Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Means of Assessment

Assessment across the LLM in Law and Intellectual Property is designed to align directly with the course learning outcomes and the professional requirements of IPO practitioners. Assessments are mapped to the development of advanced legal knowledge, critical analysis, professional judgement, communication and independent research. Each assessment type requires students to demonstrate achievement of specific learning outcomes through authentic legal and policy related tasks, including case studies, reports, presentations, legal analysis, research projects and the dissertation. These methods reflect the forms of work undertaken within the IPO and wider legal and public sector environments. 

The assessment strategy provides clear developmental progression across each year of the course. Early modules focus on establishing core legal knowledge, research skills and analytical techniques through essays, case studies and time-constrained assessments. As students progress, assessments increasingly require the application of law to complex and unfamiliar scenarios, critical evaluation of competing legal and policy perspectives, and the exercise of professional judgement. The Independent Study module develops research capability, while the dissertation represents the culmination of learning through a substantial, autonomous investigation of a complex intellectual property issue. 

Formative assessment is embedded throughout through workshops, draft reviews, presentation practice, research activities and supervisory discussions. These opportunities enable students to receive timely feedback and develop confidence before undertaking summative assessment. Summative assessments support the development of skills relevant to the sector, including legal reasoning, evaluation of evidence, policy analysis, professional communication and project management. 

Academic integrity is supported through authentic assessment design, research supervision, guidance on scholarly practice, referencing and source evaluation. Individualised and work based assessment tasks reduce opportunities for misconduct while encouraging critical engagement with authoritative legal, policy and academic sources. Together, the assessment strategy promotes ethical professional practice, independent learning and the advanced skills required for effective performance within the intellectual property and wider public sector landscape. 

Learning Support

Induction - Following confirmation of enrolment, students will receive programme information, timetables, module details and guidance on accessing University systems and learning resources. 

A course induction will be delivered prior to the commencement of teaching and will provide students with an introduction to the course, teaching team and expectations for postgraduate study. Induction will take place at the University's Newport Campus, enabling students to familiarise themselves with the facilities and support services available to them throughout their studies. 

Key areas covered include: 

• Introduction to the LLM in Law and Intellectual Property and the teaching team 

• Course structure, module content and progression routes 

• Timetables, assessment schedules and key academic regulations 

• Expectations of Level 7 study and independent learning 

• Use of Blackboard Ultra, Microsoft Teams and other learning technologies 

• Library services, specialist legal databases and research support 

• Academic support, wellbeing services and Student Success support 

• Assessment, feedback and academic integrity requirements 

Additional sessions will be provided by the Law Librarian to introduce students to specialist legal resources, including Westlaw, LexisPlus, HeinOnline, Practical Law and Law Trove. This induction is designed to support a smooth transition into postgraduate study and ensure students are fully prepared to balance academic study alongside their professional responsibilities within the Intellectual Property Office. 

Learner Analytics - Student engagement and academic performance are?monitored?through the University’s Learner Analytics Dashboard, which provides real-time data on attendance, assessment submissions, and online learning activity. This information allows for the early identification of students who may be at risk or in need of?additional?support. The Course Leader, Module Leaders and Subject Support Officer utilise these insights to implement proactive,?timely?interventions, offering targeted guidance and referring students to appropriate academic or wellbeing services where necessary.? 

Office Hours - Office hours for academic are communicated to students at the beginning of each academic year and updated as?required. In line with current university practice, a hybrid model is adopted, meaning that office hours include both on-campus availability and online appointments via Microsoft Teams. Online appointments are particularly important given that the course is delivered off campus, to IPO employees who are typically balancing postgraduate studies alongside full-time professional responsibilities. This flexible approach supports accessibility and inclusivity, allowing students to engage with academic staff in a manner that accommodates work commitments, personal responsibilities and travel considerations. Students are therefore able to access timely academic guidance, assessment support and pastoral signposting throughout their studies. 

Seminars/Workshops - Seminars are designed as interactive sessions that promote discussion, critical reflection, and the application of theory to professional practice. Seminars and workshops form essential components of the face-to-face teaching and learning strategy, providing students with opportunities to engage actively, develop problem-solving skills, and?consolidate?their understanding through practical and collaborative activities.? 

Formative Assessments - Formative assessment is embedded throughout the course to support student development and prepare students for summative assessment. Opportunities for formative feedback are provided through seminar discussions, case study analysis, legal problem-solving activities, drafting exercises and research tasks. These activities enable students to apply legal principles to realistic intellectual property scenarios and develop advanced legal reasoning skills. Students receive ongoing verbal and written feedback from module tutors, alongside individual guidance through office hours and tutorials. Within the Independent Study and Dissertation modules, formative feedback is provided on research design, methodology and project planning through supervisory meetings and milestone reviews. This approach supports reflective learning, independent study and continuous professional development, enabling students to progressively develop the knowledge, skills and professional judgement expected of postgraduate learners and intellectual property professionals. 

Progress Meetings - Student progress is monitored throughout the programme by the Course Leader, module leaders and dissertation supervisors. Opportunities to discuss academic progress and development are available through seminars/workshops, office hours and supervisory meetings. During the final year Dissertation module, regular supervision meetings provide structured review points to monitor progress and support successful completion of the research project. 

Research Supervision - Students undertaking the Independent Study and Dissertation modules are allocated an academic supervisor with relevant expertise. Through regular supervisory meetings, students receive guidance on topic selection, research design, methodology, project planning and academic writing, supported by clear module guidance and agreed milestones. 

Online Resources and Digital Support - All modules are supported through Blackboard Ultra, which provides access to learning materials, module information, assessment guidance, reading lists and feedback. Microsoft Teams is used for online meetings, including supervision, academic support and office hours where required. 

Although the programme is primarily delivered face-to-face at the Intellectual Property Office, pre-recorded lectures and digital learning resources are available through Blackboard to support independent study, revision and assessment preparation. Students also have access to University IT support, library services and training in the use of specialist legal databases. 

Library Services - Students have access to the full range of University library services, both on and off campus. This includes extensive print and electronic collections, specialist legal databases such as Westlaw, LexisPlus, HeinOnline, Practical Law and Law Trove, together with access to journals, e-books and current awareness services relevant to intellectual property law. The Law Librarian provides tailored training and support in legal research, database searching, referencing and source evaluation, including one-to-one guidance where required. Students also have access to online library guides, study support resources and library enquiry services to support independent learning and postgraduate research. 

Learner Development Services - The Learner Development Service?delivers academic-skills workshops and individual tutorials covering writing, referencing, data analysis, and presentation skills. Support is available in person or online.?? 

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/services/learner-development-service/ 

Advice Zone - Advice Zone?is a ‘one-stop-shop' and the first point of contact (online, live chat, by telephone, email, or in-person) for all student enquiries, offering confidential advice on anything that affects students’ ability to study. Students can self-refer or be directed to the USW Advice Zone. Instruction on the services available and how to make an appointment are included in the Course Handbook and on the USW website. These services are available to students whether on campus or in practice learning experiences.?? 

https://advice.southwales.ac.uk 

Disability Advice Team - The?Disability Service?provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss individual requirements relating to disability. This includes students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities, specific learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia)?or neurodiversity. Advice and support are available for all students who have?additional?learning needs or require reasonable adjustments to be made. Students are encouraged to discuss?additional?needs or support with personal tutors and the Course Leader.???? 

https://disability.southwales.ac.uk/?

Mental Wellbeing - The?Wellbeing Service?offers counselling, mental-health advice, workshops, and self-help resources. Staff work closely with academic teams to provide?appropriate support?and crisis response.??https://www.southwales.ac.uk/current-students/advice-zone/a-z/support-for-students-at-usw/?

Student Success - The Law Student Success Officer provides advice and support on academic engagement, progression and accessing University services. Working closely with the academic team, they help students identify and access appropriate support to promote successful progression and achievement throughout the programme. 

Careers Service - Students have access to the University's Careers Service, which provides guidance on professional development, career progression and skills development (https://www.southwales.ac.uk/services/careers/). 

As the programme is designed for employees of the Intellectual Property Office, the primary focus is on continuing professional development rather than entry into employment. The curriculum supports career progression by developing advanced legal knowledge, research capability, professional judgement and leadership skills relevant to intellectual property practice and progression into more specialist and strategic roles within the sector. 

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A