Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyber Law with Professional Placement LLM

Explore rules, rights and risks across online services and platforms, while gaining professional experience on our LLM Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyber Law with Professional Placement.

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Overview

Course length:	2 years full-time
Start dates:	October 2026
Location:	Edge Hill University
Subject(s):	Computer Science
Faculty:	Arts and Sciences
Department:	Computer Science

The LLM Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyber Law with Professional Placement offers you the opportunity to combine advanced legal study with substantial professional experience.

In Year 1, you will complete the taught elements of the programme alongside a dedicated ‘Preparation for Placement’ module ( non-credit bearing), which includes an employability skills gap analysis, participation in an assessment centre, reflection and action planning, and the development of a professional CV and LinkedIn profile.

In the second year, you will undertake a 30-week professional placement between September and May, enabling you to apply your academic learning in a real organisational environment, develop professional and managerial competencies, and build evidence of your contribution to the workplace. The placement is supported through academic supervision, structured reflection, employer feedback, and a professional portfolio, allowing you to connect your legal, digital and cyber expertise with practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed the knowledge, confidence and hands-on experience to succeed in a competitive environment, supported by a clearer professional profile and career plan.

Please note, all placement opportunities are subject to visa compliance requirements.

Course features

Professional practice placements

What you'll study

In Year 1, you will develop your knowledge and skills across a range of areas within the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Cyber Law alongside ‘Preparing for Placement’ module (non-credit bearing), specifically designed to support you in securing placements.

You will untangle the relationship between the law and the nature of AI, digital systems and cyberspace. You’ll debate the struggle between the government and industry gatekeepers as well as be exposed to cutting edge practice and research in the regulation and investigation of online activities, as you become an expert in these fields.

New technology raises legal and ethical issues. You’ll develop an advanced understanding as you pick up valuable skills in assessing technology for its suitability, impact and application in different situations.

You will also get the opportunity to tailor your modules to your interests. You could specialise in blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation. Or find out more about detecting, investigating and prosecuting cybercriminals. You could also explore the role of large digital platforms and their use of data. Or you could choose to specialise in information systems security management in the public and private sectors.

Compulsory:

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Four of:

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Regulating Intellectual Property Law in Cyber Space critically examines the key principles of international intellectual property (IP) law. IP plays an increasingly important role in international trade and economic development. Many businesses are engaging in international commerce and e-commerce on some level. A significant number of companies have foreign subsidiaries or affiliates, and even purely domestic entities can become involved in international transactions in a variety of ways. Intellectual property assets will often be a component of such international transactions. As globalisation increases, new technologies evolve and national boundaries become more penetrable, particularly in cyberspace, there is a corresponding need for well-developed knowledge regarding international intellectual property law. This module examines the nature and scope of IP rights and procedures on a national, regional and international basis. You will examine the granting and recognition of these rights, mechanisms for enforcement and defences against enforcement, with particular reference to online infringements and means of protection. The module critically reviews the role of international institutions concerned with IP and analyses the international protection of copyright and associated patents, rights, trademarks and designs, with a particular focus on cyberspace.

Module code: LAW4023

Credits: 15

Assessment:

60% Practical

40% Coursework

In your second year, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in Year 1 on your 30-week, self-sourced placement, between September and May.

You will complete your Dissertation and, as part of the placement, you will also complete a Professional Placement Portfolio.

With support from our Careers service and the Law and Criminal Justice School placement lead, you will organise your own professional placement.

Please note, all placements are subject to visa compliance.

Compulsory:

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How you'll study

You will be taught in small groups through tutor-led lectures and interactive student-led seminars, while also having the opportunity to engage with your tutors on a one-to-one basis through personal tutorials, research supervision, and learning consolidation sessions.

How you'll be assessed

Assessments on modules vary depending upon the subject matter: some modules are assessed by coursework, whilst others are assessed by written exams and oral presentations.

You will be assessed individually, though on some occasions you will be invited to work as part of a team with your peers.

You will also submit a dissertation at the completion of the programme.

Assessments for the professional placement portfolio module (Non-credit bearing) will include:

An individual presentation detailing the managerial tasks and accomplishments achieved during your placement
A placement reflective diary and report which will allow you to critically reflect on your application of academic learning into practical experience
An updated CV, Linkedin profile documenting your year on placement and a personal plan regarding their career goals

A report and reference from your placement employer evidencing the completion of a minimum of 30 week placement, confirming their responsibilities and contribution to the organisation during the placement.

Who will be teaching you

All modules are delivered by experienced lecturers and professors who have research specialism and/or professional experience in their subject matter.

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.

Entry criteria

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in law or a relevant science based discipline, or a relevant non-law degree in the humanities or social sciences.

Relevant professional qualifications or suitable work experience will also be considered.

An interview normally forms part of the selection process for applicants not in possession of a 2.2 undergraduate honours degree.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

How to apply

Apply for October 2026 Full-time

Facilities

The £6million Law and Psychology building provides contemporary teaching and learning facilities for students in the School of Law and Criminal Justice and the Department of Psychology.

The three-storey building includes a 250-seat lecture theatre, seminar and tutorial rooms, and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning.

Finance

Tuition fees

£9,550

a year

15,000

a year

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course. UK fees will be confirmed as soon as they become available.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see our EU student finance page for further details.

Financial support

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.

Money Matters

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

By combining an LLM with a 30-week professional placement, this route is designed to help you stand out in the graduate employment market. You’ll develop advanced academic knowledge alongside valuable hands-on experience, giving you a strong foundation for roles in artificial intelligence, digital and cyber law.

You’ll graduate with a strong set of transferable legal and professional skills. You’ll understand how to defend rights infringements and develop expertise in areas such as intellectual property rights, data privacy rights, and access and authorisation rights.By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to apply your specialist knowledge in professional legal, regulatory or enforcement settings.

Your future career options could include:

compliance roles within IT company legal departments or industry regulatory bodies
a career in law enforcement
a role within a cybercrime policing unit
starting your own business, supported by a strong mix of academic insight and workplace experience

You may also choose to follow an academic pathway, progressing into specialist legal research or further study at PhD level.

In addition to the professional placement, you’ll have access to careers support, including guidance on applications, assessment days and interview techniques. You’ll also be encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities that can support your professional development, including networking events, graduate fairs and opportunities to work towards membership of relevant professional bodies.