| UCAS code |
1234 |
| Duration |
1 year full time
2 years part time |
| Entry year |
September 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham Campus
|
| Discipline |
Law
|
| Contact |
|
Overview
Applications for this programme will be open in September.
- Learn from world-leading experts in digital copyright, trademarks and patents.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of Intellectual Property law across national and international frameworks.
- Apply your skills to real-world tech issues, from digital assets to biotech.
- Tailor your degree with optional modules aligned to your career goals.
- Join a vibrant research community through affiliation with a Law School research centre.
Top 150 in the world for Law
Top 20 in the UK for our world-leading Law research
Personal tutor support and close contact with academic staff who are leaders in their field
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a high 2:2 Honours degree with at least 57% or above (or equivalent) in any subject. While we normally only consider applicants who meet these criteria, we would also welcome applications from those with relevant experience in the professions.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This LLM offers an engaging and rigorous study of intellectual property law in the context of technological innovation. Taught by leading experts in digital copyright, trademarks and patents, the programme provides a deep understanding of national and international IP regimes.
You’ll explore how legal systems respond to emerging technologies - such as digital assets and biotechnologies - and develop the skills to critically assess and apply legal principles in real-world contexts.
The programme is highly flexible, allowing you to tailor your degree through a wide range of optional modules aligned with your interests and career goals.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be affiliated with one of the Law School’s research centres, giving you access to a vibrant academic community. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow students and academics, share ideas and receive valuable feedback - enhancing your research experience and preparing you for a successful career in IP law.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Stage 1: 75 credits of compulsory modules, 105 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
75 credits of compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| LAWM640 |
Dissertation | 60 |
| LAWM189 |
Legal Research and Writing Skills | 15 |
Optional modules
105 credits of optional modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
|
LLM Intellectual Property Law and Technology options 26-27 |
| LAWM170 |
Digital Copyright Law |
15 |
| LAWM181 |
Regulating AI: Law, Policy and Ethics |
15 |
| LAWM167 |
Blockchain, Policy, Property |
15 |
| LAWM191 |
Law, Digital Markets and Competition |
15 |
| LAWM194 |
Trademarks and Patents |
15 |
| LAWM195 |
Copyright Law |
15 |
| LAWM196 |
Theories and Histories of Intellectual Property |
15 |
| LAWM197 |
Intellectual Property and Creative Industries |
15 |
| LAWM198 |
Comparative Intellectual Property |
15 |
| LAWM199 |
Intellectual Property and Biotechnology |
15 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,650 full-time; £6,325 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,550 full-time; £12,775 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone taught Masters degree (eg MA, MSc, MRes, MFA, LLM, PGCert, PGDip) or research degree (eg MPhil, PhD) with us a scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees. These scholarships are worth 20% of the first year tuition fee for students enrolling on a postgraduate taught or research programme of study in 2025/26. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Learning and teaching
Formal teaching is delivered via weekly lectures or seminars, depending on group size. Course materials are delivered directly by academic staff, and you are encouraged to actively engage in discussions and debates. You will be in control of your own learning, appropriately supported by peers and staff including a personal tutor.
Assessment
As well as the dissertation, assessment is comprised almost entirely of extended coursework essays, with written examinations in some modules where appropriate.
Research
In addition to your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from a stimulating programme of research seminars designed to enable staff and postgraduate students to experience cutting-edge research by members of the academic and legal community both within and outside of Exeter.
Extra-curricular activities
Formal learning is enhanced by opportunities to participate in a range of exciting extra-curricular activities including pro bono projects, internships, mooting and networking events.
We have close and active links with Exeter Law School alumni and honorary doctorates, many of whom occupy powerful and prestigious roles in the legal community throughout the world. Where possible, we invite individuals from this community and the broader legal profession to engage with our postgraduate students, whether through research seminars or more informal events, providing you with valuable networking opportunities.
Facilities
The Lasok Law Library, located in the Forum holds in excess of 40,000 volumes and is open 24 hours a day. You can choose from diverse study spaces to suit your specific learning needs, whether dedicated quiet study, group work, or social learning over a coffee.
Our custom-built Moot Court offers students invaluable opportunities to take part in mooting activities and is equipped with the latest technology, including high-spec video conferencing.
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Dr James Griffin
Dr James Griffin
Professor Griffin's main area of research relates to the impact of Intellectual Property laws upon technology.
His current research interests include copyright and rationality, copyright and technology, memes and copyright, communicative theory and copyright, art and the law, and interdisciplinary research into creativity.
Professor Griffin is also involved with the development of novel technologies, such as the tracking and tracing of information through technologies such as quantum and biological computers and has been helped lead projects developing patented digital watermarks for 3D printed objects.
Profile page
Dr James Griffin
Professor Griffin's main area of research relates to the impact of Intellectual Property laws upon technology.
His current research interests include copyright and rationality, copyright and technology, memes and copyright, communicative theory and copyright, art and the law, and interdisciplinary research into creativity.
Professor Griffin is also involved with the development of novel technologies, such as the tracking and tracing of information through technologies such as quantum and biological computers and has been helped lead projects developing patented digital watermarks for 3D printed objects.
Profile page
Careers
Our Masters programmes are designed to prepare you for a successful career, wherever in the world you plan to work. Employers expect advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project-management and the very latest specialist knowledge from their postgraduate recruits.
Graduate destinations
LLM graduates either continue on the academic path and pursue their studies with a PhD; others go into private practice, corporate or public employment – including international trading companies and law firms, chartering, trade, and marine insurance, the European Commission, the Governments of EU Member States as well as international and regional courts and/or organisations or NGOs.
Careers support
When it comes to securing a graduate-level position, we enjoy extremely good relations with members of the legal profession regionally, nationally and internationally. You will be supported by an Employability Officer, the wide range of services offered by Career Zone and have the opportunity to meet potential employers face-to-face through our annual Law Fair, workshops and careers sessions.
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Top 150 in the world for Law
Top 20 in the UK for our world-leading Law research
Personal tutor support and close contact with academic staff who are leaders in their field
