In today’s globalized, digitally-connected world, organizations like governments, NGOs, private corporations, and more are becoming increasingly reliant on technology. It’s essential to understand areas like data protection and intellectual property. Those interested in careers in this space should consider getting a master’s degree. Here are 15 of the top masters in data protection, intellectual property, and closely-related areas like information technology, data privacy, and law and technology.
Table of Contents
#1. LLM Data Protection and Intellectual Property (The University of Law)
#2. MA In Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Computing (Dublin City University)
#3. LLM Intellectual Property and Data Protection (University of Herfordshire)
#4. Information Technology and Intellectual Property LLM (University of Sussex)
#5. Intellectual Property, Data, and Information Law MSc (Queen Mary University of London)
#6. Master of Intellectual Property (University of Technology Sydney)
#7. Law LLM Intellectual Property & E-Law (University College Cork)
#8. Data, Privacy, and Technology Law (Emory University School of Law)
#9. Technology Law & Policy LLM (Georgetown Law)
#10. Law and Technology LLM (Tilburg University)
#11. LLM in Intellectual Property Law (George Washington University)
#12. Advanced Master Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management (Maastricht University)
#13. Law and Digital Technologies Advanced LLM (Leiden University)
#14. LLM International Studies In Intellectual Property Law (TU Dresden)
#15. Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (Trinity College Dublin)
#1. LLM Data Protection and Intellectual Property (The University of Law)
Location: Multiple campuses, UK
This LLM is designed for both law and non-law graduates. Students focus on the legal theory and practice of legal technology and complete courses on data protection, intellectual property, finance, risk management, cyberlaws, international trade law, and so on. Non-law students are required to take a two-week induction on the Key Principles of the English Legal System, though it is open to law students, too.
The LLM can be taken part-time, full-time, or online, though students who need a Student Route visa must take face-to-face taught modules. Domestic students pay £9,500-£10,500 and non-domestic students pay £12,000-£14,000. In 2016, the University of Law ranked first in student satisfaction with a 97% score.
#2. MA In Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Computing (Dublin City University)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Hosted by the School of Law and Government and School of Computing, this interdisciplinary degree provides students with expertise in both the technological and legal aspects of data protection and privacy law. The program is divided into law and computing streams. Acceptance to either stream depends on a student’s educational background. Everyone must complete 4 core modules, which are a mix of law and computing topics. Students must also complete two optional modules. There’s a research dissertation or practicum section, as well, which provides a more advanced level of expertise in computing or law.
The MA can be taken full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). For full-time students, the EU status fee is €7,400 while the non-EU status fee is €15,000. Part-time EU status students pay €4,000 Per Annum while part-time non-EU status students pay €7,400 Per Annum. According to the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, Dublin City University ranked #6 nationally out of 17 Irish institutions.
#3. LLM Intellectual Property and Data Protection (University of Hertfordshire)
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
This LLM gives students an updated education in new developments, best practices, and the latest research and methods in data protection and intellectual property. Students learn everything they need to work in this area of law through two required modules – Intellectual Property Law and Data Protection Law – and two optional modules. Covered topics include copyright, trademarks, design rights, the rights of data subjects, international development law, corporate governance, and more. To graduate, students must complete a 60-credit dissertation.
The degree can be taken full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). Fees vary yearly, but for 2022, UK students pay either £810 per 15 credits (part-time) or £9750 (full-time). EU students pay £1230 per 15 credits or £14750 for the 2022/2023 academic year. International students pay the same rate as EU students. The Times Higher Education and QS Ranking put Herts between 601-800 and 801-1000, respectively.
#4. Information Technology and Intellectual Property LLM (University of Sussex)
Location: Brighton, UK
With guidance from leading lawyers, students completing this degree will gain up-to-date knowledge on the newest technological developments, the legal challenges presented by new tech, and legal system and governance issues. Topics covered include advanced legal research and writing; cyber law; digital intellectual property law; and privacy and data protection law. Students also have opportunities to visit EU institutes in Brussels and Luxembourg, as well as UN agencies in Geneva.
Students can take the LLM part-time or full-time. At the time of writing, fees were not set for the academic year 2023/24. World University Rankings 2022 puts The University of Sussex at 151st.
#5. Intellectual Property, Data, and Information Law MSc (Queen Mary University of London)
Location: London, UK
This MSc is designed for non-law graduates interested in gaining legal knowledge in creative industries, such as the data and computer industries, music, publishing, and film. Students have to take 180 credits, which includes two required courses. Topics include copyright, EU data protection law, international data protection law, digital intellectual property, and licensing intellectual property. Students also have the opportunity for a paid 12-month traineeship.
Full-time and part-time study options are available. In 2022, full-time home students paid £17,250 while overseas students paid £26,250. Part-time, which is per annum, costs £8,650 for home and £13,150 for overseas. The QS World University 2023 rankings by subject placed it #82 in the world.
#6. Master of Intellectual Property (University of Technology Sydney)
Location: Sydney, Australia
This degree, which is only available by distance mode, provides students with an understanding of the trademark system in Australia and New Zealand; patents law and systems; design law and practice; and more. Students can also choose from optional topics like global aspects of intellectual property; intellectual property and human rights; and copyright law. To graduate, students must complete 48 credit points.
This online master’s can be finished in 1.5 years (full-time) or 2.5 years (part-time). Fees vary by year and whether a student is domestic or international. For 2023, international students owe $1,053 per credit point, for a total of around $50,444 for the required 48 credits. UTS is ranked #137 by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
#7. Law LLM Intellectual Property & E-Law (University College Cork)
Location: Cork, Ireland
This program teaches students about the connection between intellectual property and e-law. Students will discuss issues related to social networks, data protection, intellectual property and internet regulation, and much more. The degree requires 90 credits.
The LLM can be completed with full-time or part-time study. Part-time students will take 40 credits in their first year and 50 credits in their second year. EU students pay €7,130 while non-EU students pay €17,500. In the 2022 QS World University rankings by subject, UCC School of Law is 1st in Ireland and 75th in the world.
#8. Data, Privacy, and Technology Law (Emory University School of Law)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
The Data, Privacy, and Technology Law program is a concentration within the Juris Master program. This master’s degree teaches students about data privacy laws in the US and internationally, intellectual property laws around the world, trademark protection, AI issues, and more.
Part-time and full-time options are available. Students studying part-time are charged tuition based on a per-credit-hour basis ($2,083 per credit hour for the 2022–2023 school year). Full-time students pay $25,000 per semester. The US News & World Report’s 2022 ranking placed Emory Law #29th among ABA-accredited law schools.
#9. Technology Law & Policy LLM (Georgetown Law)
Location: Washington, D.C.
This LLM is meant for recent law graduates and mid-career lawyers and policymakers interested in technology-related areas. Requirements depend on whether students are US-trained or foreign-trained. US-trained students take 24 credits, which must include 18 specialization credits. Foreign-trained students take 20 credits with 14 specializations. Both must complete a capstone experience, which is a practicum course in technology law and political practice. Topics covered include intellectual property, information privacy law, and global tech law.
For the 2022-2023 school year, full-time tuition is $74,340 while part-time is $3,098 per credit. Georgetown University is ranked #14 in Best Law Schools and #1 in part-time law.
#10. Law and Technology LLM (Tilburg University)
Location: Tilburg, Netherlands
This LLM explores questions and issues related to technology, including traditional legal theory and the impact of technology on law. During the year, students must take 60 credits, including 2 core courses, 6 electives, and a master’s thesis. Topics covered include privacy and data protection, advanced topics in intellectual property rights, and European intellectual property law and technology.
In the 2022-2023 year, the master’s program offers hybrid education. Tuition varies based on a student’s status. As an example, all students with an EU or EEA nationality are required to pay a statutory fee, which for 2022-2023 was €2,209. Details about exceptions can be found here. Tilburg University has a #537 ranking in Best Global Universities.
#11. LLM in Intellectual Property Law (George Washington University)
Location: Washington, D.C.
To complete this degree, students must complete at least 14 credits, including 2 credits from a research paper, which must be at least 8,000 words long. Students who write a thesis must earn at least 10 credits. Topics covered include international intellectual property, licensing of intellectual property rights, information privacy law, and patent law.
For the 2022-2023 school year, full-time LLM students are expected to pay a total of $86,480 (includes books, supplies, personal expenses, transport, and tuition). Part-time students pay around $67,000. In the 2022 Edition of Best Colleges in National Universities, GWU ranked #63.
#12. Advanced Master Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management (Maastricht University)
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
This program gives students the legal foundations, practical skills, and technical skills to work where legal services, policy, and knowledge management intersect. Students with work experience will benefit the most from this program. Topics covered include principles of intellectual property and industrial property law; managing and financing IP; and the global policy and economics of IP law. Depending on your chosen concentration, you’ll get either an MSc or LLM degree.
The program is 1 year if taken full-time or 2 years with part-time study. The fee is €16.000 or €18.000 for part-time. Maastricht University is ranked #190 in Best Global Universities and #10 in Best Global Universities in the Netherlands.
#13. Law and Digital Technologies Advanced LLM (Leiden University)
Location: Leiden, Netherlands
This advanced degree examines law and governance as they apply to the internet, AI, mobile devices, and more. Under the guidance of academics and professional experts, students will navigate the multi-disciplinary connection between law and digital technologies. Topics covered have included data protection, internet privacy, intellectual property rights in the digital environment, and digital child rights.
The Dutch government doesn’t subsidize this program, so fees for all students (including EU, non-EU, and Dutch students) in the 2022-2023 school year are €19,300 for full-time and €9,650 for part-time. According to Times Higher Education, Leiden was in #71st place globally for 2021-2022. It’s in 27th place for law.
#14. LLM International Studies In Intellectual Property Law (TU Dresden)
Location: Dresden, Germany
During this 1-year program, students gain specialized knowledge in topics like intellectual property law, data protection, patent mark, and more. The 60-credit program focuses on issues raised by new technologies, the internet, and multimedia. Students complete a mandatory internship, a final thesis, and a winter semester at a partner university. Students also choose between a German track (taught in German and English) and an International Track (taught in English).
Dresden’s tuition fee is €2.500,00, while the foreign partner universities set their own fees each year. As an example, Krakow costs €500,00. TU Dresden, which is a public research university, is ranked #185 in Best Global Universities and #11 in Best Global Universities in Germany.
#15. Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (Trinity College Dublin)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
A fairly new LLM, this program gives students a foundation and tools for careers as intellectual property and information technology lawyers. Taken over 1 year, the program helps students analyze and reflect on different parts of national, European, and international intellectual property and information technology law through six modules and a research dissertation. Topics can include data protection, patent law, copyright law, and more.
Full-time EU students pay €10,714 while non-EU students pay €20,810. QS 2023 rankings put Trinity College Dublin as Ireland’s #1 leading university and 98th in the world.
