Intellectual Property Law

The LLB in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Leeds offers students a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles and issues surrounding intellectual property rights in a global context. This programme is designed for those who wish to develop expertise in the legal frameworks that protect innovations, creations, and commercial assets in industries such as technology, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, and arts. Throughout the course, students explore key areas including copyright, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and related substantive and procedural laws. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, equipping graduates with the skills needed to navigate complex legal landscapes and to advise clients or organizations on intellectual property issues effectively. Students will engage with current developments in intellectual property law, including digital rights management, online infringement, and international treaties, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in law firms, corporate legal departments, or policymaking bodies. The course encourages critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, fostering a detailed understanding of how intellectual property law interacts with innovation, economic growth, and societal interests. With access to modern facilities, experienced faculty, and opportunities for internships and moot courts, students receive a well-rounded legal education tailored to the evolving needs of the creative and technological sectors. Graduates of this programme will be equipped not only with advanced legal knowledge but also with the practical skills to succeed in a competitive and dynamic legal environment. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and international perspectives, preparing students for careers that require a nuanced understanding of global intellectual property issues.

The compulsory modules studied will give you an opportunity to:

• study the key principles and features, rules and court decisions concerning patents, copyright and trademarks
• examine the key cases that have shaped intellectual property rights law in the major legal jurisdictions
• discover other rights such as designs and geographical indications
• learn about how business acquires and deploys intellectual property rights.

These compulsory modules will also enable you to hone your legal research and writing skills, which you’ll be able to demonstrate in your dissertation – an independent piece of research on your chosen topic.

You’ll also benefit from our optional Support in Academic and Personal Development programme. This runs alongside your taught academic programme in semester one and is specifically designed to complement the School’s induction activities and ongoing academic skills support for students. The programme may include wellbeing activities, careers talks, assessment query sessions as well as additional language support for non-native English speakers.

The wide-ranging list of optional modules means that you can explore a mixture of related subjects of interest to you.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in law. Applicants with good degrees in other subjects will be considered.

English language requirements

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) an overall band of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component skill
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of 92 with no less than 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing
• Pearson (Academic) of 64 overall with no less than 60 in any component
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), or C1 Advanced, of 176 overall with no less than 169 in any component
• Trinity College Integrated Skills in English of a Pass in ISE II or above (if taken in the UK)
• GCSE English Language or Cambridge IGCSE English as a First or Second Language at grade C

Documents and information you will need include

• Original or certified copies of your transcripts
• Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)
• Details of two referees.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Leeds offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. International and UK students can explore a range of funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and student loans. The university provides merit-based scholarships specifically for postgraduate students, which are awarded based on academic excellence and potential. Additionally, there are region-specific scholarships and fee discounts for students from certain countries or backgrounds.

Students are encouraged to apply early for scholarships, as the number of awards is limited. The university also supports part-time study, allowing students to work alongside their coursework to help finance their studies. For UK residents, the government student loan scheme may be applicable, providing access to loans that cover tuition fees and living costs, payable after graduation. International students should consider external scholarships, sponsorships, and possible funding from their home country governments or organizations, as the university does not offer the same level of financial aid for international students as it does for domestic students.

The program fee details are published on the university’s official website and typically include tuition costs, which are payable annually. Students should budget for additional expenses such as accommodation, study materials, health insurance, and personal living costs. The university may offer payment plans to spread the cost over the academic year. For those eligible, postgraduate research grants or assistantships might also be available, although these are more common for research-based programs.

It is advisable for prospective students to consult the university’s dedicated scholarships and finance pages for the most current information on available funding options, application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. International students are additionally encouraged to contact the university’s international office for advice on international funding opportunities. Overall, while the program provides several avenues for financial support, students are recommended to plan their finances early to ensure they can fully benefit from the academic and professional opportunities offered by the MSc in Intellectual Property Law at Leeds.

Learning and teaching

Our compulsory and optional modules are taught through a range of weekly seminars, lectures and workshops. 

You’ll need to prepare for your seminars and lectures, undertaking any exercises that might be prescribed in advance. Independent study is integral to this programme – not just to prepare for classes but to develop research and other critical skills.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods but for most modules you’ll be required to write an essay at the end of each module. You’ll also be expected to write a final dissertation.