Advanced Master Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management (MSc)

On this page, you will find important details of the application process (such as deadlines, admission requirements, required documents and application assessment) for the advanced master's programme in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management (MSc) for the academic year 2026-2027.

For information on the current year, see the admission requirements for the academic year 2025-2026.

Important deadlines for application

The master's programme in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management starts in September. 
The deadlines below are applicable for applying for a start in September 2026.

Note: if you are viewing this webpage on your phone, we recommend using landscape mode.

^{*Studielink is the national registration system for higher education,
**The MyApplication portal is Maastricht University's application and enrolment platform.}

General requirements: previous education

The admission requirements for the academic year 2026-2027 for the advanced master’s programme in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management (MSc) depend on your previous education. Please check below which requirements apply to you.

• You must have a recognised university bachelor’s degree (Dutch, 2.1 (upper second) degree or equivalent) in science or technology (or equivalent). All with demonstrable knowledge of intellectual property law or knowledge management,

OR

• Have a recognised university master’s degree (Dutch or equivalent) in science or technology (or equivalent). Demonstrable knowledge of intellectual property law or knowledge management will be considered favourably.

Additional requirements

English language requirements

All candidates must prove their proficiency in academic English.

There are several ways to prove your English proficiency:

• You hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in which English was the sole language of instruction.
• During your bachelor’s or master’s degree, you successfully completed English-taught courses. The Board of Admissions will decide if the number of English-taught courses you completed is sufficient.
• With language test certificates (not older than 2 years):
  • Academic IELTS: minimum overall score 6.5 and a 6.5 in both writing and speaking, or minimum overall score 7
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score 90 and 25 in both writing and speaking, or minimum overall score 100
  • TOEIC listening and reading: 720; speaking and writing: 310
  • Cambridge Advanced C1: Grade C (scale 180-184); First: Grade A (scale 180-184)

Required documents for all applicants to this study programme

During the application process for this study programme, you will need to complete a number of tasks for which you will often have to upload documents. The list below gives you an insight into what documents you will need to prepare.
 

• A recent portrait photo*
  This picture must satisfy certain requirements. You can find these requirements in the task description 'Upload portrait photo' in the MyApplication portal. 
   
• A copy of your valid passport or your EU/EEA identity card**
  Make a copy of the page with your personal details. Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ and not as ‘passport picture’.
   
• A copy of your most recent grades transcript AND/OR a copy of your diploma if you have obtained it. If you have not graduated yet, you can upload your official grades transcript from your bachelor's programme.
   
• Curriculum Vitae
  All candidates must provide a CV. Please list your education, relevant extracurricular activities and internship / professional experience.
   
• Letter of motivation
  All candidates must write a well-prepared and structured letter of motivation for this specific master’s programme. The letter should explain your motivation for choosing this specific master’s programme. It should also include an overview of what you intend to learn and how this programme fits into your future professional plans. The letter must be dated and addressed to the Board of Admissions of the Faculty of Law.
   
• Two letters of recommendation
  All candidates should provide two relevant letters of recommendation. These letters should preferably be from academic staff members.
   
• A questionnaire on your professional experience, language proficiency and financing your education at UM
  You can download (and, once filled in, upload) this questionnaire in the MyApplication portal.
   
• Documents that demonstrate your proficiency in English
  One of the language proficiency certificates as mentioned under ‘English Language requirements’ on this page.
   
• Permission for document verification form (if applicable)
  If your diploma is not verified by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch government agency responsible for education-related matters), you will need to upload the form ‘Permission for document verification’ in the MyApplication portal. This form allows Maastricht University to verify your diploma, grades transcript or other required documents directly with the issuing institution or relevant qualification registry.
   

Please note: only complete registrations will be taken into consideration. All documents must be in Dutch, English or German.


^{* For current UM students it is not necessary to upload a recent portrait photo in the MyApplication portal.
** For current UM students it is not necessary to upload this document in the MyApplication portal unless your passport will not be valid on 1 September 2026. In that case, a specific task to upload a copy of your passport will appear in the MyApplication portal.}

How we assess your application

For this master's programme selection takes place on the basis of your quality and suitability. For this your motivation, previous education and your (academic) experience are important.

Note: Only complete applications will be assessed. We therefore recommend that you adhere to the deadlines provided in the table under ‘Application deadlines’ on this page. We strive to assess your application and communicate the result to you within three to four weeks.