between human health, the environment, and international trade.

Lecturer

Law
Dr. Eugene C Lim specialises in the field of international and comparative intellectual property law, and his research explores the impact of emerging technologies on commerce, communication and culture in the modern digital society. Dr. Lim’s interests in law and technology are broad-ranging, and his current work explores how consumer perceptions of non-traditional and exotic trademarks (including three-dimensional shapes, musical sounds, aromatic scents, flavours, abstract colours, fictional characters and brands developed for virtual-reality platforms) have evolved in an age of multisensory branding.

Lecturer

Law
Dr Liam Sunner’s research explores the intersection of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights and Human Rights, and how this is centred and shaped by the development of the European Union’s External Action Policy. He also maintains an active interest in the related development surrounding the areas of law, technology, and cultural rights.

Lecturer

Law
Dr Joceyn Bosse's research examines the relationships between intellectual property rights and food, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, and the circulation of plants and knowledge. Her current research focuses on the history and politics of the US Plant Patent Act of 1930, the naming of plant varieties, and the protection of geographical indications.

Contact Teaching Hours

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

8 (hours maximum)
In addition to 6-8 hrs of teaching per week, students should set aside 10-12 hours per module for reading and preparation to engage meaningfully in classroom discussions, group work and other forms of active engagement.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with the course are outlined below:

Learning and Teaching Opportunities

The Law School at Queen's has approximately 1,000 undergraduate students, 200 postgraduates, 70 PhD students and over 60 members of academic staff. You will be taught by scholars from all over the world, many of whom have international reputations in their fields and all are committed teachers and researchers. Students will also have access to an excellent law section in the library and extensive IT facilities.

The School operates a proactive system of student support. Programme Co-ordinators are allocated to each degree programme tasked to guide and support you throughout your time with us, together with the School's experienced and helpful administrative staff. We place considerable emphasis on facilitating good communication between staff and students. To this end, a Student Voice Committee, comprised of elected student representatives, the Director of Graduate Studies and other members of academic staff, meet at regular intervals throughout the academic year. This Committee provides students with a forum in which to raise matters of concern to them and also enables the School to keep students informed about matters affecting the School and wider university.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enables our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, life-long learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
- E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the programme through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in project- based work, etc.
- Seminars: Seminars provide information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Seminars also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.
- Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s Law student when important private reading and research, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Assessed coursework
  • Dissertation

What our academics say

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Applicants with a primary Law degree: Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree in Law (with a minimum of 55%) or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree in Law with less than 55% (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) along with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be considered.

Applicants with a primary degree in a relevant/cognate subject: Normally applicants with a 2:1 Honours degree or above (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) in Social Sciences, Humanities, Life Science, Computer Science or a cognate discipline.

Applicants with a minimum of a 2:2 Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) along with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be considered.

Exemption from these requirements may be considered for those applicants who hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered for this course. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

This employer focused programme places employability skills at the core of the student experience (including problem-based learning and leadership modules), introducing students to the interplay of and interfaces between IP law, creative industries, technological development and global public interest policy challenges.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £21,500
International £21,500

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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