Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Communications Law by Distance Learning

M3CC (minimum - one year, part-time)

The Institute of Computer and Communications Law (ICCL) offers online distance learning programmes that leads to the award of a Queen Mary, University of London, Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Communications Law.

The programme draws on our established teaching and research expertise in IT law, e-commerce law, communications law, computer law and media law. The Postgraduate Certificate was launched in September 2011 with the Certificate in Communications Law (other certificates will be available later).

Law as a subject is particularly suitable for online learning in that it is primarily text-based, so delivery of teaching materials is not restricted by bandwidth limitations. Most of the relevant materials for computer and communications law are available in digital format from databases such as Lexis and Westlaw to which you gain access through your Queen Mary Student account. We use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a platform to deliver clear course structures, teaching materials and to create interactive courses. Your e-learning experience is enhanced by tutorials using discussion boards, blog postings and live chat for class discussions and question and answer sessions. We have designed the course to allow as much interaction and feedback between students and tutors as possible. Your understanding will be deepened by discussing your reading with fellow students and your course tutor and carrying out short tasks related to the course. We also use audio and audio-visual presentations. You will not need to have access to a local law library, a basic internet connection and browser is all that is needed to do the course.

Flexible Learning

Completion of the Certificate takes one to two years, part-time and is tailored for the needs of busy practitioners or other lawyers who would like to obtain specialist knowledge in the computer and communications law field.

Students may switch to the Diploma (120 credits) or the LLM (180 credits) after completing the Certificate.

Programme

The programme is tailored for students who wish to obtain a specialist Certificate in Digital Media Law, Certificate in IT or IP Law, Certificate in E-commerce Law or a Certificate in Communications Law. The Certificate requires the successful completion of 60 credits which can be completed as follows:

  • four taught modules
  • three taught modules and the optional Research Seminar paper/presentation

Modules

The year is divided into three four-month terms, with a selection of modules and dissertations being offered each term.

  • Taught modules (15 credits)
    Each module requires around seven and a half hours of work a week over one term. Each module will consist of assessed tasks, a module essay and final assessment exercise (take-home exam).
  • Research seminar paper/presentation (optional) (15 credits) (January – May)
    This involves a 30 minute presentation at the residential weekend on a topic of your choice agreed with your supervisor followed by the submission of a 5000 word essay during the May – August term.

During each term a selection of three to four modules from the list below will be offered.  Modules are usually offered on a two-year cycle. The terms are as follows:

  • Autumn Session: From the beginning of September until December
  • Spring Session: Beginning of January until April
  • Summer Session: Beginning of May until August

Certificate in Digital Media Law Module options

Certificate in IP and IT Law Module options

Certificate in E-commerce Law Module options

Certificate in Communications Law Modules
(not offered 2012/13 only)

Entry Requirements

An upper second class honours degree in law (or with law as a major element) at a British university or the equivalent in other universities. Equivalent professional qualifications and experience are accepted at the discretion of the Programme Director. If you are unsure if you are suitable for the programme please contact Informa so that we can advise you.

Application Dates

You can start the programme in either the autumn term or the spring term. You should return your completed application forms two months before the start of term. For example, for an autumn start you will need to return your forms by mid-July and for a spring start you will need to return your forms by the beginning of November.

As this is a distance learning programme, we understand that applicants may live overseas or outside London. To comply with official admissions procedures if you are made an offer all applicants will be expected to submit by post (courier) or in person certified copies of qualifications which were uploaded when making an online application.

How to apply

All applicants should apply through Informa, not through Queen Mary, University of London.

Apply now via the online application form on the Informa website.

Informa work with Queen Mary to promote and recruit to our Distance Learning programmes in computer and Communications Law. For application or course enquiries queries please contact Informa.