Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

The programme combines core legal doctrine with modules that examine law in the context of contemporary technologies. Typical modules cover legal frameworks for data protection and privacy, intellectual property in the digital age, cybercrime and cybersecurity law, technology contract drafting and enforcement, and regulatory responses to artificial intelligence and platform governance. You will study both the doctrinal foundations and practical application: modules often include case studies, regulatory analysis and skills sessions on drafting, compliance checklists and risk assessment.

The LLM normally comprises taught modules plus a substantial research project or dissertation that allows you to pursue a specialised topic — for example, algorithmic accountability, cross-border data transfers, or the intersection of IP and open-source licensing. Teaching methods include seminars, workshops, assessed coursework and a dissertation or major research paper. The programme is offered with full-time and part-time study patterns to suit different career circumstances.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a good honours degree in law (or an equivalent qualification). Candidates with non-law degrees who have relevant professional experience, or who have completed a recognised conversion course (such as the Graduate Diploma in Law), may also be considered. Selection will take account of academic achievement, personal statement and references.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to the university's postgraduate requirements. Where appropriate, applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to provide a research proposal for the dissertation component.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of roles in private practice, industry and the public sector. Common paths include joining law firms with technology, data protection or IP practices; in-house legal teams in software, fintech, telecoms and media companies; regulatory bodies and policy organisations; and specialist compliance roles such as Data Protection Officer or advisor on technology risk and governance.

Other career outcomes include consultancy on digital contracts and platform regulation, roles in technology-focused NGOs and think‑tanks, or continued academic study and research. The programme emphasises transferable skills — legal analysis, drafting, regulatory interpretation and project-led research — that are valued across the tech and legal sectors.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University's law school provides specialist teaching in commercial and technology-related law within a practice-oriented environment. The school maintains links with regional and national employers, offering opportunities for guest lectures, practitioner-led sessions and legal skills training. Students can benefit from clinical learning opportunities, mooting programmes and access to resources that support research into digital and regulatory law.

The university also offers career and employability services, library and legal research facilities, and an interdisciplinary campus community where students can connect with computing, business and policy expertise — useful for multidisciplinary projects. These features make the programme well suited to those who want a rigorous, career-focused postgraduate qualification in technology law.