Elena Georgieva (Management of Intellectual Property MSc, 2026)
The funding has made a significant impact. It has allowed me to focus more fully on my studies without constant financial pressure and has given me a greater sense of independence.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background/family?
My name is Elena Georgieva, and I come from North Macedonia. I was born in England, but I spent most of my childhood in Macedonia before moving back to England at the age of 13, where I completed my GCSEs, A-levels, and later my undergraduate law degree at the University of Plymouth.
Growing up between two countries has shaped me significantly. It made me adaptable and comfortable with change, as I had to adjust to different environments at different stages of my life. My family has always been very supportive of my education and ambitions, which encouraged me to pursue my goals with confidence.
I really enjoyed completing my law degree and wanted to use it for my future career. At the same time, I have always had an interest in fashion and the creative industries. During a gap year after my undergraduate degree, I discovered intellectual property law, which allowed me to combine both interests. That is when I decided to specialise in this area.
What do you study and how is your course going?
I am currently studying an MSc in Management of Intellectual Property Law. The course is quite intense and fast-paced, but also very engaging and rewarding.
We cover a wide range of areas, including trademarks, patents, copyright, and design law, as well as international perspectives such as US intellectual property law. My initial interest mainly included trademarks, but I have also developed a strong interest in patents and copyright, particularly through practical experiences.
The cohort is small and very international, which makes discussions more interactive and insightful. We have also had guest lecturers from industry professionals and law firms, including speakers from the US, which has been particularly valuable.
Alongside my studies, I have taken part in qLegal work experience, where I worked on patent-related matters for a startup, allowing me to apply what I have learned in practice. I also work part-time with Ralph Lauren, which has helped me stay connected to the fashion industry while developing my academic interests in intellectual property.
At the moment, I am preparing for exams and looking forward to starting my dissertation over the summer.
Why did you choose Queen Mary - CCLS and London?
Initially, I considered pursuing a master’s in Fashion law in Rome. However, I realised that I wanted a broader qualification that would still allow me to specialise later, which led me to Intellectual Property law.
When researching universities, Queen Mary stood out due to its strong reputation in Intellectual Property law, not just in the UK but also internationally. The Centre for Commercial Law Studies was particularly appealing because of its academic excellence and strong links to the legal profession.
One of the key factors in my decision was the IPReg-accredited pathway offered by the programme, which provides a clear route toward qualification as a trade mark or patent attorney. This is quite unique compared to many other master’s programmes.
London was also an important factor. It offers strong connections to law, business, and the creative industries, as well as valuable networking and career opportunities, which made it the ideal place to study.
How were things before you received the funding?
Before receiving the funding, I was going through a transitional and quite challenging period. I was trying to decide which area of law to specialise in and how to move forward with my career.
At the same time, I was becoming more focused on building my independence and establishing myself without relying heavily on my family. Financially, postgraduate study in England is expensive, so I had to carefully consider how I would manage both my studies and living costs.
During that time, I also learned more about the Herchel Smith Scholarship and its background, particularly its connection to scientific innovation and its ties to Plymouth, where I completed my undergraduate degree. That made the opportunity feel especially meaningful and aligned with my academic journey.
How did you feel when you heard you got the funding and has it made an impact for you?
When I found out I had received the Herchel Smith Scholarship, I felt incredibly proud, relieved, and grateful. It reassured me that I was moving in the right direction and gave me a strong sense of belonging within the programme.
The funding has made a significant impact. It has allowed me to focus more fully on my studies without constant financial pressure and has given me a greater sense of independence.
It also gave me the opportunity to take part in experiences like qLegal, which I might not have been able to commit to otherwise. Overall, it has made me more motivated and confident in pursuing my career goals.
Do you think financial worries weigh heavily on students?
Yes definitely. Financial pressure is one of the biggest challenges for students, particularly at postgraduate level.
Many students are trying to balance studying, working and planning their future at the same time, which can be overwhelming. In some cases, financial concerns can even discourage academically capable students from pursuing further education.
It can affect both focus and wellbeing, so support like scholarships can make a significant difference.
What are your plans for the future?
In the short term, I hope to complete an internship with the EUIPO in Alicante to gain practical experience in intellectual property law.
After that, I plan to return to the UK and pursue qualification as a trade mark attorney.
In the long term, I would like to work in-house for fashion or creative brands, helping them protect and manage their Intellectual Property on an international level.
What would you like to say to those who donated to provide these awards?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Dr Herchel Smith’s endowments which made this Scholarship possible. This opportunity has had a real impact on my ability to pursue my degree and has allowed me to focus fully on my studies while gaining valuable experience. I truly appreciate the support and I hope these awards continue to help future students achieve their academic and career goals.
How you can donate to support future students
Your contribution, regardless of its size, and when combined with the generosity of others, will provide life-changing opportunities for future CCLS students. You can also sign up for regular giving to support CCLS regularly.