The field of intellectual property law is rapidly expanding. Our Intellectual Property LLM program delves into the intricacies of how legal systems are enforced to safeguard intellectual creations.
Overview
Intellectual Property (IP) law is a rapidly evolving field and a highly sought after specialisation. We offer one of the most comprehensive LLM programmes in Intellectual Property Law. Our programme delves into the legal frameworks that safeguard intellectual creations and provides advanced knowledge on a wide array of IP frameworks in both domestic and international settings.
We ensure that our students gain a deep understanding of IP law and policy, preparing them for diverse and rewarding career opportunities.
Why choose this programme?
Our specialism covers IP law in depth and consider the theories and justifications surrounding it. You will learn from specialists in this field who bring cutting edge research to the forefront of our modules, ensuring that students are learning and engaging with current issues and controversies.
UCL is one of only a few UK universities to belong to the prestigious Pan-European Seal (PES) Professional Traineeship Programme – a partnership with Europe’s leading Intellectual Property (IP) organisations: the European Patent Office (EPO) and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Students who have completed the IP Law LLM at UCL are eligible to apply for a 12-month paid traineeship at either the EUIPO or the EPO after they graduate.
Who should apply?
This programme is designed for law graduates looking to practice IP Law or use it for a wide variety of careers. We attract a diverse range students with many interests. Some of our students have completed an IP module as part of their undergraduate studies and are looking to develop a deeper understanding of a subject that they particularly enjoyed. Others, coming to the subject for the first time, want to develop their expertise in this field to enhance their future career prospects. Please visit our LLM applying and entry requirements to find out the exact requirements for this programme.
Programme structure
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, and tutorials. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, particularly in seminars and tutorials.
Assessment in taught modules is often by examination, an assessed coursework essay, or a combination of both. There may be other forms of assessments such as oral presentations, output for audience or group projects.
During the programme, you will research and write a 9000 word Research Essay which counts towards your final grade.
- Full-time students
Terms one and two
There are ten weeks of classes per term, with a break for reading week after week five. Throughout the term, you will be able to take advantage of the wide range of events held within the faculty and across UCL, including special lectures, mooting, debating and activities organised by the UCL Laws Graduate Law Society. During the first week of term one, you will attend the LLM Induction Programme, which includes a series of events to welcome you to UCL Laws and to UCL as a whole, and to complete your formal registration onto the LLM programme. In the second week of term, you will begin your first classes. You will be asked to indicate your Research Essay topic in October and you will be allocated an RE advisor who provides guidance on choosing the topic and researching and writing the essay.
Term three
Your assessments, including any coursework essays are normally submitted in the first week of term three. All examinations take place during term three and can be scheduled at any time during this term. The examination schedule is published at the end of term two. During the entire year from September to June you will work on your Research Essay (RE) which will be submitted at the end of term three.
- Part-time students
You will follow the same programme as full-time students above, except for the following:
Your degree will be completed over two academic years In your first year, you will take 90 credits of taught modules. In your second year, you will take the remaining 45 credits of taught modules and the 45 credit Research Essay. You will therefore complete module selection twice: once at the start of your programme and again in the summer before you return to your second and final year.You will be invited to attend induction at the start of your first year with the full-time students.
Please note that you will be attending classes with full-time and flexi LLM students. Module teaching can be scheduled between 9am-8pm on weekdays. You will be able to reference the timetable when making your module selections each year.
- Modular/flexible students
You will follow the same programme as full-time students above, except for the following:
You will have up to 5 academic years to complete your degree. You can plan how you would like to complete your 135 taught module credits over that 5 year period based on your personal circumstances (or earlier if you plan to complete the degree in fewer than 5 years). We will prompt you to select modules each year.You will be invited to attend induction at the start of your first year with the full-time students.
Please note that you will be attending classes with full-time and part-time LLM students. Module teaching can be scheduled between 9am-8pm on weekdays. You will be able to reference the timetable when making your module selections each year.
- You may wish to have a year or more where you do not take any modules; this is possible.
- It is recommended that you only complete your Research Essay at the end of your degree, in the same year that you are due to complete all of your taught module credits.
Modules
Students will need to obtain a total of 180 credits consisting of taught modules and a Research Essay to successfully complete the programme. Students choosing a LLM specialist degree are required to select a minimum of 60 credits from the qualifying modules listed below. Students are required to write their Research Essay in the area of the specialism.
Students are advised to plan their modules choices and Research Essay carefully and in advance. You will select your modules at pre-enrolment, before arrival.
Below is an example of the suite of modules you can expect to chose from. The taught modules offered on the LLM programme vary from year to year. Please note that modules are subject to cancellation and change, including changes in module convenors and type of assessment and the modules listed below are to be confirmed for the 2025/26 session. Applicants and offer-holders are therefore advised to check this site regularly for further updates and changes prior to the start of the programme in September. Module places may be limited and will be subject to availability where there is a high demand and exceeds resources.
- Modules for LLM Intellectual Property Law
- Modules across LLM Law
- Full list is available on the webpage.
- Current schedule of modules for 2024/25
The current schedule of modules for 2024/25 can be seen here.
Careers
UCL LLM graduates are in high demand. This programme will prepare you for many careers, including but not limited to:
- IP barristers
- Partners in leading IP firms across jurisdictions
- In-house corporate IP counsel
- Work in IP policy in government
Additionally, students are well-prepared for further academic research, including PhD programmes, reflecting the comprehensive and impactful nature of their education at UCL.