Programme
structure
The students will …
… each study in two of the six consortium partners and thus in two different countries, different from the country of residence of the student at enrolment stage, following a designated track within the joint programme in order to achieve two degrees, one from each of the institutions at which the student studies.
Studies will be …
… conducted full-time over the period of one year with credits designated on a semester-basis in accordance with the degree awarding requirements of each institution involved with (at least) 30 ECTS each and in line with the Lisbon Convention.
All MIPDaL students start …
… their studies at the beginning of September with a joint online Induction week in the second week of September. The study programme is designed to end in the first week of September with its last exam or submission of the master’s thesis. Assessment and awarding can take place later as well.
MIPDaL Programme timeline:
Early
September
Start of the academic programme for all students
Mid-
September
Induction week
September-January
1st mobility phase
Teaching and examination period at 1st MIPDaL partner according to study
End of
January –
June
2nd mobility phase
Teaching and examination period at 2nd MIPDaL partner according to study
End of
June
MIPDaL IP Summer Conference &
Graduation event for last years students
JulY – 1St
week of
September
Master’s thesis
After Master’s Thesis
Graduation
The academic programme …
… begins at each partner according to the academic calendar in force and established there, according to annual alterations. The exact study periods are compiled each year in June by the Education Committee in accordance with the partner’s internal specifications and will be published before applications start.
Students start …
… their first semester (basics in IP & Data Law) at the respective institutes of the following Consortium partners:
• TUD
• TalTech
• UC3M
• UNISTRA/CEIPI
During the second semester …
… modules within the specialisation tracks will be provided by the following partners:
• IT and Data Law: TUD, UoE, TalTech
• Creative Industries: TUD, QMUL
• Industrial Property Law: TUD, UNISTRA/CEIPI, UoE
The teaching partners in the second semester provide a wide range of options for deepening the specialisation.
Students are able to …
… complete an internship or an alternative practice-based course within each track allowing students to comply with this requirement. Students that choose to study at UC3M will have to do an internship mandatorily during their second semester.
The Mipdal Curriculum …
… with compulsory and elective modules offered at each Consortium Partner is compulsory. It is guaranteed that the same learning outcomes are addressed in full irrespective of the elective choices made.
General Information
Students can choose to follow one of three different tracks in the MIPDaL programme: the IT & Data Law track, the Creative Industries track and the Industrial Property Law track. While in the first term the basic learning outcomes are the same across all tracks and universities, specialization starts in the second term with specialized courses per track and university partners.
Students can choose tracks as to their study interest upon application. They, however, need to follow the general mobility rules of the programme: all students need to study at two different universities, which have to be different from the country of residence of the student at the time of enrolment.
MIPDaL provides a student-centred curriculum, based on a strong interaction between research and education. By the cooperation between the consortium partners, it delivers a top quality and broad multidisciplinary basis as well as a top-level individual specialisation in one of 3 disciplines:
- IT & Data Law,
- Creative Industries
- Industrial Property Law
MIPDaL Programme timeline:
1ST
Mipdal
Semester
MOBILITY PHASE / TRANSITION
During the first semester it is assured that students from different educational backgrounds will receive the necessary foundation of IP & Data Law, provided by a virtual Introductory session on EU Law, followed by lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials in Modules with regards to Patent Law, Trademark & Design Law, IT & Data Law and Copyright Law in order to continue with more specialised subjects in the second semester, according to the student’s choice and their professional and academic interests in the three disciplines/specialisation tracks.
Duration
The programme covers one academic year, for which successful students will receive 60 ECTS. The academic year (September – August) is divided into 2 semesters. The first semester starts in the beginning of September, and lasts until the 15 January. The second semester lasts from January until the very beginning of September. The thesis deadline is at the end of August each year. The unique international character of the MIPDaL Programme is secured through an intensive co-operation between six European universities and also Non-European partners.
Students study at two different universities. In the first semester students can choose among four teaching universities. In the last term students have the choice of five different locations.
Terms & Courses
The first semester courses are introductory courses as well as core courses on the major topics in IP & Data Law. In the second semester, students take specialized courses according to their individual career plans and write their master thesis.
The MIPDaL is a full time programme. As such, we discourage taking a side job, since you have to be available for classes during the week. Class attendance is highly recommended (if not obligatory), except in case of absence for documented medical reasons or other exceptional circumstances.
All courses at TalTech and TUD are taught in English, while courses at UNISTRA/CEIPI will be taught in French and at UC3M are taught in Spanish. The thesis has to be written in English if not agreed on otherwise.
Track 1: IT & Data Law – Become a legal expert for the digital era
Are you fascinated by how data shapes our society and want to be part of defining the legal boundaries of tomorrow’s digital world? Then the IT & Data Law track is the perfect choice for you. You’ll gain the legal expertise to tackle today’s key challenges in the digital space, including:
· Protection of know-how
· Data protection law
· Legal frameworks for increasing data availability and trust
· Ownership and contractual issues in the digital data economy
💡 Why This Track Matters In an increasingly data-driven world, legal systems must evolve to address how data is accessed, protected, and shared. This track empowers future legal professionals to shape the frameworks that govern trust, privacy, and responsibility in the digital age.
Research and course highlights:
At TalTech dive into a forward-thinking course portfolio on law and technology, featuring IT Law, blockchain-based architectures and smart contracts, fintech instruments as well as the digitalisation of legal professions as well comprehensive courses on GDPR and other aspects of data protection law. Your courses will be often based on case-studies deriving from Estonia’s very liberal approach to data usage, especially personal data (e. g. in tools such as the X-Road and the Estonian State Portal).
At TUD engage with cutting-edge research on data governance and data protection law. Its projects aim to enable innovative and responsible access to data, supporting its re-use in both academic and industrial contexts. A key area of focus is the development of legal models such as data trustees. Another research stream explores the creation of legal frameworks for the responsible deployment of AI. These topics don’t just stay in research papers – they’re brought straight into the classroom, giving you hands-on insight into legal problem-solving.
At UoE choose from a rich menu of courses in the field of IT & Data Law such as Data Protection and Privacy, E-Commerce Law, Digital Copyright Law, Regulating AI: Law, Policy, and Ethics and Fintech Law. Whether you’re into tech, policy, or ethics, you’ll find your niche here.
Modules offered
Track 2: IP Law – Shape the Future of IP Law Across Borders
Are you ready to dive into the legal frameworks that protect innovation worldwide? The Industrial Property Law track prepares you for a high-demand field where companies, law firms, and IP offices seek experts who understand both international systems and national legal nuances.
You’ll explore the challenges of harmonizing IP law across jurisdictions—illustrated by the decades-long effort to launch the Unified Patent Court, which finally began operating in 2023. This track equips you to navigate complex legal landscapes shaped by national particularities and global ambitions.
💡 Why This Track Matters Emerging technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence continue to push the boundaries of existing IP law. The same applies to Trademark and Design Law, especially in the evolving role of institutions like the EUIPO.
At UNISTRA/CEIPI train at one of the most prestigious centres for patent law education and research. CEIPI is officially entrusted by the European Patent Office (EPO) to prepare future professionals and staff.
At UoE explore how IP law intersects with cutting-edge technologies such as digital tracking, content watermarking, quantum computing, and biological computing. Courses combine original research with practical legal insight.
Modules Offered
Track 3: Creative Industries – Explore the Legal Future of Art, Culture & Technology
🎨 Are you passionate about the intersection of creativity and law? The Creative Industries track equips you to navigate the legal challenges and opportunities emerging from rapid technological change in the cultural sector.
Technologies like 3D printing, Generative AI, and metaverses are reshaping how human creations are made, shared, and protected. These shifts raise critical questions for artists and society alike—especially in democratic contexts where cultural diversity and public discourse matter.
💡 Why This Track Matters Art and culture are more than personal expression—they’re essential to how societies reflect, challenge, and evolve. As technology disrupts traditional creative processes, legal frameworks must adapt to protect artistic diversity and ensure fair conditions for creators. This track prepares you to engage with those transformations and respond to the legal implications of emerging creative technologies.
Located in one of the world’s most vibrant creative hubs, QMUL offers specialised modules in fashion, art, music, software, and gaming law. Many courses are co-taught by industry professionals, giving you direct insight into real-world legal practice. London’s thriving entertainment law scene also opens doors for networking and work experience, with access to major film productions, world-class theatre, and renowned museums.
Situated in a city known for its rich cultural heritage, TU Dresden collaborates with regional institutions through the DRESDEN-concept research alliance. Its teaching includes lectures and seminars by legal practitioners from publishing, media, music, film and dance. The interface between Generative AI and IP law – and its impact on the protection of human creativity – has been a central research focus at TU Dresden in recent years.
Modules OffereD
Module Exams
… throughout the programme, students are required to complete a variety of assessments across both partner universities to successfully pass each semester. The format and type of these assessments may vary based on the partner university and chosen track.
Depending on the specific partner institution, assessments can be in different forms, including written and oral exams, which may take place on campus or online.
In addition to passing all semester exams, students must complete a master’s thesis to graduate and receive their degree. The thesis is the most substantial assessment within the program, contributing significantly to the final grade.
The Master’s Thesis …
… is written during the second semester of study and is typically the final examination within the programme. In some cases, students connect with their future supervisors as early as the first semester to discuss and agree on a topic.
The top theses of each class are selected and presented at the graduation ceremony.
The thesis must be written in English. Students who complete their second semester at UNISTRA/CEIPI may have the option to write their thesis in French. This is allowed when French is not the student’s mother tongue and both a supervisor and an external examiner are available to evaluate the Master’s thesis in this fashion. Second supervision by the other partner in the particular track is recommended.
Students will carry out their thesis work in the form of an academic paper/dissertation on a specific subject in IP or IT Data Law which will typically be individually supervised, carried out and examined at the institution where the student is enrolled for the second semester.
The partner who hosted the student during the first semester phase may also appoint an examiner to be the second supervisor with the rights to review the thesis and take part in the examination in line with, and subject to, the rules and processes of the second semester institution.
