UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
LLM in Intellectual Property Law
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Interdisciplinary ApproachStudy IP in social, economic, ethical, and commercial contexts
- SCRIPT CentreBenefit from a pioneering research centre in IP and IT law
- Practical ExperienceOpportunities like moot competitions and assistant editorship at SCRIPTed journal
- EPO Young Professionals ProgrammeChance for an international career with the European Patent Office
- Expert FacultyLearn from published experts with diverse research methodologies
The LLM in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Edinburgh provides advanced knowledge of intellectual property law and policy within UK, European, and international contexts. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing you to explore IP from legal, social, economic, ethical, cultural, and commercial perspectives. You will study core intellectual property laws covering copyright, trademarks, designs, patents, and common law protections, as well as the international treaty framework. The curriculum also addresses contemporary issues and tensions related to IP in areas like technology, medicine, education, and human rights, preparing you for a diverse range of careers in law, industry, policy-making, or academia. This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time, subject to visa) program consists of 120 credits of taught courses and a 60-credit dissertation on an intellectual property topic of your choice. You'll have opportunities to tailor your studies with optional courses from Edinburgh Law School.
Curriculum
The program comprises 180 credits, including 120 credits from taught courses (60 credits per semester) and a 60-credit 10,000-word dissertation. You must select between 80 and 120 credits from the following core courses, with additional options available from Edinburgh Law School.
- Year 1
- Intellectual Property Law 1: Copyright and Related Rights
- Intellectual Property Law 2: Industrial Property
- Intellectual Property and Human Rights
Careers
Specialised knowledge in Intellectual Property Law is highly valuable due to its increasing global relevance and impact. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for various career paths where IP expertise is crucial.
- Legal Practice (specialising in Intellectual Property Law)
- Creative Industries
- Cultural Industries
- Manufacturing Industries
- Pharmaceuticals
- Life Sciences
- Computing
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Policy-making roles in knowledge-intensive sectors
- Academic/Research careers
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the LLM in Intellectual Property Law?
- You must meet the University's general academic and English language requirements for postgraduate study. Specific requirements should be checked on the degree finder.
- How much does the LLM in Intellectual Property Law cost?
- Tuition fees for international students were not provided. For 2026-2027, estimated living costs for a single postgraduate student in Edinburgh are £18,504 per year, excluding tuition fees.
- How long does the LLM in Intellectual Property Law program take?
- This program is one year full-time, or two years part-time, subject to visa requirements.
- What are the career prospects after completing the LLM in Intellectual Property Law?
- Graduates are well-prepared for roles in legal practice, creative and cultural industries, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, computing, and policy-making, or academic careers. Opportunities include the European Patent Office’s Young Professionals Programme.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction is English, and you must meet the University's English language requirements for postgraduate study.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- The Tercentenary Award for Excellence offers a £5,000 tuition fee reduction for eligible applicants accepted to the program. The application deadline for this scholarship is 01 May 2026.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for international students were not provided in the source material. Please refer to the University's official fees page for the most current information.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for home students were not provided in the source material. Please refer to the University's official fees page for the most current information.
LivingFor 2026-2027, estimated living costs for a single postgraduate student in Edinburgh are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). This includes accommodation, food, mobile phone, socialising, and local travel. Accommodation and utilities are estimated between £752 to £1,249 per month depending on the type (University, Private, or Private Student accommodation). Food and other shopping are estimated at £248 per month, mobile phone at £12 per month, socialising/leisure at £246 per month, and local bus travel at £58 per month (free for under 22s).
These living cost estimates are averages and can vary based on personal preferences, inflation, energy costs, and exchange rates. They do not include tuition fees.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet both the academic and English language requirements for postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh. These can be found on the University's degree finder and entry requirements pages.
2. Gather Supporting DocumentsBefore starting your application, collect all necessary supporting documents. This typically includes a personal statement, information about your skills and experience, and other program-specific documents.
3. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the University's online application portal. Make sure all information provided is complete and accurate.
4. Track Your ApplicationAfter submission, you can track the status of your application online. You will be notified of the University's decision, and instructions on how to accept your offer will be provided.
Scholarships
Tercentenary Award for Excellence£5,000
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the LLM in Intellectual Property Law?
+
You must meet the University's general academic and English language requirements for postgraduate study. Specific requirements should be checked on the degree finder.
How much does the LLM in Intellectual Property Law cost?
+
Tuition fees for international students were not provided. For 2026-2027, estimated living costs for a single postgraduate student in Edinburgh are £18,504 per year, excluding tuition fees.
How long does the LLM in Intellectual Property Law program take?
+
This program is one year full-time, or two years part-time, subject to visa requirements.
What are the career prospects after completing the LLM in Intellectual Property Law?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in legal practice, creative and cultural industries, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, computing, and policy-making, or academic careers. Opportunities include the European Patent Office’s Young Professionals Programme.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction is English, and you must meet the University's English language requirements for postgraduate study.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
The Tercentenary Award for Excellence offers a £5,000 tuition fee reduction for eligible applicants accepted to the program. The application deadline for this scholarship is 01 May 2026.