Program Overview

Law and Technology

Overview

This advanced programme helps students gain a deep appreciation of how law interacts with technological innovation, for instance, with generative AI; or autonomous vehicles; or algorithmic decision-making in courts. What social challenges are posed by technological change? How does law address those challenges? And what impact does technological innovation have on the practice of law?

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Students must complete core modules (80 CATS points), optional modules (40 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

Compulsory Modules

• Law and the Challenges of Technology
• Regulating Innovation
• Data, Privacy and the Law
• Innovation & Creativity Clinic: project based learning
• Approaches to Legal Research
• Dissertation (Maximum 15,000 words)

Optional Modules

• Computational Methods and Skills
• Foundations of Cybersecurity
• Platform Regulation: IP Enforcement and Content Moderation
• (Metaverse Law) Copyright, Trademark, and Immersive Technologies
• Regulating Reality: The Law of Misinformation
• Critical Approaches to International Economic Law
• Business and Human Rights
• Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics
• Artificial Intelligence and the Law

Career Development

We are dedicated to student employability and have strong industry links. Law was ranked Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2024).

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 18th in the world for international outlook. 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.

Student Experience

This programme will equip you with a thorough and crucial understanding of the key questions we face regarding the regulation and governance technologies.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants with a primary degree in a relevant/cognate subject: Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, Computer Science or a cognate discipline.
• Exemption from these requirements may be considered for those applicants who hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject (or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University).
• International students: Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £7,300
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £7,300
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,250
• EU Other £21,500
• International £21,500

Additional Course Costs

• Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
• Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100.
• Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Module Details

Innovation & Creativity Clinic: Project Based Learning

• Overview: Project Based Learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach built upon a real-world case in which students learn through the experience of problem-solving.
• Learning Outcomes: This innovative approach of academic exercise will develop student skills such as research, communication/presentation and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Skills: Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical and Application Skills, Research Skills
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: LAW7846
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

Data, Privacy and the Law

• Overview: The focus of this module will be on the interplay of data, privacy and the law.
• Learning Outcomes: At the end of the learning process each student should have acquired an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the challenges that certain aspects of new technology present, and an appreciation of the legal challenges faced.
• Skills: At the end of the module each student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some new technological advances and the role of law in regulating them.
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: LAW7848
• Teaching Period: Autumn
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

Dissertation (Law and Technology)

• Overview: Researching an approved legal topic under supervision and presenting the results as a dissertation or report of 10,000 to 15,000 words.
• Learning Outcomes: Learning Outcomes: 1. A detailed knowledge and understanding of a chosen subset of the programme themes. 2. Capacity to build a detailed and sustained argument around a research question.
• Skills: Advanced written skills, Ability to learn independently, Ability to use information and communication technologies.
• Credits: 60
• Module Code: LAW7850
• Teaching Period: Summer
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

Law and the Challenges of Technology

• Overview: The focus of this module is the exploration and analysis of the impact of technology on society, the role of law in shaping this, and the response required by law and regulation.
• Learning Outcomes: At the end of the learning process each student should have acquired an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the challenges that certain aspects of new technology present, and an appreciation of the legal challenges faced.
• Skills: At the end of the module each student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some new technological advances and the role of law in regulating them.
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7844
• Teaching Period: Autumn
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

Regulating Innovation

• Overview: The focus of this module will be the exploration and analysis of the impact of technology on innovation, the construction of online markets and its implications for law and regulation.
• Learning Outcomes: At the end of the learning process each student should have acquired an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the challenges that certain aspects of innovation and technology present, and an appreciation of the legal challenges faced.
• Skills: At the end of the module each student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some new technological advances and the role of law in regulating them.
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7845
• Teaching Period: Autumn
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

Approaches to Legal Research

• Overview: What motivates legal research? In addition to the principles and methods that guide the design and implementation of a specific research project, we also ought to have some sense of the broader ‘research programme’ or ‘theoretical framework’ that animates our work.
• Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, students should be able to critically evaluate the merits and weaknesses of various theoretical frameworks and approaches to legal scholarship.
• Skills: reading and synthesizing academic work, academic writing, social science methodology, designing an empirical research plan.
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: LAW7817
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

Artificial Intelligence and the Law

• Overview: This module will explore thorny questions related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intellectual Property (IP) and the law by dissecting legal, policy and ethical issues concerning AI impact on creativity and innovation.
• Learning Outcomes: After taking this module, students will be expected to acquire general knowledge concerning the interface between artificial intelligence and law.
• Skills: Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical and Application Skills, Research Skills
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7863
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Regulating Reality: The Law of Misinformation

• Overview: This module will provide students with unique insights into contemporary debates surrounding the legal challenges posed by the spread of online misinformation.
• Learning Outcomes: Upon taking this module, students will be expected to understand and distinguish the complex and nuanced terminology in contemporary legal debates surrounding online misinformation.
• Skills: Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, Case law analytical Skills, Research Skills
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7878
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Critical Approaches International Economic Law

• Overview: This module will comprise a critical analysis of the history, institutions and legal/political/theoretical underpinnings of international economic law.
• Learning Outcomes: Students will develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the legal, political and theoretical underpinnings of international economic law.
• Skills: The module will develop the student’s abilities to show a critical understanding of the substantive module content, utilise a range of legal theoretical and historical analysis to understand the operation of international economic law.
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7867
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

(Metaverse Law) Copyright, Trademarks & Immersive Technologies

• Overview: Digital technologies have transformed the way that creative content is produced, distributed and used, disrupting long-standing business models and traditional revenue streams, and enabling the emergence of new business models.
• Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to understand trademark and copyright law as it applies to a number of issues relevant to the digital environment within a UK, European, and international content.
• Skills: Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical and Application Skills, Research Skills
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: LAW7870
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Foundations of Cyber Security

• Overview: This module targets both Law and EEECS students who are seeking to develop a base-level understanding of the main issues within the field of Cybersecurity and the building blocks of a defence system.
• Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this module, a student will have achieved the following learning outcomes: Increased understanding of the cyber security landscape.
• Skills: Cyber security awareness, communication skills, independent learning, time management.
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: ELE8071
• Teaching Period: Autumn
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Computational Methods and Skills

• Overview: The focus of this module will be on introducing law students to basic issues in computation and data management.
• Learning Outcomes: At the end of the learning process each student should have acquired a basic appreciation of computational thinking.
• Skills: At the end of the module each student will be able to demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of computation and data science.
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: LAW7847
• Teaching Period: Autumn
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Dissertation in Practice

• Overview: This module is designed to allow students to engage in independent research and to develop independent study, analysis and methodological skills, in the context of a placement or internship with non-governmental, legal, commercial or governmental organisations that operate in arenas that are relevant to their LLM research.
• Learning Outcomes: 1. Ability to reflect critically on personal practice/engagement in the fields relevant to the LLM while working in collaboration with relevant host organisations.
• Skills: Advanced writing skills, An advanced knowledge of and ability to understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in the chosen area of law.
• Credits: 60
• Module Code: LAW7836
• Teaching Period: Summer
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics

• Overview: This module will familiarise students with the law on medical law and ethics.
• Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and understanding of the ideas underpinning research and development of medical law and ethics.
• Skills: Detailed knowledge of governance and regulation as it pertains to medicine, Advanced appreciation of the theoretical frameworks through which the relevant scholarship might be advanced.
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7840
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Business and Human Rights

• Overview: This module will familiarise students with key debates regarding the corporation's role in society.
• Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and understanding of ideas of corporate responsibility.
• Skills: Oral and written communication skills, as appropriate to LLM-level scholarship, An advanced knowledge of and ability to understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in corporate social responsibility.
• Credits: 20
• Module Code: LAW7807
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional

Platform Regulation:IP Enforcement & Content Moderation

• Overview: The focus of this module will be the exploration and analysis of the impact of online platform in modern society, the construction of online markets and its implications for law and regulation.
• Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to critically discuss the national and international regulatory and legal frameworks within which platforms develop.
• Skills: Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical and Application Skills, Research Skills
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: LAW7849
• Teaching Period: Spring
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Optional