Masters Degree in Intellectual Property (MIP)

Jointly offered by:

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy;
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) ;
Africa University (AU) 

2012 Admissions

On April 30, 2012, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Africa University will launch the 5th edition of the Masters Degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) program at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

The Program will be offered for a duration of twelve months, from April 30, 2012 to April 30, 2013, structured in three parts as follows:

• First Part:  Instruction via distance learning from April 30 to July 27, 2012 in which students take a selected number of courses on intellectual property (IP) topics;
• Second Part:  Will take place at Africa University in Mutare (Zimbabwe) from August 15 to December 7, 2012. It includes three weeks practical training at ARIPO Headquarters in Harare from November 19 to December 7, 2012; and 
• Third Part:  Research and dissertation writing on a selected and approved topic from December 8, 2012 to April 30, 2013.

The MIP Program is designed for young professionals who wish to acquire the skills required to play a leading role in that area, through exposure to an international and comparative approach to national and regional IP systems. The young professionals to be accepted to the program should primarily be from academic or research and development institutions who, upon graduation are expected to return to their respective institutions in Africa and serve as trainers in the field of IP.

The curriculum aims to provide an in-depth examination of all IP fields and is taught by leading academics, legal practitioners, intellectual property officers and IP experts drawn from various universities and IP offices in Africa.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students will be awarded a “Masters Degree in Intellectual Property” by the Africa University on behalf of WIPO and ARIPO.

Scholarship

With a view to contributing to the development of human resources in the field of IP in developing countries, 25 scholarships will be offered by WIPO and ARIPO to highly motivated persons from Africa to participate in this Program.  In addition, up to 10 places shall be reserved for self-sponsored students.   Each scholarship covers a return air ticket, board and lodge at Africa University and ARIPO, tuition and registration fees.  Applicants who wish to benefit from a WIPO and ARIPO scholarship should not be more than 40 years of age to qualify, (not applicable to self-sponsored students) and must hold a minimum of a Bachelors (lower second class) degree from a recognized university in any discipline. Proof of English proficiency is required.

Applications

Any person fulfilling the above mentioned requirements and wishing to apply for acceptance to the Program is invited to send his/her application to the :

Assistant Registrar-Academic Affairs
Africa University
P.O. Box 1320
Mutare
Zimbabwe
or online through the Africa University link below.

A duly completed application form , a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of university degree certificates/diploma and transcripts, at least two letters of reference and any other appropriate supporting documents, should be sent to Africa University not later than February 29, 2012.

Upon receipt of the above documentation suitable candidates will be selected for admission into the Program. Applicants wishing to be considered for the WIPO and ARIPO scholarship should indicate that specifically in their application.

Detailed information concerning the MIP Program is also provided on the websites of Africa University  and ARIPO