LLM Technology Law and Innovation

Progress in society depends on innovation of processes and products. But how does law react to such innovation processes and products such as data-driven challenges in artificial intelligence, internet of things, autonomous vehicles? Our LLM programme in Technology Law and Innovation focuses on the interaction between technology law and innovation. It explores the role of technology law as an enabler of innovation and reflects on examples where law hinders innovation.

In this one year LLM programme students will think creatively and learn from leading researchers in the field of technology law. Building on previous technology law knowledge this LLM offers an opportunity of in-depth reflection on innovation using a technology law 'lens'. The advanced level of each course together with a focus on critical thinking and problem solving provides graduates from this programme an advantage in the competitive technology law job market in legal field and technology industries.

Special features of the programme

The Faculty of Law at the Univeristy of Groningen is home to The 'Security, Technology and e-Privacy (STeP) Research Group', is an interdisciplinary team of researchers – from early stage researchers to advanced researchers – organised within the Department of Transboundary Legal Studies (TLS). As can be derived from the name, the STeP Research Group is involved in research in three main areas in their broadest sense which are very much inter-related: security, technology and privacy.

The Technology Law and Innovation LLM is a one year long, full-time programme. The language of instruction and examination in the programme is English.

Programme requirements

In order to obtain an LLM degree in this programme a candidate must successfully complete a total of 60 ECTS*:

1. Six compulsory courses:
   • Data Driven Innovation (6 ECTS)
   • Competition Law and Market Regulation (6 ECTS)
   • Cybersecurity Law (6 ECTS)
   • Intellectual Property and Innovation (6 ECTS)
   • The law of Sustainable Technology (6 ECTS)
   • Consumers and Innovation (6 ECTS) or Technology Law in practice (6 ECTS)
2. Seminar - Interaction between legal systems in Technology Law (6 ECTS)
3. Master’s thesis (18 ECTS)

* Please note these course requirements are subject to change

Programme structure

All programmes consist of six courses (minimum), a seminar and the writing of a thesis. The academic year in Groningen runs from the first week of September to the end of August and is divided into two semesters of two blocks each. Each lecture block is followed by periods of examinations.

In the job market, there is a demand for graduates with a thorough understanding of technology law and the legal challenges that the continuously evolving technology sector presents. This Master’s programme is structured to prepare students for a career within this specific field and meet these demands.

Graduates of this programme can work in a variety of positions in the public and private sector, as digital technologies play an evergrowing role in all domains of the law. Lawyers with solid knowledge and understanding of how (new) technological tools and practices impact our laws will continue to be needed. Likewise, policy makers that understand the interplay of law and technology are a necessity within any organization operating in the digital realm.

Job examples:

• Lawyer or other positions within the judiciary.
• Policy officer within national or international organizations, regulatory agencies, or companies.
• Consultant advising on organizations and agencies on best practices in technological regulation.