Queen's University Belfast

LLM Intellectual Property Law

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law is an innovative programme that explores the intersections of globalisation, creative industries, sustainability, and new technological challenges in the field of intellectual property law. It provides a strong foundation through core modules and a flexible structure, which allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals.

The programme is taught by leading experts in the field, who have advised international organisations, including UNCTAD, the European Commission, EUIPO, and WIPO. It also benefits from strong industry connections, providing students with valuable exposure to real-world practice. Through a combination of coursework, seminars, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, students will develop a deep, multidisciplinary understanding of the legal principles, global frameworks, and policy issues shaping intellectual property law.

This programme is an excellent foundation for careers across the private and public sectors. Graduates may work as in-house legal specialists in the high-tech, life-science, creative industries or as IP litigators, patent lawyers, trademark attorneys, or licensing executives, among other roles. Students may also work in the public sector, advising government agencies on intellectual property law matters or working for non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations focused on intellectual property issues. The programme also offers an excellent foundation for those aiming to pursue doctoral research and an academic career.

Intellectual Property Law highlights

Career Development

We are dedicated to student employability and have strong industry links. Law was ranked 3rd in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026).

This employer-focused programme places employability skills at the core of the student experience (including problem-based learning and leadership modules), introducing students to the interplay of and interfaces between IP law, creative industries, health and life sciences, technological development and global public interest policy challenges.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Law at Queen's is taught by world-leading experts in the area of Law. Our staff have close research links with the professions, government and Civil Society. Law at Queen's is in the top 150 Law Schools worldwide, and we are ranked top 10 in the UK. Research in Law was ranked 8th in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2021).

World Class Facilities

Our facilities at Queen’s include a state-of-the-art Law building with superb teaching facilities, a moot court and study spaces. Queen’s has one of the most modern campuses in the UK, including the award-winning McClay Library, one of the finest libraries in the world and home to 1.2 million volumes and over 2,000 reader places.

Our Physical Education Centre was used as a training camp for the 2012 Olympics. Our Queen’s Elms Student Village and city centre student accommodation (built in 2018) are located within easy walking distance of the University.

Student Experience

This programme will equip you with a thorough and crucial understanding of the key questions we face regarding Intellectual Property and the Law, with emphasis on global policy challenges brought about by technological development in the creative industries and health and life sciences.

You will possess a deep appreciation of matters in the regulation of creativity and innovation, borne from both classroom and project-based experience. You will have developed a sophisticated sense of how creativity and innovation interact with law, but also a sense of how Intellectual Property law intersects with other important public interest goals and values.

At Queen's, you will be part of a thriving postgraduate culture built on teaching excellence, leading-edge research, innovation, collaboration and engagement. These components are woven together in our Graduate School. It is here that you will develop new skills and increased personal effectiveness that will enable you to stand out in the crowded and increasingly competitive global job market.

Life at Queen's is not just about the degree. We offer our students the opportunity to really enrich their studies. Whether you're into student societies, sports, music, dance, or just a coffee with your friends, Queen's has exceptional facilities to cater for all interests.