Intellectual Property & the Digital Economy (LLM)
What one of our graduates has to say - Andreas Jauch, Germany (2011/2012)
Why did you decide to study at the University of Glasgow?
After having finished my undergraduate law degree in Germany I always wanted to pursue further study for a year in the UK. A year before I started studying here, I attended an LLM fair in Germany were I met a Professor and a former LLM student from the University of Glasgow. Besides the very interesting programme, their insights about the city of Glasgow and Scotland influenced my decision a lot. Glasgow seemed to be a great, fun place to live – and in my opinion that should definitely influence ones opinion on where to spend a year. And after having lived here for a year, I absolutely agree.
Why did you choose your Programme of Study?
I decided to study the LLM in Intellectual Property and the Digital Economy because it is an exciting field of law. Especially the focus on the digital economy and relevant issues relating to the internet make this course so up to date. This focus distinguished it from other IP LLMs in the UK.
Also the fact that this particular LLM was taught in a very small group (less than ten students) made it very interesting and challenging for me since I was used to sitting in lectures of more than 100 students and no interaction between students and Professors whatsoever.
What can you tell us about your experience studying at the School of Law?
Everyone emphasises how friendly and helpful teaching as well as administrative staff is. And it is simply true. Whatever issues arise, the staff was always available to help out.
Also, the School of Law has its own small library which allows students to study in a more familiar atmosphere than the huge University Library.
What did you like the most?
I highly appreciated the discussions that arose in some of the classes. I had the feeling that teachers and students were discussing on an equal level and that the Professor was not just lecturing “from above”.
Also it was a lot of fun and culturally interesting to study with other students from around the world. Everyone’s input from their home countries made the seminars very multi-cultural and international. You do not only get an impression of the UK and European perspective, but also possibly the Indian, Chinese or Greek one.
I also liked the variety of assignments. Depending on the course and its structure you were writing academic essays on a specific topic of your choice, problem-based exams or presentations.
How was your academic experience?
Most of all, I enjoyed the openness of the teaching staff. They were very approachable and helpful e.g. in finding a topic for the final masters’ thesis and discussing the progress. Also, especially in the IP LLM, I had the feeling that the Professors deliberately give you freedom to write and discuss about issues of one’s interest. It was not a strictly fixed schedule, but instead there was a lot of room to individually talk about contemporary issues of the student’s choice. Hence, I had the feeling that the students’ interests were appreciated and incorporated in the seminars.
Throughout the year, the staff organised several meetings and discussions with practicing lawyers, guest speakers or other people in the IP business. We, the students, could get a broad insight into the field from a practical perspective.
What do you think of Glasgow, the city? How is it like to live here as a (international) student?
Glasgow is a fun place to live! People are in general very friendly (although sometimes very hard to understand due to the broad Glaswegian accent). So is the city. The University is located in the heart of the West End, where many restaurants, bars, pubs etc. are right around the corner. Also the city centre offers everything a student can ask for. Shopping, dining, clubbing… I personally lived in one of the University owned student accommodations in the city centre and had a great time meeting new friends from around the world.
One should keep in mind that the decision where to study an LLM should not only be based on the “hard facts” of what credentials a University provides and what programmes it offers etc. but it should also involve some thoughts about the city you will spend one year, since – fortunately – you will not spend all day every day in the library! And Glasgow scores on both these areas. On the one side it has a very beautiful, old campus with some impressive architecture, the classes are small and the staff are very motivated, and on the other side it has great parks and nightlife and the highlands are just a few miles away.
How do you feel your Programme helped you with your career plans?
The IP staff is eager in combining the academic and the practical side of IP law. They offer the possibility to get placements at Glaswegian law firms which allows you to get an insight from the practical point of view.
Also, the University advertises and promotes career events of international law firms. In my case, the University established a contact with an international law firm in Germany which subsequently led to a job once I was back.
What would you recommend to a potential student thinking of coming to the School of Law?
Compare different LLM programmes particularly regarding their class and seminar sizes. In Glasgow, there are no more than 20-25 students in one seminar. With such small numbers, you get way more out of each seminar and you are more involved in discussions.
Also, Glasgow is quite affordable. Tuition fees as well as living expenses are not as high as in other major cities in the UK.
What our current students have to say
"I am probably biased because I grew up in Glasgow but as an adult returning after 10 years away I still think Glasgow is a friendly buzzing city with lots to offer everyone. Glasgow University is a great place to study. There is plenty of postgraduate specific space for meeting and studying. The LLM programme offers opportunities to meet with all the LLM students, rather than those just on your programme. The staff are friendly and helpful. The sports facilities are also good, with the gym and swimming pool being located on campus. I joined the tennis club - which has been brilliant. It is also quite easy to get a train to different parts of Scotland or even to London and other parts of the UK." Sheona Burrow, United Kingdom (2012/2013)
"Not only would I recommend the LLM Programme at the University of Glasgow as one of high quality, the city itself is one of the best places I have had the opportunity to live. The West End, where the University is, is a charming and exciting neighbourhood where there is always something going on - and only a stone throw away from the city centre and its many many shops and concert venues!" Flora Hachemi, France (2012/2013)
"With the launch of CREATe it is an excellent time to study IP in Glasgow. My experience of the taught LLM Programme has been first-rate. I think it accommodates equally well those with a background in IP and newcomers; part and full time students; and those whose eyes are on legal practice and more abstract concerns. I have commuted from Edinburgh, and particularly handy is the subway connecting Glasgow city centre to the University in minutes. The campus is both ancient and modern, and everything is well situated. Although people from Edinburgh might not often admit it, Glasgow really is the friendly, lively city that Glaswegians claim, and I have completely fallen for the West End. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Programme and city to anyone." Calum Slater, United Kingdom (2012/2013)
"Studying the LLM in Intellectual Property & the Digital Economy has been a pleasant experience from the very beginning. The support of both teaching and administrative staff contributes to a great learning environment; as well do the excellent library facilities and the beautiful campus. Teaching takes place in small groups, which enables you to actively engage in discussions with professors and your fellow students. Throughout the year the university is very keen on organising various events in which you have to opportunity to get to know other students and Glasgow as a city. Besides the excellent university Glasgow offers a vibrant nightlife, friendly people and amazing landscape just on your doorstep." Philip Van Der Weijde, Netherlands (2012/2013)