Course details
- DepartmentLSE Law School
- Application codeSS-LL204
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Overview
This course covers a selection of topics in the field of Information Technology and the Law (or Cyberlaw).
It will begin by considering the debate about the nature of the influence of information technology upon the development of new legal doctrine, moving on to consider both how the law has responded to the challenges of information technologies, and the extent to which legal issues have shaped the development of information society policy. This will encompass topics such as data protection, computer misuse and computer evidence, copyright and digital rights management, criminal content liability and defamation.
The focus will be initially on English law, although the increasingly global nature of IT law means that there are already strong EU and US legal influences upon the English system, so comparative aspects will be introduced in places, and readings will include materials drawn from, amongst others, US law journals.
This course does not require an in-depth understanding of contemporary computer technology – we are primarily interested in the implications of the use of information technology, and the intended and unintended consequences of regulating that use.
Key information
Prerequisites: An introductory law course. This course does not require an in-depth understanding of information technology.
Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs
Fees: Please see Fees and payments
Lectures: 36 hours
Classes: 18 hours
Assessment: One examination and one essay
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)
Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment
Is this course right for you?
This course is suited to those who are interested in the implications of the use of information technology, and the intended and unintended consequences of regulating that use. This course would be particularly useful to those considering a career in the field of Information Technology Law, including data protection, digital rights, and cyber security.
Outcomes
- Critically evaluate ongoing developments in law relating to information technologies
- Display an understanding of how these developments relate to one another
- Examine areas of doctrinal and political debate surrounding rules and theories
- Evaluate those rules and theories in terms of internal coherence and practical outcomes
- Draw on the analysis and evaluation contained in primary and secondary sources
Content
Faculty
The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.

Dr Orla Lynskey
Associate Professor of Law

Professor Andrew Murray
Professor of Law

Dr Giulia Gentile
LSE Fellow
Department
LSE’s School of Law is one of the top-ranked Schools of Law in the UK, receiving the highest rating of 4* in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. It also ranked in the top 10 worldwide in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. The School’s research output has a significant impact on national and international policymaking and on decision-making within business, government and other agencies.
Students have unique access to a wide breadth of courses that explore the biggest and most pressing issues affecting our society today. The courses are continually adapted to cover global social phenomena and contemporary developments within law. Many of the full-time graduates of the School of Law go on to play leading roles in law, politics, government, business, media and administration, in the UK and abroad.
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Apply
Applications are open
We are accepting applications. Apply early to avoid disappointment.