This programme aims to promote advanced knowledge and understanding of intellectual property law within international, European and domestic settings. The core subjects of the programme are intended to equip students with both an advanced knowledge of substantive intellectual property law and of the place and role of intellectual property within a domestic, regional and international context, laying a foundation for a specialised dissertation. The programme spans comparative study of the laws of patents, copyright, trademarks, designs, database protection, breach of confidence, passing off and related sui generis rights, as well as investigating a range of issues which underpin contemporary intellectual property law. The programme allows students to explore intellectual property law not just in its legal but also social, ethical, cultural and commercial contexts. The subjects of the degree are intended to equip students with both an advanced knowledge of substantive intellectual property law and of the place and role of intellectual property within a domestic, regional and international context, laying a foundation for a specialised dissertation. By the end of their studies for this degree, students will have acquired a high level of knowledge in the field of intellectual property law, a sophisticated awareness of the problems in the area and of the differing approaches to their solution.