I would appreciate some information regarding intellectual property programs provided by the UK universities. Which universties is considered to be leading in this particular area of law. In fact, almost every single university offers such studies but its hardly possible to compare among them. Approaches, remarks or comments regarding the issue from those studying or intrested in IP law would be very usefull for me. Thanks in advance.

Start checking some old discussions:
www.llm-guide.com/board/9015
www.llm-guide.com/board/7161
www.llm-guide.com/board/1932
www.llm-guide.com/board/1518

Thanks for your references. After checking the offered sites i've made an impression that you have once encountered the same issue. What was your final decision/choice concerning the UK university? And if it not private, what was C Millers recommendations? Did he provided you with some usefull insights on I would be very gratefull if you could share his opinion here.

I am employed at the University of Essex in the Department of Law. We run a programme on Information Technology Media and e-Commerce law. Admittedly it does not specialise in IP, but IP is one of the component elements. If you are interested have a look at the Essex web site: www.essex.ac.uk

Thanks for your references. After checking the offered sites i've made an impression that you have once encountered the same issue. What was your final decision/choice concerning the UK university? And if it not private, what was C Millers recommendations? Did he provided you with some usefull insights on I would be very gratefull if you could share his opinion here.

Different programmes have different learning objectives and programme aims, and so the programme design stems from there. Comparing different programmes IS possible as Carter's excellent post demonstrates, though you may need to limit your criteria for fear of being swamped.

Asking questions on websites such as this excellent LLM-Guide.com to help out with decisions is a great idea. You may find that you've overlooked a popular programme.

You'll find advice offered here from a good mix of people including Uni insiders (such as myself), graduates, current students, recruiters and new candidates to provide what usually amounts to a fairly balanced opinion overall. (Glad you've enjoyed my posts, Carter ;-) ).

To start with your own, more detailed search, you can request brochures and visit Uni websites to find out what they say about themselves, where you'll find listings of the programme contents, as Carter has listed. That may be enough of a rough guide to narrow the field as Carter seems to have done?

SA (the original poster) mentions "leading" as criteria. What do you consider to be "leading", SA? I'd be interested to see that word expanded on, to give more detailed criteria for comparison. For example: does the number of staff on the programme make a difference to you? Or their publication records? Or what about the number of students currently enrolled? Perhaps the success of graduates or recognition in country X of the award and so on... "leading" can be measured in many ways, by focussing your own definition of that word, you'll find it easier to come to a decision.

Another option to find out information and to help make an informed decision, perhaps when you've narrowed the field a little, is to talk directly to those involved in delivery of programmes. So if the original poster, SA, or anyone would like to discuss The University of Edinburgh's LLM in more detail, then please do contact me. Likewise, if you're interested in talking with QM, Essex, UCL or any of the other Uni's mentioned on these boards, then don't be scared to pick up a phone or send through an email requesting more information or answers to your specific questions. Most of the time I'm sure you'll find someone helpful.

There are also open days at most Uni's which can be useful to help make a final decision when you have a handful of offers. The next open days here in Edinburgh are * Friday 15 June 2007 *
* Friday 7 September 2007 *
* Saturday 29 September 2007 *..

I hope my post is further help in the decision making and particularly the comparative exercise required when first starting out on selecting an LLM?! I've also asked a question myself in this post, so I look forward to continuing the discussion.

Cant agree more with you, Colin.

I believe first step is to narrow the field to those Universities offering programmes that suit your interests. Are you looking for a general IP LLM? Would you like to focus your career on patents or, maybe, your interest lies in IP matters related to developing countries such as traditional knowledge or technology transfer? These are the questions to ask ourselves. Then, check realistically what are your chances to be accepted in those unis. Rule out the inaccessible and compare programmes. If you are in the UK go to open days and get some fresh impressions, if not, phone or drop e-mails. I guess all of us followed the same path.

I personally give a lot of credit and importance to Universities websites. They are open windows to the inside of the institutions and I wouldnt ignore if the information displayed there is incompleted or unclear. I have a firm opinion of those that dont care about updating webs and keeping prospective students duly informed. EVERY impression counts.

Also, and if you are going to apply for a scholarship, one interesting point is to check if the granting institution has any sort of preference.

This website has a search facility at the top - you can select the country you wish to receive your instruction, the language you wish to be taught and the subject you want to follow. That will give you 20 institutions to start with, and from there you could follow through on the advice above to get down to the four or five you think are most appropriate.

Let us know how you get on SA, it's always good to hear when useful advice has been found on these boards!