These are exciting times to study for an LL.M. in Technology Law. In recent years there’s been an explosion in ecommerce and novel internet services. Artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality and neurotechnology have moved from the realms of science fiction into today’s reality, with such technologies embedded into everyday life in many corners of the global economy. All of which Technology Law LL.M. students must grapple with. 

That also means that often the most valuable assets of many companies are intangible. Businesses trying to differentiate themselves from the competition via innovation are relying on intellectual property rights to ensure their creativity and hard graft is rewarded. But many are having to turn to the law to squash third parties who want to infringe their copyrights, trademarks or patents. Indeed, there tends to be some overlap between LL.M.s in Technology Law and those in Intellectual Property Law. See the Top 10 LL.M. Programs in Intellectual Property Law here.

Never has there been such a need for well-trained lawyers in these fields. Consequently, specialist Technology LL.M. programs—as well as LL.M.s in Information Technology and in related fields—have emerged at the world’s top law schools. They cover such topics as cybersecurity and information privacy, which are very topical among businesses and consumers alike.

To get where you want to go in tech law, here are the top 10 LL.M. programs in Technology Law that you should be considering. 

Mainland Europe is home to many of the world’s top law schools, which, each year, draw thousands of international students to the continent. These students are often attracted not only by the prestige of some of the world’s oldest universities, but also the cultural charms of the continent, not to mention its political and economic institutions. 

In terms of LL.M. programs in Europe, there are a number of larger, high-profile law schools that cater to a huge range of international students. To meet the needs of these students, these law schools offer great general LL.M. programs, or a range of specialized LL.M. programs. See LLM GUIDE’s Top 20 List of General LL.M. Programs in Europe.

In contrast, there are a number of law schools in Europe that run more specialized, niche LL.M. programs, focused on specific subjects, such as human rights law or finance law. While these programs may be smaller than the larger offerings from other schools, they are all high-quality and designed for students who have more specific interests and needs. And they are all offered by some of the best law schools in Europe.

See below for the Top 10 Special Focus LL.M. programs in Europe.

Alternative Dispute Resolution—sometimes shortened to “ADR” by its practitioners—refers to solving legal problems without litigation. As such, LL.M. programs in Alternative Dispute Resolution can help students understand the tools that they need outside of a courtroom: negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and more. Those who have studied their LL.M.s in the alternative dispute resolution field can go on to jobs as mediators or arbitrators, or simply add ADR skills to their legal toolkits.

For many students, an LL.M. program in the UK will most likely not be considered ‘cheap.’ Fees can add up, especially for students who come from outside the European Union (EU), who usually pay more for tuition than UK and EU-based students. What’s more is that the best schools tend to charge higher fees, which reflects the quality of the education and the resources required. 

Fortunately, a top-quality LL.M. degree doesn’t have to cost the earth. We’ve pored over the fees so you don’t have to. Below are the 10 highest quality LL.M. degrees in the UK which can be pursued on a budget, based on fees for overseas (non-EU) students. 

You can also see the Top 10 Budget UK LL.M. Programs for EU students.

Maritime law—sometimes known as admiralty law—regulates activities that take place on the sea. Many countries have their own laws which govern maritime activities within their borders, but there are also various treaties and conventions which provide a framework for international maritime laws. Students pursuing an LL.M. program in Maritime or Admiralty Law will be exposed to a number of issues important in the field, including regulation of shipping, marine insurance, and international trade. And increasingly, LL.M. programs in Maritime Law are also exploring related topics, such as marine pollution and climate change. An LL.M. in Maritime Law can prepare grads for a variety of jobs, including maritime specialists in private law firms, legal analysts at maritime insurance firms, or positions at international bodies.

Thinking about doing an LL.M. in Banking or Finance Law? Many are, since the world’s banking, finance, and securities sectors—not to mention related industries—are huge, highly regulated, and constantly evolving. Because of the size and dynamic nature of these industries, the laws that govern them are often highly complex, which means that lawyers skilled in these areas can be in high demand. That's why the best LL.M. programs in Finance Law or Banking Law leverage up-to-date research in the fields, which may be produced by research centers that are hosted by law schools. These finance- and banking-oriented LL.M. programs will cover a range of financial topics, ranging from financial law to corporate law, and may address issues like central banks, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy, among others. Some programs may also delve into subjects like international banking and economics. Some LL.M. programs also focus on corporate finance law. 

An LL.M. program in Banking/Finance/Securities Law can prepare grads for a variety of positions in the financial sector: some LL.M.s go on to work for law firms representing financial services companies; others go on to help individuals or corporations navigate the complex web of contracts and regulations. Additionally, an LL.M. in Banking or Finance can help for those looking to land a job as in-house counsel at a bank or another financial services firm, or even in a regulatory body.