Leading LLB and LLM Colleges introduce Data Science, Maritime and Property Law Courses: Check Details

Legal education in India is experiencing a transformative change, as universities launch specialised programmes that combine interdisciplinary knowledge with focused expertise. These niche law courses are equipping students to address complex legal issues in emerging areas, such as data science, data protection law, and maritime law.

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At the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), a two-year postgraduate programme in Data Science and Data Protection Law is revolutionising the way legal professionals are taught to combine technical skills with legal expertise in data-related fields.

“Prior to joining this programme, I worked in real estate for a year and a half, and that experience made me realize how outdated India’s land system is – particularly in West Bengal,” said Debosmita Mandal, a first-year student of Data Science and Law at WBNUJS. “The system is still based on practices from the British era. While there are attempts to digitise it, a unified, digital platform to regulate land systems across the country remains a distant goal,” she added.

This two-year LLM program bridges the gap between legal and technical expertise by providing students with a strong foundation in statistics, programming, and predictive modeling, along with a comprehensive understanding of relevant legal frameworks. Admission to the program is based on a university-specific entrance examination and subsequent interviews.

Data Science and Law

In 2024, NUJS launched the unique two-year LLM programme in Data Science and Data Protection Law, the first of its kind in India. “This is the only programme among the 28 National Law Universities (NLUs) that integrates legal studies with data science,” said Jayanta Ghosh, professor of data science and law at NUJS. The programme has been developed to address industry needs, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Kalyani, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, and Cognizant.

The curriculum is spread over four semesters and includes 18 mandatory subjects. "We've designed the programme to offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core subjects include statistics, probability, predictive modeling, and programming, along with specialised legal topics such as intellectual property and data protection," Ghosh explained.

A distinctive aspect of the programme is its emphasis on startups and industry collaboration. "In the final semester, we focus on fostering startup development and entrepreneurial skills in partnership with our industry collaborators," he added.

Maritime and international trade law

In 2019, Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) launched an LLM programme in Maritime and International Trade Law. International trade law is also offered by several other institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and NLU Jodhpur.

Abhay Singh Thakur, assistant professor and director of the School of Maritime Law, explained the reasoning behind the programme: "There were very few individuals in the maritime sector with knowledge and expertise in maritime laws and commercial aspects. The demand was higher.

Admission to the program is primarily through the university's entrance examination. However, students who have successfully cleared the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) are also eligible to apply. The curriculum encompasses seven core subjects, with a specialised focus on various aspects of maritime law.

The programme equips graduates to tackle complex legal issues in international shipping, logistics, and port management.

Intellectual property law

The Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law (RGSOIPL) at IIT Kharagpur has been a pioneer in specialised legal education since 2006. Created specifically for science and engineering graduates, the school also offers an LLM in intellectual property law, with a focus on patents, technology law, and innovation protection.

I was interested in law but had a background in technology. After enrolling in IIT Kharagpur's property law programme, I believe everyone should have some knowledge in this area," said Satyanarayan Rath, a second-year LLB honours student in IP law at RGSOIPL, IIT Kharagpur. Rath had previously completed his mechanical engineering in Odisha.

The school is planning to introduce a law programme in artificial intelligence within the next two years, focusing on the ethical and regulatory challenges posed by technological advancements.

Other niche law programmes

In addition to these specialised fields, other innovative law programmes are gaining popularity. Most of these are postgraduate courses, such as 1-year LLMs or diplomas, with NUJS Kolkata offering a two-year MSc. These programmes allow students to explore areas of law that are not only intellectually engaging but also present significant career opportunities.

• Animal law: Institutions such as NALSAR Hyderabad, NLSIU Bangalore, and OP Jindal Global University now offer courses dedicated to animal rights and welfare, tackling issues related to animal protection and ethical treatment.

• Environmental law: Programmes at NLU Delhi and NALSAR Hyderabad focus on key issues such as climate change, pollution control, and wildlife conservation.

• Cyber law: Institutions like Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and the Indian Law Institute, Delhi, offer specialised programmes that tackle the challenges posed by digital technology.

• Infrastructure and construction law: Jindal Global Law University offers an LLM in Infrastructure and Construction Law, while Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) launched an LLM in Construction Law in 2020.

• Health law: Universities such as NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, ILI, TNNLU, Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur, and others offer specialised programmes in medical law, patient rights, and healthcare regulations.

• Space and Aviation Law: NALSAR University offers a distinctive programme that focuses on legal issues related to space exploration and aviation.

Overview

Here is an overview of some specialised law programmes offered by law schools in India:

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