📖Program Curriculum
The MSc/LLM Law Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies gives you the opportunity to tailor your degree to your individual interests and professional needs by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.
All students study four compulsory core 15-credit modules (overall 60 credits) two focused on Law and two on Computer Science and the Dissertation (60 credits) on a topic of your choice in Law Computer Science both areas or even broader subject matter. You then have flexibility to choose optional modules to the value of 60 credits either from the School of Law School of Computer Science and Maths or elsewhere across the University reinforcing the pervasive and highly interdisciplinary nature of the programme.
While you are strongly encouraged to undertake at least one research training module in Law Computing or both disciplines you still have plenty of other options. To increase your range of transferable skills and knowledge for example you may decide to learn a language or improve your awareness of European politics or the changing international agenda. If you are interested in writing a dissertation on the use of AI in warfare you could select optional modules focused on human rights and international humanitarian law. Alternatively optional modules on environmental law or politics would suit students wishing to research the role that new technologies can play in promoting environmental and sustainability objectives.
You can apply for the LLM or MSc award routes with the opportunity to switch no later than end of Semester 1 and at the discretion of the Programme Director. You will complete 180 credits to obtain the MSc qualification. To be awarded the LLM qualification you must complete at least 120 of your 180 credits in Law comprising the two core Law modules (30 credits) two optional Law modules (30 credits) and your dissertation (60 credits) focused on a Law topic or inter-disciplinary subject matter.
The course can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course with a September start date. It is also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of maximum of five years.
The schedule below is indicative of one year of full-time study and the list of modules indicates those offered in the 2021/22 academic year. We expect to offer the same modules in the future but this may change due to staff availability. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.
Compulsory core modules
LAW-40066 Regulating Data and the Digital World (15 credits Semester 1)
You are introduced to the key legal frameworks regulating personal data and information technologies. This will provide you with a systematic understanding of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) its legal and practical consequences and the major jurisprudential developments on data privacy. A European Union regulation GDPR is arguably the most advanced data protection law worldwide and remains applicable to the UK post-Brexit. Teaching will cover a range of additional topics such as legal and regulatory issues raised by information technologies such as the regulation of social media accountability of Internet intermediaries eCommerce and Intellectual Property (IP) in the digital environment.
LAW-40068 Robots and AI Law (15 credits Semester 2)
This module focuses on legal and ethical issues relating to different aspects of the development application and use of robots and AI. You'll be introduced to the definitions of robots and AI questions of responsibility and liability when it comes to robots and the ethical and socio-legal implications of AI. You will learn about the regulation of AI and key challenges that arise in this respect for example how the law should regulate self-driving cars or AI- facial recognition technologies.
LAW-40070 Dissertation (60 credits Semester 3)
You will have the opportunity to write a master’s level dissertation addressing a legal or technological problem regarding new technologies supervised by academic staff. The interdisciplinary nature of the course means you have considerable flexibility when coming up with potential topics. You could focus on a more technical project examining how user algorithms can predict performance for a specific employer or try to solve an AI problem by developing a computer science solution. Alternatively you could identify potential legal or ethical issues that might arise for example as a result of automated weapons or machine learning.
Which core module you study of the two below depends on whether or not you have a background in computer science.
CSC-40044 System Design and Programming (15 credits Semester 1)
This module must be studied by students without a computer science background. It provides a comprehensive introduction to system design and programming for those who did not graduate from a computer science or related programme. You will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on this course. This module covers: the principles and practice of system design in the context of an available set of requirements; an introduction to programming (algorithms data structures data storage and manipulation and user interfaces); an introduction to object oriented programming; the development of computer programs using appropriate technology and including accessing data over the internet; and the use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data.
OR
CSC-40072 Mathematics for AI and Data Science (15 credits Semester 1)
For students with a computer science background this module provides an introduction to the mathematical concepts relevant to AI and data science for students from non-mathematical backgrounds. You will learn to evaluate various mathematical approaches when analysing any given data set selecting and applying suitable techniques including periodic functions to solve relevant AI and data science problems in calculus linear algebra statistics and probability.
Elective core modules
You will chose one further module from the following:
CSC-40038 Collaborative Application Development (15 credits Semester 2)
In the modern world of Internet and web technology professionals need to be able to function effectively as part of a development team as well as the relevant technical analytical design and web development skills. On this module you have an opportunity to work with real-world clients to produce an application experiencing all the practicalities of working with and to a client’s brief. Apps that have been developed previously by students include a sustainable living application for students in halls of residence a fundraising optimisation application for the County Air Ambulance Trust a theatre ticket booking system application and an e-commerce application for an eBookstore services.
CSC-40050 Research and Consultancy Skills (15 credits Semester 2)
Even the most technically gifted computing professionals need to communicate and plan effectively if their ideas are to be realised. There is also increasing need for an understanding of the wider implications computing has on society and how legal and ethical issues relate to software development and deployment. This module therefore aims to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas such as communication and problem solving; ethical legal and social issues; modern group working techniques specific to computing; design and management of research and consultancy activities and selecting suitable formats and styles of presentation.
CSC-40046 Web Technologies and Security (15 credits Semester 2)
Provides a practical and theoretical understanding of contemporary developments in the design and construction of distributed applications with particular emphasis on mobile web applications and security aspects on both the server and client side. You’ll produce a design overview for a preferably mobile web-based application requiring secure access and rich interactivity. One coursework assignment required students to create a specialised version of Facebook aimed at foodies called 'Afterchef' which enabled users to upload pictures of meals or other food as part of a post allowing other users to reply with comments about that post.
Optional modules
You will choose optional modules to the value of 60 credits. To be awarded the LLM at least 30 of these credits must be in areas of Law and you should read the course structure which outlines the full requirements.
OPTIONAL MODULES (LAW)
LAW-40052 Socio-legal Studies: Approaches and Themes (15 credits Semester 1)
You’ll be introduced to a range of interdisciplinary approaches in law and society research such as for example in Law and Ethics Regulation Studies and Legal History as well as methodological approaches such as Fieldwork in Law Archives and Documents and Researching Elites. You’ll also consider a number of themes central to law and society research such as law in action resistance (e.g. political imprisonment) legal research and activism (e.g. penal abolitionism).
LAW-40045 International Humanitarian Law (15 credits Semester 1)
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is one of the oldest fields of international law. It seeks to regulate the conduct of hostilities primarily through control of the means and methods of warfare and to protect certain categories of individuals who are not or are no longer actively engaged in hostilities (civilians persons hors de combat prisoners of war and so on). This module introduces you to the key concepts rules and institutions of IHL addressing contemporary issues such as the 'war on terror' asymmetrical conflict the relationship of IHL with international human rights law or so-called 'lawfare'. Additionally you will examine the means by which IHL is monitored implemented and enforced with particular emphasis on the development of international criminal law war crimes tribunals and the International Criminal Court.
LAW-40038 International Law and Human Rights (15 credits Semester 1)
This module offers a perspective of both the normative standards defining international human rights and the means by which they are monitored and implemented. You will acquire a strong theoretical and practical understanding of the design and development of modern international human rights law. Special attention will be given to the work of UN human rights bodies and of regional organisations. We will also examine the so-called ‘dark sides of virtue’ i.e. the unforeseen consequences biases and ambiguities of the human rights project and the ways in which well-intentioned human rights interventions can at times create as many problems as they solve.
LAW-40040 Foundations of International Law (15 credits Semester 1)
This introduction to public international law provides you with an opportunity to look beyond the domestic sphere and examine how law helps to govern relations between sovereign governments. The module provides a general overview of the nature of international law as a legal system its subjects sources and general principles as well as an introduction to more specific themes such as the law governing the use of force sovereign immunities or the settlement of international disputes.
LAW-40060 Transnational Commercial Law (15 credits Semester 1)
Transnational commercial law is any rule that relates to cross-border economic activity or economic activity with cross-border effects. In other words it is the legal side of the globalisation of commerce. It seeks to resolve problems that arise when the nation state responsible for regulating commercial activities is no longer easily identifiable; and it gives legal certainty to international traders while maintaining the necessary regulatory framework in global context. This module will combine a private with a more public law approach to commercial law and theory focusing on international disputes and the key challenges in resolving them.
LAW-40048 Foundations of Human Rights (Law 15 credits) (Human Rights pathway)
Focusing on gender sexuality race class ethnicity religion and power in relation to human rights you will develop a practical and theoretical understanding of human rights law politics and philosophy at domestic regional and international levels. You will explore historical philosophical and structural aspects of human rights including Enlightenment perspectives theories of rights/history of rights theory universalism/relativism debates sovereignty and non-intervention concerns and other ‘structural’ issues pertinent to international law and relations. This broad foundation module provides a background in which to study and critique human rights theory and practice.
LAW-40047 Equality Discrimination and Minorities (15 credits Semester 1) (Human Rights pathway)
This module focuses on the main issues of equality and discrimination in international human rights policy and practice. Using the thematic of religion race ethnicity and caste/descent you will examine and critique particular inequalities in international human rights policy and practice such as geographical and governance inequalities. Exploring equality issues through particular case studies you will analyse UK and comparative perspectives of global and regional norms on race discrimination for example rights of caste groups minorities and indigenous peoples and standards on prevention and punishment of genocide. You will reflect on the ways in which aspects of a person’s social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege for example the intersectional ties of gender and indigenous peoples/minorities and gender and sexuality.
LAW-40046 Human Rights and Global Politics (15 credits Semester 2) (Human Rights pathway)
The overall focus of this module is on exploring evolving political and legal strategies to advance human rights in a global political framework. You will be introduced to the main debates on the ways that political structures shape human rights: the relationship between democratisation development human rights and violence; the possible emergence of a global civil society to understanding human rights practices; the expansion and role of transnational human rights monitoring and activism; and the need for an understanding of political violence and terror to assess and address causes of human rights violations. To deepen your understanding of the connections between global and local causes and responses to contemporary human rights issues you will examine a number of key issues such as the responsibility to protect (r2p) humanitarian interventions aid and development security in the post 9/11 era and more.
LAW-40043 International Environmental Law (15 credits Semester 2)
This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. It provides a grounding in the legal norms institutions and processes of the field and explores current environmental global issues such as biodiversity loss transboundary pollution toxic waste dumping trade and environment food security animal rights or climate change through specific treaty regimes. Drawing on a range of legal policy and other literature you’ll be introduced to key challenges facing the regulation of the environment on the international stage today.
LAW-40042 Introduction to International Economic Law (15 credits Semester 2)
Providing a general introduction to international economic law this module considers the role played by international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank or at a regional level the European Union (EU) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It covers substantive areas of international economic law with particular emphasis on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) WTO law international investment law and state-investor arbitration. You will be encouraged to think critically about the structures of international economic law and their relationship with the environment human rights development and social justice.
OPTIONAL MODULES (COMPUTER SCIENCE)
CSC-40045 Distributed Intelligent Systems (15 credits Semester 1)
Intelligent systems are increasingly present in our life including the home and industrial environments. These systems include intelligent household appliances wearable computing devices (e.g. health and fitness monitors) computers sensor networks in cars buildings and complex engines and so on. This module provides the knowledge and skills required to develop applications to control intelligent systems in a distributed and collaborative context including the programming of robots or intelligent home appliances such as for example a TV or fridge that are equipped with embedded computers.
CSC-40054 Data Analytics and Databases (15 credits Semester 1)
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge of database operations and a variety of tools and statistical techniques such as clustering dimensionality reduction regression to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data. You learn to apply and evaluate big data issues advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques appropriate to different types of problems.
CSC-40041 Research Horizons (15 credits Semester 1)
Provides you with the knowledge and skills required to be able to undertake a simple literature review of a research topic related to the Division's research in AI and data science and to develop a novel research idea and plan for a research proposal.
CSC-40043 User Interaction Design (15 credits Semester 1)
Providing you with a comprehensive knowledge of user interaction design and related techniques you’ll learn to analyse understand and design user interactions and experiences and implement appropriate applications to support user needs. Topics covered include: the systematic use of requirements engineering for user interaction and user experience design; the psychological and social-psychological foundations for understanding user interactions; the experimental design and evaluation of user experiences; and the development techniques and technologies for creating user interfaces for web-based and mobile applications.
CSC-40064 Fundamentals of Computers and Networks (15 credits Semester 1)
If you do not have a background in computing this module will provide you with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline and act as a foundation for other modules in the programme. It will enable you to understand the links between different modules on your course and to understand them in context. The module provides valuable transferable skills in critical thinking and problem-solving and the content is applicable to those who are seeking careers in computing research network security network management and other digital communication and network areas.
CSC-40056 The Internet of Things (15 credits Semester 1)
Provides a practical and theoretical understanding of IoT technologies and their applications in a variety of industries. This includes advanced communications data analytics and security issues involved in IoT systems and evaluation of their applicability for different types of problems.
CSC-40048 Visualisation for Data Analytics (15 credits Semester 2)
The information age is characterised by large amounts of data generated as part of an ever-widening range of day-to-day activities. When properly analysed this data can lead an organisation to better decision-making insight and competitive advantage. This module equips you with an appropriate understanding of the use of data analytics within areas such as health security science and business and with a variety of data visualisation techniques to interpret trends and patterns in big data.
CSC-40070 Applications of AI Machine Learning and Data Science (15 credits Semester 2)
This module equips you with knowledge and experience of a variety of cutting edge AI and machine learning techniques applied to ‘real-word’ problems and datasets. For example in recommender systems or for adversarial learning image or face recognition.
CSC-40039 Cloud Computing (15 credits Semester 2)
In recent years many organisations have migrated applications to cloud computing providers. This module explores the underlying technologies the practical and ethical issues involved. Reliability and performance concerns are addressed together with the crucial issues relating to the security and privacy of data stored and managed remotely. Key is the ability to analyse and objectively assess claims made by global software companies relating both to the efficacy of their products and compliance with global objectives in environmental impacts. Putting your knowledge into practice you’ll design and implement a cloud-based application producing a technical report to outline the features implemented and evaluating its performance. Previously for example students have assessed the benefits of a Cloud infrastructure when developing web-based or big data related applications.
CSC-40066 Software Engineering (15 credits Semester 2)
This module provides you with knowledge of the techniques and processes to participate in team-based software engineering. You will undertake agile software development with design/code and evaluation/testing activities culminating in a presentation of a software engineering report with your findings. This gives you experience of end-to-end team software engineering.
CSC-40068 Advanced Programming in Python (15 credits Semester 2)
You'll gain a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming and of the concept of parallelism and concurrent programming. The Python programming language is used as a vehicle for teaching advanced concepts but what you learn is readily adaptable to any other general-purpose contemporary computer language. In addition to high-level programming you will cover system design in the context of an available set of requirements.
