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Technology Law LLM

About this course

Our LLM Technology Law programme is an innovative course designed to equip you with a deep understanding of the legal frameworks and challenges in the rapidly evolving field of technology law. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of key areas such as blockchain, cryptoassets, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property law. Taught by leading experts, our graduates are highly sought after for their expertise and practical skills in an ever growing industry.

We are the only UK Law School with its own on-campus teaching law firm - NLS Legal

Our award-winning on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Providing a practical learning environment, you can get involved in the running of the firm, from conducting client interviews to representing them at tribunals. All NLS students can benefit from this, and our other opportunities to gain real-world experience ensuring our graduates are more than qualified at the end of their courses.

  • Experience practical teaching like no other; NLS is the only UK Law School with its own on-campus law firm - NLS Legal.
  • Build key skills; NLS hosts Support Through Court's National Remote Services, offering exclusive work experience opportunities.
  • Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools.
  • Become more than qualified; work/work-like experience and practical skills are integrated directly into your course.

Technology Law is an exciting and increasingly important area of law, particularly internationally and EU-wide. On this course you'll have opportunities to explore disruptive technologies and develop an in depth knowledge of the main regulatory approaches, theories and controversies regarding blockchain and cryptoassets technologies.

About LLM Technology Law

You will explore the internationally important area of Intellectual Property Law and learn how intellectual property rights impinge on many commercial areas.

Why choose this course?

  • Explore the theories and legal frameworks underpinning policy in international technology law and other areas of legal study.
  • Choose to study full-time or part-time.
  • Attend an International Summer School and explore Law in a European context.
  • Scholarships are available.
  • Individual modules can be studied for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes. Contact us for details.
  • NTU is 3rd for number of PGT students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)

What you’ll study

The LLM Technology Law offers the opportunity to gain critical, in-depth understanding of theories and legal frameworks underpinning policy in international technology law and other areas of legal study.

You will be taught six modules followed by a dissertation

Core module:

  • Regulation of Emerging Technologies, Cryptoassets and Blockchain

Optional modules:

You can select up to five modules from any subject area, however, we do advise you to select modules from the below options if possible:

  • Artificial Intelligence: Legal Aspects
  • Fundamentals of Intellectual Property
  • Global Innovation and Intellectual Property
  • Contemporary Issues in Technology and IP Law
  • Global Data Governance, Technology and Corporate Responsibility
  • International Competition Law

Optional modules are offered subject to sufficient uptake.

Dissertation

You will study six taught modules followed by a dissertation.

Core module:

Regulation of Emerging Technologies, Cryptoassets and Blockchain

The module will enable the development of in depth knowledge and critical insights to support the development of a sophisticated and critical understanding of the main regulatory approaches, theories and controversies regarding blockchain and cryptoassets technologies.

Optional modules:

You can select up to five modules from any subject area. We do advise you to select modules from the above options if possible.

Artificial Intelligence: Legal Aspects

This module will consider the potential of artificial intelligence alongside its risks, using a thematic approach.  It will enable the development of high-level knowledge and critical insights to support the development of a sophisticated and critical understanding of  the theories, ethics and principles that underlie artificial intelligence usage in different contexts, and the main regulatory approaches, theories and controversies regarding artificial intelligence.

Fundamentals of Intellectual Property

This module aims to introduce students to a critical and detailed understanding of intellectual property rights within UK regulatory framework whilst introducing some elements of comparative law by looking also at EU IP law. It aims to provide an overview of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) looking at the fundamentals of copyright, patents, designs and trade marks.  The modules seeks to contextualise IPRs in terms of their economic and commercial utility whilst examining some of the issues that are posed on the path to commercialisation.

Global Innovation and Intellectual Property

This module critically develops the key issues underpinning innovation and the discipline of patent law, including their application in UK and internationally, often in a public health and sustainable development context.

Contemporary Issues in Technology and IP Law

This module aims to develop students’ understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) with a focus on technology and how IPRs interact with some of the key technological themes of modern times.  It aims to develop an awareness of some of the issues which IPRs face but also issues which they can solve.  The modules seeks to ask students to consider whether IPRs are always suitable or whether there are better options and why this might be the case.

Global Data Governance, Technology and Corporate Responsibility

The module introduces key legal theory as applied to Global Data Governance and Technology.

International Competition Law

This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the role and significance of competition law and its contribution to building a sustainable global economy.  It is about the legal regulation of market power to protect the interests of consumers in the context of increasing global trade and integration.  It examines laws regulating the behaviour of businesses aimed at protecting competition in markets and the effective enforcement of those laws.

Dissertation

You will start your dissertation after completing these modules.

The dissertation is an extended piece of academic work, independently researched and written. You will be supported in your work by one-to-one supervision from a tutor expert in the chosen field. Subject to academic suitability and the availability of an appropriately expert tutor, you may select your own area of study for the dissertation phase of the course.

Please note modules run subject to sufficient student numbers.

At NLS, embedding work experience and practical skills development into the curriculum is a priority focus as we know it helps produce well rounded graduates with increased employability skills. Here are just some of the ways you'll be able to get involved:

NLS Legal

Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.

Support Through Court

Through NLS Legal, you can gain legal work experience through our partner organisation, Support Through Court, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation (litigants in person).

NLS hosts Support Through Court Nottingham and Support Through Court's National Online services, providing NLS students with hundreds of on-campus work experience opportunities every year.

Additional opportunities

Find out more about your NLS experience, including the opportunities to engage in competitions and extra-curricular activities.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Fiyinfoluwa Oyelade

I chose a postgraduate study at NTU because of the unique course it offered me. It is an emerging area of law and very few universities offer this course.

Sarker Mehdi Afif

Notably, the chance to serve as a student volunteer at the university-affiliated law firm, NLS Legal, emerged as a pivotal highlight for me.

Theophilus Ifeoluwa Aigbogun

Technology Law

How you're taught

How will I study?

The academic year for the LLM courses is split into three parts: two ten-week terms (Term One runs from the beginning of the academic year until the Christmas vacation, Term Two between Christmas and Easter) and the summer period.

Full-time students – who complete the course over one academic year – study three modules in each term and complete the dissertation over the summer.

Part-time students – who complete the course over two academic years – study three modules across Terms One and Two in each year (six in total), beginning work on researching their dissertation during the first summer period and completing it during the second.

On the full-time and part-time modes modules are taught throughout the week. Depending on your timetable you may be expected to attend on more than one day. Modules may exceptionally be rescheduled due to course needs.

Seminars are led by academics but will usually require you to carry out extensive guided preparatory work and will often involve short presentations or other contributions.

Assessment

In each case modules are assessed through one piece of course work. This usually takes the form of a problem- or essay-style question, but will vary by module. You can submit and receive feedback on assessments over the course of each module.

Your dissertation will be assessed through a research based written assignment of 12,000 words. The topic that you choose for your dissertation should be relevant to the course specialism and the chosen title will be subject to approval by the Course Leader.

Additionally, you will complete a reflective report consisting of three pre-set questions, each with a maximum word count attributed to it; approximately 330 words, i.e. 1000 words in total.

Expert Teaching Staff

Our courses are taught by academics with significant subject expertise. The School’s vocational focus and strong links with the legal profession mean that many of our academic staff members have extensive practical experience. The courses also have a strong research base. Our academic staff actively research and publish, and many are recognised as being among the leading experts in their fields.

Research Expertise

We have a number of internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. We also have an Intellectual Property Research Group.

Staff Profiles

Janice Denoncourt - Associate Professor

Nottingham Law School

Associate Professor Dr Janice Denoncourt Intellectual Property, Finance and Corporate Governance (2018) Routledge Taylor Francis

Peter Vaughan - Associate Professor

Nottingham Law School

Peter Vaughan is an Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University and practising Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at NLS Legal.

Hakan Sahin - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Law School

Dr Hakan Sahin is a Senior Lecturer at the Nottingham Law School, NTU and teaches on the postgraduate courses.

John Rumbold - Lecturer

Nottingham Law School

Dr John Rumbold is a Lecturer at the Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University and teaches on the postgraduate courses

Careers and employability

Your career development

Career development is an integral part of the programme and our careers team run a series of workshops where you can identify methods and strategies to enable you to pursue your career goals.

Due to the School's excellent reputation within the legal profession, our graduates are highly sought-after and recognised for the depth and relevance of their knowledge. While this course does not currently offer placements we do encourage our students to pursue placement opportunities.

Find out about the opportunities available through our pro bono and University volunteering schemes.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Practitioners can study individual modules from the LLM programme for CPD awards.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Learning a new language can:

  • enhance your communication skills
  • enrich your experience when travelling abroad
  • boost your career prospects.

Find out more about the University Language Programme.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From social media addiction to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Qualification

Please note that this course is not vocational in nature, and that successful completion does not, of itself, lead to qualification as a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales.

Campus and facilities

Chaucer

Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the City Campus. It is a vibrant place to study with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes' walk from everything Nottingham has to offer. Not only will you study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but the Law School has also invested in:

  • A mock courtroom
  • A family courtroom
  • Four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment

NLS Legal

Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.

Fantastic facilities

You'll also have access to a great combination of facilities on the City Campus, including:

  • the 24-hour Boots Library, with learning resources specific to your course
  • IT open areas in the Newton and Chaucer buildings
  • Nottingham Trent Student Union, including sports facilities, a shop, cafes and music venues
  • a range of student accommodation

We've recently invested a massive £90 million into our buildings and facilities, providing you with inspiring places to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.

Entry requirements

UK students

Academic entry requirements
  • A good law degree, 2.2 or above.
  • Applicants whose first degree is not Law will be required to provide evidence of commitment to the LLM subject that they wish to study.
  • Applicants from other disciplines will be welcomed in appropriate circumstances, particularly if they have experience in the area, even if not as lawyers.

International students

Academic entry requirements

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.

English language requirements

See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • Full-time - £8,750
  • Part-time - £4,375

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • Full-time: £17,850
  • Part-time: £8,925

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page

Postgraduate research

If you’re applying for postgraduate research please visit our Research pages for information about our research areas and how to make your application.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Good luck with your application!

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