University of Edinburgh

What you'll study

The programme combines core and option courses designed to give a thorough grounding in the principal areas of intellectual property law alongside critical, policy-focused perspectives. You will study substantive topics such as copyright, patent law, trade marks and designs, and enforcement mechanisms; and explore cross-cutting themes including technology and digital media, biotechnology and life sciences, licensing and commercial exploitation, competition law interactions, and international/regulatory frameworks.

• Core themes: foundational doctrine and principles of copyright, patent, trade marks and design law; enforcement and remedies; rights management and licensing.
• Advanced options: comparative and international IP law (including international treaties and regional systems), internet and digital media law, software and database protection, biotechnological inventions and legal controls, and IP and competition policy.
• Research and skills: seminars on empirical and doctrinal research methods, seminars with practitioners, moot-style exercises, and classes focused on drafting contracts and licensing agreements.
• Independent project: a substantial dissertation or major research project supervised by academic staff, allowing you to pursue a specialised topic in depth.

Programme structure

The degree is primarily taught through seminars and small-group classes that emphasise discussion and critical analysis. Assessment typically combines coursework (essays, case notes, problem exercises), practical assignments and the dissertation or research project. Optional modules allow you to tailor the programme to interests such as technology law, healthcare and life sciences, or commercial practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in law (or a non-law degree with substantial relevant experience or conversion qualification). Professional experience in legal practice, IP-related industry roles, or research can be taken into account, particularly for applicants with non-law backgrounds.

As this is a postgraduate programme delivered in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English to the level generally required for postgraduate study at UK universities. Applicants should consult the University of Edinburgh admissions guidance for details of acceptable qualifications and evidence of English language competence.

All applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their interest in intellectual property law and, where relevant, a writing sample or evidence of prior academic/professional work. References and academic transcripts are required as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the LLM in Intellectual Property Law pursue a wide range of careers. Traditional routes include roles in law firms and specialist IP practices, in-house legal teams in technology, media and pharmaceutical companies, and positions with patent and trade mark attorneys (note that qualification as a patent attorney commonly requires a relevant scientific or technical background in addition to legal training).

• IP solicitor or litigator
• Patent or trade mark attorney (subject to professional qualification requirements)
• In-house counsel for technology, creative, or life sciences firms
• Licensing and commercial contracts manager
• Technology transfer officer or university commercialisation roles
• Policy adviser, regulator or roles in intergovernmental organisations concerned with IP and innovation
• Academic and research careers focusing on IP, information law and related interdisciplinary topics

Why study at University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Law School has a long-established reputation for research and teaching in commercial, technology and intellectual property law. The law school brings together research-active academics and practitioners, providing access to specialist expertise and regular guest lectures, seminars and workshops that connect theory with current practice.

The University’s central location and strong links with Scotland’s legal profession, technology industry and research institutions create networking and practical opportunities, while extensive library and online resources support advanced study. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to combine doctrinal study with practical and policy-focused training, preparing graduates for both professional practice and further academic research.