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LLM Media Law

An LLM Media Law degree will give you an insight into one of today’s most rapidly developing areas of law. We have seen an incredible boom in the capabilities of new communication technologies and print, audio and digital platforms in recent years, bringing forth brand new legislation and challenges for the legal world.

Media law is also sometimes referred to as entertainment law, or in association with information technology or communication law. There are many fresh areas of law within this field, for example interactive entertainment law. It covers the internet, issues such as governance and regulation of content, entertainment industries (music, sport, television etc.), both traditional and new age press forms, contracting and electronic contracting and even areas of marketing and merchandising.

Topical, high profile debates such as regulation of the media fall under this specialism. Practising legal professionals who advise media clients can find the knowledge and skills gained from this Master of Laws subject highly beneficial to their work. It is not uncommon for media professionals to delve into media law study either; a thorough understanding of any potential legal considerations or implications can be very helpful within media organisations.

Core Modules

Though the choice and focus of some modules can vary according to each institution, you can expect to cover the following topics in your studies for this specialism:

  • Media law policy and practice
  • Cyber law
  • Intellectual property law
  • Copyright and related rights
  • Digital rights
  • Media contracts
  • Legal and elements of media regulation
  • Privacy.

Course Structure

A small number of UK universities offer LLM Media Law degrees. The majority of these will be either full- or part-time ‘taught’ programmes. In a similar nature to an undergraduate degree, they will require you to attend a series of lectures and small discussion groups for each of the your compulsory and optional modules.

Assessment is via essays and/or written examinations and a dissertation. The University of Westminster gives a choice of a either a dissertation or project on a given topic or question.

Part-time study is an option for media law LLMs with the University of Westminster or University of East Anglia. LSE runs a combined information technology, media and communication law.

Entry requirements for LLM Media Law

You will need at least a 2:2 in a law degree, or an international equivalent, or else a non-law degree with significant relevant experience within a related industry. Some institutions may wish non-law graduates to have passed the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) as well.

By Jos Weale, Editor, AllAboutLLMs.com