LLM Law

On successful completion of the Intellectual Property Law module, you will be able to critically examine international, regional and national legal systems that protect human creativity, technical innovation and other intangible assets. Through the course you will discuss motivations and different perspectives behind protecting the moral and material interests of authors and inventors, through an innovative lens of intellectual property and social justice. In this module, you will investigate traditional intellectual property categories that protect creativity (copyright), technical innovation (patents), and commercial symbols (trademark law). You will use new, inclusive theories of intellectual property, to investigate emerging challenges for the creative industries and the innovation sector. You will also explore other intellectual property rights, which have been discussed globally for the past few decades, including geographical indications and forms of protection over the knowledge and expressions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. With this module, you will develop critical tools to assess how well countries have adapted their national intellectual property rules compared to the international minimum standards, binding on World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization Member States. You will develop a practical awareness of the remit of mandate international intellectual property organisations have in this policy space.

On successful completion of the International Alternative Dispute Resolution module, you will be able to critically examine international, regional and national legal systems that facilitate dispute resolution outside international and national courts. You will consider the multiple facets of access to justice from the perspective of multiple stakeholders, including state, corporate and marginalised communities. You will investigate state and non-state international rules. In this module you will combine research and practical skills to examine areas of international mediation, international commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration. You will understand the key elements of all three types of ADR and appreciate the key differences among the three types of ADR. You will also investigate specialised ADR mechanisms specialised areas, such as international intellectual property disputes or insolvency disputes. The key concepts will include the basis of ADR (relevant agreements and rules) and the role of decision-makers in these disputes (mediators and arbitrators). You will fully investigate the attributes of successful and effective appointments of mediators and arbitrators. The course will focus on the legal profession and ADR, especially on the inclusivity and diversity in the legal professional for individuals and representation across many different jurisdictions from developed, developing and least developed countries.

This module will cover key aspects relating to employment law in practice. This will include understanding the nature of an employee, becoming familiar with the formation and terms, both express and implied, of an employment contract and its variation. The module will also include consideration of the protection offered to employees in respect of dismissal, discrimination and rights when the ownership of the employer's business changes.

In today’s legal environment, leaders and professionals must base decisions on sound evidence and reliable knowledge. This module develops the research skills and critical understanding needed for success in postgraduate study and throughout your career. On completion, you will be able to critically appraise existing knowledge, research, new evidence, and emerging innovations in legal practice. You will enhance your analytical skills to make reasoned, creative, and original judgements about the practical application of law. The module also enables you to engage with complex legal norms, explore the limits of current legal knowledge, and evaluate advanced scholarship within your chosen practice area. You will develop intellectual autonomy as an independent learner and strengthen your ability to reflect on professional practice and manage your ongoing development as part of lifelong learning. As part of the module, you will undertake an independent master’s-level research project, choosing one of two pathways: Route A: Dissertation / Final Project – a traditional academic dissertation allowing in‑depth exploration of a topic of personal interest, supported by research philosophy and core legal principles. Route B: Investigating a Business Issue Project – a practice‑focused project based on a micro‑placement, professional activity, or networking opportunity. You will examine a live legal issue arising from this experience and apply research skills in context. Across both routes, you will learn to design and plan a research project, carry out your research confidently, and present your findings clearly and professionally. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to conduct independent research and to commission, manage, and evaluate research undertaken by others—capabilities that enhance effectiveness in a wide range of legal careers.