University of Edinburgh

What you'll study

The programme combines core legal doctrine with contemporary regulatory and commercial issues arising from innovation and digital technologies. Students study a range of subjects addressing intellectual property, data and privacy, competition, and the contractual and regulatory frameworks that govern emerging technologies.

• Core topics: intellectual property law (copyright, patents, trade marks), data protection and privacy law, and regulation of digital markets.
• Technology-focused modules: law and governance of artificial intelligence, blockchain and distributed ledgers, cybersecurity law, and the legal aspects of software and technology transactions.
• Commercial and competition law: competition and antitrust issues in digital markets, digital platform regulation and consumer protection online.
• Research and dissertation: an independent dissertation or major research project supervised by academic staff, allowing in-depth study of a chosen topic within innovation and technology law.
• Interdisciplinary options: students can normally take elective courses or short modules from related disciplines such as informatics, business or public policy to build technical or commercial context.
• Skills development: practical legal skills through seminars, assessment by essays and problem-based exercises, and opportunities for moot, clinic or workshop experience where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in law (or a closely related discipline) or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with non-law degrees but substantial relevant professional experience or prior postgraduate legal study may also be considered.

Selection typically takes into account academic transcripts, references and a personal statement outlining relevant interests and experience. All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English to the standard required by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates from this LLM move into a range of roles across private practice, industry, government and the third sector. Typical career paths include:

• Intellectual property and technology-focused roles in law firms or specialist boutiques.
• In-house counsel positions handling technology contracts, licensing and compliance for tech companies, start-ups and established firms.
• Data protection officer, privacy compliance and regulatory roles in organisations subject to data law and digital regulation.
• Policy, regulatory and advisory roles in government agencies, regulators and think tanks concerned with digital policy, competition and innovation.
• Consultancy roles advising on digital transformation, technology transactions and risk, or further academic and research careers.

Why study at University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Law School offers a strong research environment in commercial and technology law, with staff who publish widely on intellectual property, data protection and regulation of emerging technologies. The University’s interdisciplinary culture enables collaboration with schools of informatics, business and social sciences, providing technical and commercial context for legal study.

Students benefit from access to a thriving technology and innovation ecosystem in Edinburgh and beyond, public lectures and guest speakers from the legal and tech sectors, and opportunities to build professional networks. The programme’s combination of doctrinal rigour, policy engagement and practical skills prepares graduates to address legal challenges posed by rapid technological change.