Master of Laws in Information Communications Technology Law

Interest in legal issues associated with IT applications has been present from the initial stages of computerisation.  The ability of the computer to process massive amounts of personal data raises issues for individual privacy whilst more recently, the ability of the Internet to facilitate copying of copyright protected works on a massive scale has attracted much attention.  With trends towards privatisation and liberalisation in the telecommunications sector, legal issues are also becoming prominent in the field of electronic communications. Many issues – such as interconnection between networks – which were formerly the subject of agreements between governments now have to be put on a more legalistic footing.   The LLM in Information and Communications Technology Law is an exploration of these issues and more.  The LLM in Information and Communications Technology Law is a part-time programme. The duration of the programme is two years; delivered using blended study techniques. Blended learning is a teaching approach which incorporates both face to face residential workshops and on-line methods.  The programme comprises three distinct elements of PGCert, PGDip and Master’s. 

Aims

This course is designed to give a detailed knowledge of key legal instruments coupled with an awareness of major policy areas allowing students to contribute to the ongoing discussions as to the nature and format of law within the information society.

Who Would Benefit?

The LLM in Information and Communications Technology Law is suitable for law graduates, practitioners and applicants who have extensive experience working in the relevant sectors. Due to the nature of this programme, the subjects covered are relevant to students from any country in the world.

Pre-requisites

Applicants must usually have obtained an honours degree in Law or a degree with a substantial legal content.  We will also recognise other qualifications especially where the applicant's work experience is in a field relevant to the subject of the course.   'O' Level English or equivalent and a minimum IELTS (International English Language Test Score) of 6.5 (please check before sending your supporting documentation whether this is applicable to you). 

Candidates will complete the modules listed below, each module will be delivered over a 15 week period commencing with a four day residential course at Missenden Abbey followed by eleven weeks of distance learning using on-line resources and ending with a further three weeks of independent learning in which to prepare and submit their assessment. Prior to commencing these modules students will be taught legal skills and research methods for four days in order to improve their study skills and to help them build towards the final Dissertation module in which they put into practice their research and independent learning skills This will qualify students for  an award of Postgraduate diploma (PgDip) Information Technology and Telecommunications Law.  For those delegates seeking the award of LLM in Information Communications Technology Law, a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation is required.  Please be aware that owing to the changing nature of the subject area, the contents of the modules may be adjusted to keep abreast with legal developments.

• E-Commerce Law
• Legal Aspects of Electronic Communications
• Legal Protection of Electronic Personal and Commercial Data
• Intellectual Property Law for IT

Tuition Fees as below: 

Developed Countries - £10,000

Least Developed Countries - £5,000 (applications via UKTA)

EU Students: £7,500
Administration and processing fee for all students:  £180.00 (Inclusive of VAT)