School of Law

Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law

Postgraduate Diploma (Online learning 6 years Part-time )

Overview

Application deadlines

  • For 28 August 2019 start; 21 July 2019
  • For 8 January 2020 start; 2 December 2019

The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law by Distance Learning programme is one of a suite of online learning programmes that can lead to the award of a Queen Mary University of London, Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or LLM in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law.

The programme draws on our established teaching and research expertise in IT law, e-commerce law, telecommunications law, computer law and media law.

Law as a subject is particularly suitable for online learning in that it is primarily text-based, so delivery of teaching materials is not restricted by bandwidth limitations. Most of the relevant materials for technology, media and telecommunications law are available in digital format from databases such as Lexis and Westlaw to which you gain access through your Queen Mary student account.

We enhance your e-learning experience is enhanced by tutorials using discussion boards, blog postings and live chat for class discussions and question and answer sessions. We have designed the course to allow as much interaction and feedback between students and tutors as possible. Your understanding will be deepened by discussing your reading with fellow students and your course tutor and carrying out short tasks related to the course. We also use audio and audio-visual presentations.

Completion of the Diploma takes minimum two years; maximum six years part-time study and is tailored for the needs of busy practitioners or other lawyers who would like to obtain specialist knowledge in the technology, media and telecommunications field.

Students may continue onto the LLM (180 credits) after completing the Diploma.

This programme will:

  • Give you expertise in the legal regimes governing the supply and use of technology, media and telecommunications.
  • Examine the complex issues concerning national and international law and policy relating to technology, media and telecommunications.
  • Analyse how technology, media and telecommunications law has affected the application of traditional legal principles.
  • Enable you to apply your learning, knowledge, skills and expertise to your work straight away and help to further your career.
  • Allow you to decide how far you wish to take your study.

Why study your Postgraduate Certificate in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law by Distance Learning at Queen Mary?

The School of Law has consistently been ranked in the top 10 law schools in the UK for the quality of our research and teaching, and many of our internationally recognised staff act as advisers to governments, industry and NGOs, both nationally and internationally.

  • You get the full benefits of studying for a recognised UK university qualification from a leading institution which belongs to both the University of London and Russell Group of leading UK universities whilst maintaining your existing professional and personal commitments
  • Benefit from regular interactive online support and feedback on mini assignments set by the academics to help you remain focused and motivated
  • Network and share ideas with fellow students via online forums, which provide additional support and professional development
  • Our teaching staff are experts in their field, informed by industry experience and world-leading research
  • You can attend the annual Residential Weekend for Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Distance Learning students, giving you the chance to hear from and network with staff, alumni and fellow students

Facilities

We use an Online Learning Environment (OLE) as a platform to deliver clear course structures, teaching materials and to create interactive courses. You will have online access to Queen Mary’s libraries and online journals, and all of our e-learning facilities. Through the University of London College network, you will have access to an unrivalled range of electronic law journals and databases.

Students have full access to all Queen Mary e-resources including specialists law databases, for example Westlaw, Lexis, Nexis, Hein-Online, Justis and relevant online collections.

You will not need to have access to a local law library, a basic internet connection and browser is all that is needed to do the course.

Structure

The Diploma must be completed within a minimum of two years, and a maximum of six years. The diploma requires the successful completion of 120 credits, which can be completed as follows:

  • eight taught modules (may include the optional research seminar paper/presentation), or
  • six taught modules (may include the optional research seminar paper/presentation) as well as one 10,000-word dissertation.

On successful completion of the Diploma you may change to the LLM. The LLM must be completed within a minimum of three years, and a maximum of six years. The LLM requires the successful completion of 120 credits, which can be completed as follows:

  • six taught modules (may include the optional research seminar paper/presentation) as well as three 10,000-word dissertations, (or one 20,000-word dissertation in addition to one 10,000-word dissertation), or
  • eight taught modules (may include the optional research seminar paper/presentation) as well as two 10,000-word dissertations or one 20,000-word dissertation.

Distance learning

Increasingly we all face more pressures in our business lives and finding the time to attend courses can be very difficult. Distance learning is the solution to your training needs; it allows you the full benefits of studying for a recognised UK university qualification whilst still in full-time employment using this freedom and flexibility to your advantage.

You can set the pace at which you learn and decide when, where and how long you want to study for.

This programme is delivered via our web-based online learning environment (OLE). All written assignments are submitted through the e-learning system. You are encouraged to interact with teaching staff and other students in online discussion forums, join group activities and be part of the student community.

Semesters

The year is divided into three four-month terms, with a selection of modules and dissertations being offered each term. Modules are offered on a two year rotation.

The Semesters are as follows:

  • Autumn: From the end of August until December
  • Spring: Beginning of January until April
  • Summer: Beginning of May until August

Modules

  • Taught modules (15 credits)
    Each module requires around seven and a half hours of work a week over one term. Each module will consist of assessed tasks, a module essay and final assessment exercise (take-home exam).
  • Research seminar paper/presentation (optional) (15 credits) (January – May)
    This involves a 40 minute presentation at the residential weekend on a topic of your choice agreed with your supervisor followed by the submission of a 5000 word essay during the May – August term.
  • Dissertations – topic of your own choice
    • 10000 dissertations (30 credits) – taken over two consecutive terms
    • 20000 dissertation (60 credits) – taken over four consecutive terms

Modules

These modules are also available to study on the LLM Flexible Study and Diploma Flexible programme.

Related programmes:

KNect365 Learning work with Queen Mary to promote and recruit to our Distance Learning programmes in Computer and Communications Law. View more information and apply online at KNect365 Learning.

Contact

For more information and to apply, contact KNect365 Learning:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7017 4483
Email: knect365@qmul.ac.uk

Entry requirements

You should apply for this course through KNect365 Learning.

An upper second class honours degree in law (or with law as a major element) at a British university or the equivalent in other universities. Equivalent professional qualifications and experience are accepted at the discretion of the Programme Director.

If you are accepted on this programme and have not previously studied law you will be required to pass the 'Pre-Sessional Module on Legal Systems, Research Skills and Writing for IT Law'.

If you are unsure if you are suitable for the programme please contact KNect365 Learning so that we can advise you.

KNect365 Learning work with Queen Mary to promote and recruit to our Distance Learning programmes in Computer and Communications Law. For application or course enquiries queries please contact KNect365 Learning.

All applicants should apply through KNect365 Learning, not through Queen Mary University of London.

International applicants:

Students from outside of the UK help form a global community here at Queen Mary. For detailed country specific entry requirements please visit the International section of our website. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Find details of the English language entry requirements for postgraduate law programmes.

As this is a distance learning programme, we understand that applicants may live overseas or outside London. To comply with official admissions procedures if you are made an offer all applicants will be expected to provide a good quality, colour scanned copies of qualifications and proof of identification when making an online application.

Learning and teaching

Each taught module requires around seven and a half hours of work a week over one term.

Each module will consist of assessed:

  • Tasks (10%)
  • Module essay (35%)
  • Final assessment exercise (55%) (take-home exam).

You also have the option to give a research seminar paper/presentation where you will give a 40-minute presentation at the residential weekend on a topic of your choice agreed with your supervisor followed by the submission of a 5,000-word essay during Semester 3: May – August term.

Fees

Tuition fees for Home and EU students

2020/21 Academic Year

Variable DL £10,650

Tuition fees for International students

2020/21 Academic Year

Variable DL £16,000

Part time fees are charged per annum over two years for a two year programme and per annum over three years for a three year programme. A percentage increase may be applied to the fees in years two and three.

This increase is defined each year and published on the intranet and in the Tuition Fee Regulations. A 3% increase was applied to the unregulated university fees in 2019/20. Further information can be viewed on our University Fees webpage, including details about annual increases.

Funding

Online learning students are not eligible for Queen Mary funding.

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