Data Science, Maritime and Property Law: Law schools launch LLB, LLM courses in niche frontiers

NEW DELHI: Legal education in India is undergoing a transformative shift, with universities introducing specialised programmes that blend interdisciplinary knowledge and targeted expertise. These niche law programmes are preparing students to tackle complex legal challenges across emerging fields – from data science and data protection law to maritime law.

At the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), a two-year postgraduate programme in Data Science and Data Protection Law is reshaping how legal professionals are being taught technical skills to amalgamate data and law.

“Before joining this programme, I worked in real estate for one-and-a-half years, and that experience opened my eyes to how outdated India’s land system is – especially in West Bengal,” said Debosmita Mandal, a first-year student studying Data Science and Law at WBNUJS. “The system is still tied to practices from the British era. Although there are efforts to digitise it, a unified, digital platform to regulate land systems nationwide is still a distant goal,” she added.

The two-year programme leading to an LLM degree aims to bridge the gap by equipping professionals with technical skills such as statistics, programming, and predictive modelling and a deep understanding of legal frameworks. Admission for this programme is through a university-specific entrance examination and interviews.

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Data Science and Law

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

“It’s a specialised course where we bring together technical and legal expertise. While NUJS focuses on the legal aspects, IIIT Kalyani and IISER Kolkata handle technical subjects like statistics, prediction modelling, programming, and cloud computing. Cognizant, as our industry partner, contributes to modules on intellectual property, blockchain, AI, and global data protection laws,” Ghosh added.

The curriculum spans four semesters and includes 18 compulsory subjects. “We’ve structured the programme to cover a blend of theoretical foundations and practical skills. Subjects like statistics, probability, prediction modelling, and programming are part of the core, along with niche legal topics like intellectual property and data protection,” Ghosh explained.

A unique feature of the programme is its focus on startups and industry collaboration. “In the last semester, we emphasise the development of startups and entrepreneurial skills in collaboration with our industry partners,” he further added.

Maritime and international trade law

In 2019, the Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) introduced an LLM programme in Maritime and International Trade Law. International trade law was offered by a number of other institutes as well, including Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and NLU Jodhpur.

Abhay Singh Thakur, assistant professor and director of the school of maritime law, explained the rationale: "There were very few people in the maritime sector who had the understanding and knowledge of maritime laws and maritime commercial aspects. The demand was more."

The university conducts its own entrance exam, though students who clear CLAT are also eligible. Students are taught seven subjects with a focus on different areas of maritime law.

The programme prepares graduates to handle complex legal challenges in international shipping, logistics, and port management.

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Intellectual property law

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

“The technical expertise of our students makes them uniquely suited for intellectual property litigation, patent drafting, and research,” said Dipa Dube, dean of RGSOIPL. “Many students who have achieved their initial degrees in engineering and science had an initial interest in law but did not pursue it.”

“I had an interest in law but I was into technology. After joining IIT Kharagpur’s property law programme, I feel everybody must have some knowledge around this,” said Satyanarayan Rath, a second-year student of LLB honours in IP law at RGSOIPL, IIT Kharagpur. Rath had completed his mechanical engineering in Odisha.

The school is now planning to launch a law programme in artificial intelligence within the next two years, addressing the ethical and regulatory challenges of technological advancements.

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Other niche law programmes

Beyond these specialised areas, other innovative law programmes are gaining traction. Most are postgraduate programmes – 1-year LLM or diploma. NUJS Kolkata’s is a two-year MSc These courses enable students to delve into areas of law that are not only intellectually stimulating but also offer great career potential.

• Animal law: Universities like NALSAR Hyderabad, NLSIU Bangalore, and OP Jindal Global University now offer courses focusing on animal rights and welfare, addressing issues of animal protection and ethical treatment.

• Environmental law: Programmes at NLU Delhi and NALSAR Hyderabad explore critical issues like climate change, pollution control, and wildlife conservation.

• Cyber law: Institutions such as Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and The Indian Law Institute, Delhi, offer specialised programmes addressing digital technology challenges.

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

• Health law: Universities including NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, ILI, TNNLU, Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Raipur and others provide focused programmes on medical law, patient rights, and healthcare regulations.

• Space and Aviation Law: NALSAR University has developed a unique programme addressing legal issues in space exploration and aviation.

A snapshot

The following is a snapshot of some niche law programmes offered by law schools in India: