Masters in Intellectual Property ( 12 months)
About the Programme
The Program is jointly organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Africa University (AU) with financial support from the Government of Japan. The Program is held at AU in Mutare and at ARIPO in Harare. The MIP programme is designed mainly for people already in employment and who wish to receive training in intellectual property management, or advance their training in the case of those who already have some training in this field. The overall aim of the programme is to assist practitioners acquire appropriate knowledge and skills in the management of intellectual property systems.
Its objectives are to:
- Develop knowledge and skills in the area of intellectual property and intellectual property rights management and protection;
- Promote a culture that values, respects and protects the results of creative thought, innovation and invention in Africa;
- Equip students with analytical skills for identifying issues in the application of the principles underlying the concept of intellectual property rights, and for contributing to the development of the intellectual property industry in the national context;
- Develop professionals with competent research skills and capacity to design and deliver training programmes in one or more areas in the field of intellectual property.
The MIP Programme is open to government officials, industry practitioners, senior students and young professionals from academic, research and development or other relevant background who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills in Intellectual Property law and practice. To be eligible, candidates are required
1. to hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (second lower class) from a recognized university in any discipline and have a minimum of two years work experience.
2. Proof of English proficiency is required, therefore, students coming from countries where the official language is not English will need to submit evidence of proficiency in an appropriate internationally approved English examination e.g IELTS, TOEFL
3. At least two years of post-qualification experience;
4. 5 'O' Level passes at Grade 'C' or better or equivalent including English Language;
5. A copy of a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV);
6. At least two reference letters;
7. An autobiographical statement of not more than 1500 words giving a description of your activities and experience,
relating them to your career objectives. Applicants are required to indicate the importance of the MIP to your career
goals.
Awards
Upon satisfactory completion of the program, participants will be awarded a Masters Degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) by Africa University on behalf of WIPO and ARIPO.
Fees and Costs
For tuition, registration and accommodation fees, go to Tuition and fees (subject to annual review). Cost of meals and upkeep is estimated at US$350.00 per month per person.
NB : AU tuition, registration and accommodation fees are subject to review.
With a view to contributing to the development of human resources in the field of Intellectual Property in Africa, WIPO, ARIPO and the Government of Japan will provide approximately 30 scholarships to qualified candidates from Africa. The scholarship shall cover the cost of a return air ticket, board and lodge at Africa University and ARIPO, tuition fees, registration fees and medical insurance.
To learn more about the scholarship, Read here...
Interested candidates meeting the programme admissioon requirements are invited to submit their applications through our online application portal.
Closing date for accepting applications is February 29, 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Contact Us on:
Tel: (+263-2020) 60026/60075/61611/61618
Cell: +263 712 609 487 / 0772 137 009-019
Fax : (+263-2020) 61785
Email: studentrecruitment@africau.edu and applications@africau.edu
The Programme
Part I: Distance Learning Phase
Students take three WIPO Distance Learning (DL) courses offered online from May to July. At the end of the DL courses, students write examinations.
Online classes facilitated by the WIPO Academy are scheduled from 1 May 2024 to 20 July 2024;
Part II: Residential Learning Phase
During this phase, students take residential courses at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The residential phase starts in August 2024 and ends in December 2024. During the residential phase, students attend face to face lectures with professors/lecturers and IP experts. Class teaching is complemented by case studies, tutorials, research work, dissertation proposal writing and defense, and study visits. Students also take examinations on every module that is covered.
During the last two weeks of the residential Learning Phase, students go through practical training and participate in an
IP Conference at ARIPO in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The residential learning phase for the 2024 intake is expected to start on 1st of August 2024 and ends on the 6th of December 2024.
Part Ill : Dissertation Writing Phase
Students work on their dissertations on selected and approved topics between January and April 2025. Every student works intensively under the guidance of two supervisors who are allocated during the Residential Learning Phase. Dissertation writing phase is expected to start on 7th December 2024 and end on 30 April 2025.
Career and Job Opportunities
Researcher ,Academic ,NGOs - (FAO UNDP UNEP) ,Self-employment and Consultancy