Distance Learning LLM in Computer and Communications Law

M3S3 (minimum - two years; part-time)

The Institute of Computer and Communications Law (ICCL) at Queen Mary offers a programme of online distance learning that leads to the award of a University of London LLM in Computer and Communications Law.

The programme draws on the established strengths of the Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS) in computer, e-commerce, internet, communications law, media law and associated topics within the Information Technology Unit.

"I'm most impressed by the online chat tutorials, which provide classmates of different jurisdictions with an interactive cyberspace platform to meet, exchange views and learn from each other's law under a disciplined learning environment with full guidance by the course tutors throughout." Thomas Mok, Distance Learning LLM student

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.

Your degree certificate will make no distinction between the LLM Computer and Communications Law studied by presence in London and the LLM studied by Distance Learning.

Programme

"My tutor's professional approach and working knowledge of the industry has always helped make the most technical and challenging aspects of this niche area of law so much easier to understand. The hardest part has always been deciding which modules to take!" Emma Brooks, Distance Learning LLM student

The LLM in Computer and Communications Law programme must be completed within a minimum of two years, and a maximum of six years. The LLM requires the successful completion of 180 credits which can be completed as follows:

  • Pass six taught modules (may include the optional Research Seminar paper/presentation) as well as three 10,000 word dissertations, (or one 20,000-word dissertation in addition to one 10,000-word dissertation)
    Or
  • Pass eight taught modules (may include the optional Research Seminar paper/presentation) as well as two 10,000 word dissertations, (or, with approval, one 20,000-word dissertation)

Modules and Dissertations

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
  • Dissertations – topic of your own choice
    10000 dissertations (30 credits) – taken over two consecutive terms
    20000 dissertation (60 credits) – taken over four consecutive terms
  • 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

Modules

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 LLM in Computer and Communications Law 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 up-loaded 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.

Thomas Mok, Hong Kong

Mok

LLM Computer and Communications Law - Distance Learning

LLM, LLB(Hons) MBA BBus FCPA(HK) FCCA FFA CPA(Aust) ACIS ACS ACIArb Consultant HUEN & PARTNERS Hong Kong Programme

I'm most impressed by the online chat tutorials provided in this Queen Mary LLM programme which provide classmates of different jurisdictions with an interactive cyberspace platform to meet, exchange views and learn from each others in law under a disciplined learning environment with full guidance by the course tutors throughout the tutorials.

If Queen Mary provides another postgraduate programme such as LLM in corporate and commercial law in the same or similar teaching mode and structure in the future, I'm sure I will be the first one to enroll it and enjoy this learning process again.

Vanessa Mortiaux

Mortiaux

Vanessa Mortiaux, BA MA Senior Legal Counsel, Information Law Everything Everywhere Limited 
LLM in Computer and Communications Law - Distance Learning 2010-2011

"The course helped further my expertise in computer and communications law, a fast changing and fascinating field. It is taught by leading academics and professionals to a very high standard through online tutorials, discussions and resources. The online delivery makes it convenient for working people. The course is international with students of varied backgrounds, providing excellent networking opportunities. There is a very enjoyable annual meet-up with seminars and heated debates on current topics. I thoroughly recommend the LLM to anyone interested to work in this field and practitioners who are keen to enhance their knowledge of computer and communications law."

Wenbin Wei, China

Wei

LLM Communications Law - Distance Learning

"I was based in Zurich running a consulting practice when I started the LLM programme with Queen Mary. The long-distance program is perfect in terms of its flexibility which allowed me to study without really leaving the daily business.

The choice of Internet and Computer Law is purely out of curiosity and my ignorance in this field. I already have a LLM in EU law and a PhD degree in banking law before I took this program. I thought if I study something new, I will go for topics that are really interesting and challenging. The content of the program fits well for this expectation.

The most challenging part is the loneliness that you have to cope with during the process. Although the program does have interactive platforms such as chat rooms and discussion boards, it is still a matter of motivation to really use these features.

The time of concluding this programme is very neat as I am relocating for an extended period back to China. With the knowledge I obtained from this program, I am looking forward to expanding my field of practice in IT-related business in this booming country."

Andrius Smaliukas, Lithuania

Smaliukas

LLM Computer and Communications Law - Distance Learning

"I picked Queen Mary because it offered just what I needed - the Computer and Communications Law LLM through distance learning. The program itself was extremely well prepared, with the rich choice of multidisciplinary subjects, including especially strong modules on IP law and dispute resolution. Informative and thought-provoking on-line tutorials and discussions, experienced tutors, just the right workload and, most importantly, fellow students from all around the globe with their own and very interesting backgrounds and feedbacks - all this made my distance learning LLM an unforgettable experience. I learned a lot while continuing to practice law as an attorney in my home country Lithuania. That's why I believe this program really delivered the value for the money; I recommend it for all practicing lawyers."

Emma Brooks, UK

Brooks

LLM in Computer and Communications Law - Distance Learning

"Studying for the Distance Learning LLM in Computer and Communications Law at Queen Mary is both inspiring and challenging as an advanced learning experience. From the first day I received my syllabus to the minute I started getting stuck into my 20,000 word dissertation I have been greatly impressed by the depth and breadth of knowledge my tutors have.

Their professional approach and working knowledge of the industry has always helped make the most technical and challenging aspects of this niche area of law so much easier to understand. The hardest part has always been deciding which modules to take!

The flexibility of the course overall, which allows students to choose
the number of modules they wish to take each semester, is coupled with a very strong internal structure and course outline within each module. Tutors are on-hand via the web discussion pages which also make for ideal forums in which students can exchange ideas. The format of the online tutorial programme standing alongside regular written assessments provides for a perfectly balanced and motivating pace of study which both captivates and stretches abilities. The residential weekends are a great opportunity for students at home and abroad to present seminars in areas they have studied and for us all to meet the tutors. It is always amazing to sit in a lecture theatre or in an online tutorial with study partners from another continent.

The Institute of Computer and Communications Law delivers a level of expertise in its teaching staff which I have found absolutely invaluable and they provide insight and guidance in respect of a specialist area that constantly develops and changes. ICCL has enabled me to study for the LLM whilst at the same time completing the Legal Practice Course and practising as a Trainee Solicitor with a London firm which has been an excellent way of both broadening and expanding my theoretical and practical legal skills whilst attaining other goals. I would thoroughly recommend this course to both budding academics and practitioners."

Ana Paula Bialer, Brazil

Bialer

LLM Computer and Communictions -Distance Learning

"The Distance Learning LLM is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to develop their academic knowledge whilst keeping up with their professional activities. Even though the course demands long hours of study, it has the flexibility to allow each student, no matter where their home country is, to divide their weekly study and research in such a way as to achieve the proper balance between family, professional commitment and academic development.

“All the literature is made available through amazing and broad online databases or through books that can be easily purchased in online bookstores. The teaching platform and the online chat sessions provide an excellent opportunity for exchange between the classmates and the teachers, being a great virtual classroom. The teachers are very helpful and responsive to student’s requests, and are always available for online meetings. I would strongly recommend the course for anyone interested in taking an LLM".