Programme structure:

This distance learning Postgraduate Diploma in UK, EU & US Copyright Law will consist of three modules containing fourteen units.

It will commence on 4th October 2010 and will extend over nine months leading to an examination in June 2011 to gain a Postgraduate Diploma in UK, EU & US Copyright Law from King’s College London.

The first unit will be sent out on 4th October 2010 and subsequent units will then be issued every two weeks until April 2011 with a four week break over Christmas. Questions will be set at the end of each unit and model answers to these will be sent with the unit that follows. In addition three compulsory assignments will be set during the course which will count towards the final mark.

What format do the units take?
The modules come in the form of hard copy print. Materials are bound together into single units. The units are designed to be largely self-contained but recommended and further reading will be suggested. As appropriate, units will contain questions and model answers to test your knowledge as you progress.

How long will I spend studying each unit?
The length of time needed to study a unit will vary with your experience and the complexity of the unit being studied. It is anticipated that each unit will require a student to spend approximately twenty hours studying, depending on the students’ experience, plus further study time for questions and reading and completion of the assignments.

How will I receive the materials?
Materials will be sent by post (airmail overseas). However, if students are worried about the postal service in the country where they are based, then materials can be sent by air courier. There would be an additional one off nominal charge for this of £250. The materials packages are quite bulky and it is important to provide a mailing address where your materials can be safely delivered. The programme units will also be available as pdf documents on the programme website.
Materials sent by air courier will be delivered to your requested unit mailing address between 8.30am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday only and a signature will be required. The mailing address you provide must be manned during these hours. Please provide a contact phone number or email address that you can be reached at between 8.30am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

Are there any tutorial seminars?
Those wishing to take the Postgraduate Diploma examination will be eligible to attend three weekend seminars. The first will be held halfway through the programme on 4th & 5th December 2010, the second in February 2011 and the third in April 2011 (dates to be confirmed). The weekend seminars will be held in London. The seminars are not compulsory but are beneficial and provide an excellent opportunity to meet fellow students, programme director and programme authors.

Compulsory Assignments
Three compulsory assignments (2000 words each) will be set during the programme and will contribute 30% towards the final examination mark for the Postgraduate Diploma.

Where and when is the examination?
The examination will take place in June 2011 at King’s College (date to be confirmed). It will be a three hour fifteen minute written examination contributing 70% to the final mark. The written examination will consist of three parts (one per module).

Masters Programme
A successful student may be entitled to progress from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Masters Degree in UK, EU & US Copyright Law provided she/he has successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma part of the programme. Candidates who have been awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in UK, EU and US Copyright Law in the years 2008, 2009 or 2010 may apply to study for the Masters degree. Students will obtain an MA if they achieve at least 50% in a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation. The dissertation will be due for submission by a specified date which will be no later than 12 months following commencement of the MA part of the programme.