Exploring Distance Learning Law Courses in India: Opportunities for Career Growth and Flexibility

‘Distance Learning' as quoted by Dr. S B Mujumdar, Founder, Symbiosis International University is, “the education of the 21st century. The traditional method of teaching in a classroom called ‘brick & mortar' education has failed to reach millions of those who are thirsty for getting knowledge in an age marked by “Knowledge Revolution”. Distance Education and Open Learning fulfill this need. Distance learning opens new directions of opportunities to obtain higher education without the constraints of location and time.” This is true considering India's population and the geographical distances.

Amidst GATS, WTO, the Service industry is in a boom and has a bright future. This is true for education also. To take education to the masses and more reachable, distance learning is now being considered as another effective medium. For promoting distance education, Government of India has formed the Distance Education Council.

“Technology, information revolution and Globalization have had their impact on the legal profession too. Legal professionals are always required to upgrade their knowledge. Cyber law, intellectual property law (copyright, patents, trademarks, designs), Technology law (IT), Securities law, ADR (alternative dispute resolution) are some of the emerging areas.


This Article aims to highlight the Legal Courses offered through distance / online mode by reputed law schools and Universities in India. These post graduate courses will be particularly beneficial for LLBs, Company Secretaries, Chartered Accountants, MBAs, etc. since they provide focused and in-depth knowledge on the subject. Since these courses are through distance / online medium, working people can be most benefited along with students doing full time courses. These courses can surely provide a value addition and give an edge to one's career over the other.


***Courses by National Law Schools:

• The NationalLawSchool of IndiaUniversity (NLSIU), Bangalore:

Two year Master of Business Laws (M.B.L)
One year P.G. Diploma in Human Rights Law
One year P.G. Diploma in Medical Law and Ethics
One year P.G. Diploma in Environmental Law
One year P.G. Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights Law

http://nls.ac.in <link updated to site home>

• NationalAcademy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad:

Post Graduate Diploma in Patents Law
Post Graduate Diploma in Media Laws
Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Laws
Post Graduate Diploma in International Humanitarian Law

http://www.nalsarpro.org/

• NationalLawUniversity, Jodhpur

3 Year Master Degree in Criminal Law, Criminology and Forensic Science
3 Year Master Degree in Trade Related Laws
One Year Post Graduate Diploma in Security Laws and Management
One Year Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Laws

http://nlujodhpur.ac.in <link updated to site home> ( Search On Cite | Search On Google )


*** THE INDIAN LAW INSTITUTE, New Delhi

3 Months ‘Intellectual Property Right in the Internet Age'

www.ilidelhi.org

*** World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva

15 Weeks “General Course on Intellectual Property” (DL-101)
The DL-101 course is currently offered free-of-charge, twice a year

2.5 months “Advanced Course on Copyright and Related Rights” (DL-201E)

1.5 months “Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property” (DL-202E)

2.5 months “Biotechnology and Intellectual Property” (DL-204E)

http://academy.wipo.int


***Courses by Indian Universities:

• AnnamalaiUniversity

One Year Diploma in Law of Taxation
Three Year B.A.L. (Bachelor of Academic Laws)
Three Year B.B.L. (Bachelor of Business Law)
Two Year B.G.L. (Bachelor of General Laws)
One Year Diploma in Labour Laws with Administrative Law
One Year P.G. Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Science

http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in <link updated to site home> ( Search On Cite | Search On Google )

• Indira Gandhi National Open University

PG Certificate Programme in Cyber Laws
PG Certificate Programme in Indian Patents Law
IP Regime and Human Rights

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]http://ignou.ac.in]

• The Dr. Ambedkar Law University

One Year Post-Graduate Diploma Programme in General Insurance Law & Practice

http://www.tndalu.org/course.htm

The list is indicative and not exclusive.

Please tell me about the future prospects of a Diploma in Taxation Practice in my career. I hold a B.Com and M.Com degree, and I am currently working as a Jr. Accountant at OMS3 Consulting India Pvt Ltd.

I would appreciate a prompt response. Thank you.

Hi,

A Diploma in Taxation Laws from your local university is always helpful. Additionally, consider pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma or Degree in Finance from a reputable institute or university. This will not only be beneficial for taxation but also for gaining knowledge in other aspects of finance that are essential in the job market.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Anand Wadadekar

Hi,

I am a BCom, CS, and LLB graduate majoring in the legal field. I am now interested in pursuing further studies in law with a focus on finance to facilitate vertical growth within an organization. Please advise.

Hi,

I'm an MBA in HR with 4 years of experience in HR. I would like to pursue a course in Law. Could you please suggest which course would be beneficial for my career?

Hi Shikha,

You can pursue IPR Law and Securities Law courses. All the courses mentioned in my article are beneficial for CSs.

Regards,
Anand Wadadekar

Hi Latha,

I do not feel any of the courses mentioned in my article are benefiting for an HR professional. Maybe you can opt for Human Rights courses as mentioned in the article.

Regards,
Anand Wadadekar

I suggest you can pursue a Bachelor's Degree in General Law (BGL). It can be completed through distance education and has a duration of 2 years. However, it is important to note that a BGL degree does not qualify one to practice law before the Bar council.

Hi Anand,

Thank you for the prompt response. You have mentioned several options. Among the courses listed in your thread, which course would be most suitable for a corporate lawyer looking to gain exposure to "finance"?

Regards,
Shikha

Dear Shikha,

If you read my article title, it says "Law Courses Through Distance / Online Learning".

So my article does not speak about courses in finance for law professionals.

Regards,
- Anand Wadadekar

Hi Anand,

I had a question. Do you have any idea about a law course for a B.Tech. person? I have recently seen an ad for one from IIT Kharagpur and was wondering about its value, popularity, etc. The course is called the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law at IIT Kharagpur. [See link: IIT-Kharagpur gets its own law course - India - The Times of India](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IIT-Kharagpur-gets-its-own-law-course/articleshow/1715449.cms). Can you please share your knowledge on the same?

Regards,
Shikha