LLM Law, Innovation and Technology
- LLM
Overview
The LLM in Law, Innovation and Technology offers a distinctive opportunity to master the legal expertise to address real-world challenges related to technology development and innovation. You will study information technology (IT) law, introducing you to key issues and debates in this field and equipping you with the legal and technical knowledge to analyse and evaluate the legal and regulatory challenges of digital technologies in an informed way.
You will develop crucial analytical, communication and research skills valued by top employers. Ideal for those seeking careers in:
- Tech and innovation
- Commercial law
- Data economy
- Digital markets
- Intellectual property
- Online business development, and many other fields.
Located in the UK's 'Silicon Gorge', Bristol was named 'AI University of the Year' (National AI Awards 2024), recognising the University's focus on digital technology which includes hosting Isambard-AI, the UK's most powerful supercomputer. Our academic staff regularly feedback to policymakers, regulators and practitioners on the legal and regulatory challenges of digital technologies.
Our programmes are well respected by leading law firms, with Bristol ranking within the top UK universities for employer reputation for law and legal studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). The University of Bristol is ranked 54th and 9th in the UK for Law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2026).
We support the development of your legal research and writing skills throughout the course, from pre-arrival preparation and targeted support in Terms 1 and 2, to workshops, small group meetings and one-to-one sessions over the summer as you work on your dissertation.
Choosing a postgraduate law degree from the University of Bristol, ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (THE analysis of REF 2021), means engaging in a rigorous, research-rich curriculum that will make you stand out to employers. You will be challenged and inspired by our world-leading academics who are part of the Law School's Centre for Global Law and Innovation.
Programme structure
Our vibrant international community and diverse teaching methods enrich the LLM experience at the University of Bristol. You'll engage with course materials and benefit from regular, in-depth interaction with tutors who are leaders in their fields, as well as with your peers, through a blend of lectures, seminars, bespoke skills workshops and structured independent learning.
Our wide range of optional units reflect the expertise of our globally renowned academics, allowing you to further specialise your degree. As part of this programme, you will take four units, including the IT Law unit, and a compulsory dissertation.
- You will study Information Technology Law, examining a range of emerging technologies, how technology is regulated, exploring real-world applications of theories, law and concepts.
- You can also choose units in areas such as intellectual property, Digital Markets, Competition and Regulation, and Digital Technology in Legal Practice, where you will explore the legal and ethical implications of using technology in legal practice.
- These units have been carefully designed to reflect insights from the Law School's own LawTech Industry Board (a body of top industry experts working in the field who assist us in developing and delivering this LLM programme).
You can choose between an innovative group dissertation pathway or an individual dissertation research project, allowing you to develop key employability skills such as teamwork or individual project planning and management. You'll be supervised by an expert in the field and supported through a tailored programme of development activities to help you succeed in your chosen pathway.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Law
OR
an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a related field, such as Computer Science, Data Science, Management, Economics, Philosophy, or Policy Studies.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, or if your subject is not listed above, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of significant (minimum of 12 months) relevant work experience in information technology, innovation and start-up ecosystems, creative industries, online business ventures, or legal technology
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £16,100 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £8,050 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,800 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School funding webpages.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduating from a world-leading university, ranked 57th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027), opens doors to careers in a variety of sectors, including roles in global law firms and tech innovation, as well as in the data economy, digital markets, online business development, the judiciary, regulatory bodies and public authorities.
You can expect to:
- Develop and deepen understanding of digital technology law, intellectual property, data protection, and LawTech.
- Build transferable skills.
- Receive a springboard into a diverse range of careers.
- Benefit from boosted prospects for those already working in related fields.
- Begin your journey towards a career in research.
The LLM in Law, Innovation and Technology equips graduates for careers in legal practice, tech and innovation firms, in-house advisory roles, and policy work with regulators and think tanks. The programme develops strong analytical, research and practical legal skills, preparing students to navigate and shape emerging technology and regulatory landscapes in the UK and internationally.
Our careers and insight events also provide students with opportunities to interact with experts working in the field.
The University of Bristol Law School provides students with careers information and guidance, dedicated Law Employability support and access to mentoring schemes with alumni across the world. Explore our careers and employability webpages for more information about the support and opportunities we provide during your studies.
Read our Law student blogs to learn more about student life and the careers our graduates go on to after graduation.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk