Overview
The Emerging Technologies and the Law LLM focuses on the interactions between economics, politics and society in regulating complex new technological problems.
It combines the study of existing rules and regulations with case studies and human experiences of the impacts of innovation.
It raises questions such as:
- Is your meme copyright protected?
- Where, how, and why should Meta be taxed?
- Will AI decision-making change legal processes?
- What happens when Twitter and the European Commission discuss social media content?
- Can science fiction teach us about regulation?
This Law programme is open to graduates from any discipline. We welcome students with an interest in the regulation of complex real-world problems that are the result of technological innovations. This course is for you if you not only care what the law is, but what it could be.
Our subject experts will provide you with extensive knowledge. You will gain critical and transferrable skills required by employers in both the public and private sector.
This LLM is also suitable for applicants with an interest in further study. You will develop the skills necessary for the development of a PhD proposal on law and technology-related
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
The Emerging Technologies and the Law LLM is highly topical and innovative. It combines expert knowledge of regulation with contemporary case studies in the fields of Law covered.
We strongly encourage student co-creation in several of the modules. You will take part in the selection of case studies in discussion with module leads.
Subjects covered as part of the LLM include:
- Law and Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence: Law, Theory and Practice
- Social Media Regulation: Law, Policy and Society
- Digital Taxation
- Digital Markets and Competition Law
You will also be able to choose from a range of diverse modules in the Law School. These include the Challenges in International Trade Law, Commercial Law and International Human Rights. You will gain a broader international, commercial or rights-based understanding of your chosen field of study.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Emerging Technologies and the Law LLM modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Legal Research: Theory and Method | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Law and Emerging Technologies | 20 |
How you’ll learn
Teaching will primarily be through small group seminars and workshops. These are led by expert academic staff but driven by students.
Your preparation, questions and insights will form the core of your learning experience with us.
Sessions may be based around simulations of regulatory activity, such as stakeholder processes, legislative deliberations or mock parliamentary or judicial hearings.
We complement our in-person seminars with a variety of other teaching methods, such as:
- introductory lectures (where necessary)
- Q&A sessions with staff
- quizzes and other online self-study tools
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Reader in Law & Emerging Technologies and Director of Education
Research expertise: Technology Governance; Digital Copyright; Cybersecurity; Social Media Regulation; Law and Politics; Lobbying; Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Lecturer in Digital Law, Policy & Society
Research expertise: Governance of Artificial Intelligence; Robotics; International Humanitarian Law; International Criminal Law
Professor of Law, Innovation & Society
Research expertise: New Technologies, Privacy and data protection, algorithmic transparency and justice, regulation of platforms
Senior Lecturer in Law, Innovation and Society
Research expertise: Socio-Legal and Ethical Approaches to Biomedicine; Regulation of Emerging Medical Technologies; Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Senior Lecturer in Law
Research expertise: Smart Contracts; Comparative Contract Law; Contracts and Vulnerability
Your development
You will develop a range of professional, research and practical skills over the course of your LLM in Emerging Technologies and the Law.
You will enhance your ability to discuss the law both orally and in writing. You will gain experience in working closely with others in a highly diverse, intellectually stimulating environment.
Practical and professional skills you will develop include but are not limited to:
- deliberation and negotiation
- policy drafting and report writing
- engaging in stakeholder processes
- legal argumentation
Your future
What can you do with the Emerging Technologies and the Law LLM degree?
Further study
Students on this programme will receive excellent research training. This will allow you to develop a methodologically rigorous PhD proposal, if you wish to continue to doctoral study.
Careers and graduate destinations
Students with a Law & Technology LLM work in diverse roles in a wide range of sectors.
Some of the roles include:
- legal representatives
- policy advisers at a range of local, national and international organisations and institutions
- regulators with a technological or media focus, in government and civil service roles, as well as think tanks and universities.
Our graduates work as legal advisors in international organisations and government bodies. Others work in-house with businesses in areas such as the law on e-commerce.
Some of our graduates go on to PhD studies in areas of international law such as copyright law.
For the experiences of our former students in their own words, see our website:
Check out the success stories of some of our former Law Master’s students.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Law – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The Law School has an extensive library situated within the School. You will also have access to an extensive range of online sources via Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
We can offer you:
- dedicated study spaces for LLM students
- a student common room
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.
We will also consider applications on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications or experience in relevant professional practice.
