Module Options Guide August 2011

LLB (HONS) MODULE OPTIONS GUIDE

August 2011

LLB (HONS) PROGRAMMES

MODULE OPTIONS

GUIDE

Example Programme Completion for a Full-Time Student

Semester 1: Sept 2011

English Legal System 15 credits Level 4

Law of Tort 30 credits Level 4

Jurisprudence 15 credits Level 4

Semester 2: Jan 2012

Contract Law 30 credits Level 4

Family Law 15 credits Level 4

Consumer Law 15 credits Level 4

Total Credits at Level 4 = 120

Semester 3: May 2012

No study


European Law 15 credits Level 5

Constitutional and Administrative Law 30 credits Level 5

Employment Law I 15 credits Level 5

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MODULE OPTIONS GUIDE LLB (HONS)


Criminal Law 30 credits Level 5

Medical Law I 15 credits Level 5

Commercial Contract Law 15 credits Level 5

Semester 6: May 2013

No study

Total Credits at Levels 4 and 5 = 240


Equity and Trusts 30 credits Level 6

Land Law 30 credits Level 6


Company Law I 15 credits Level 6

Property Tax 15 credits Level 6

Legal Research and Analysis 30 credits Level 6

Total Credits at Levels, 4, 5 and 6 = 360

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Level 4 Compulsory Module Descriptors

The following module descriptors provide a brief outline of the compulsory modules and assessments at level 4.

English Legal System (ELS)

Credits: 15

Pre-requisites: None

Overview: This module aims to introduce students to the composition, operation and structure of the English Legal System. It includes an examination of such institutions as the Court Structure, The Legal Profession and the role of Parliament as well as consideration of the Sources of Law (such as Common Law and Legislation), Dispute Resolution and Legal Theory. The overarching aim of this module is to provide students with a solid foundation in how English Law operates. This will assist you in understanding how substantive law, such as Contract Law, is both created and utilised in resolving disputes.

Module Leader: Thomas Bennett ([email protected])

Assessments: 35% case analysis

35% statute analysis

30% invigilated CBT (one hour)

Contract Law

Credits: 30

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mailto:[email protected]


Co-requisites: English Legal System

Overview: This module is designed to introduce students to the law of obligations in the private sphere. Students will learn about the requirements for a contract to come into existence i.e. contractual formation, and be enforced; the content of contracts, including the relative importance of different types of terms such as Exclusion Clauses; vitiating factors which may undermine the validity of a contract; and contractual breaches.

Module Leader: Susanne Tayfoor ([email protected])

Assessments: 50% invigilated examination (two hours)


30% coursework (2,500 words)

Law of Tort

Credits: 30


Overview: This module is designed to introduce students to the law of obligations in the public sphere. Students will learn the general principles of negligence liability, prior to covering applied negligence in specific areas e.g. employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and product liability. Students will also learn about other individual torts outside the framework of negligence, such as nuisance and defamation.

Module Leader: TBC

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Assessments: 50% invigilated examination (two hours)



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Level 4 Elective Module Descriptors

The following module descriptors provide a brief outline of the elective modules and assessments at level 4.

Consumer Law Note: Compulsory for those students on the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15

Pre-requisites: English Legal System

Co-requisites: Contract Law

Overview: This module aims at exploring the law protecting consumers when buying goods and services. It aims to cover topics of a practical nature and allow students to solve realistic consumer problems. The modules covers: consumers rights and remedies in relation to defective and unsafe goods, the mis-describing of goods, consumer rights when buying over the internet, ‘doorstep selling’, remedies for ruined holidays, unfair contracts and the use of consumer credit.

Module Leader: John Herrmann ([email protected])

Assessments: 30% coursework (2,500 words)


Family Law

Credits: 15


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Overview: This module aims to introduce students to the key principles which underpin family law and explore their operation in a practical context. Within the module, students will have the opportunity to develop a sound knowledge base of key areas within the subject, notably how a relationship is formed and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown, domestic violence and children’s rights. The aim is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding alongside the relevant skills to equip them for practice as a family lawyer. Particular stress will be laid upon empathetic skills, both listening and communication.

Module Leader: Alison Blair ([email protected])



Introduction to Business Law

Note: Elective for those students on the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15


Overview: This module is designed to introduce students to some of the key issues in business law. Students will learn about issues in contract law from a business law perspective and will cover the areas of agency, and the liabilities of a company/director in the area of negligent misstatement and the tort of deceit. The module will also cover business structures, business formation, the liabilities of a company and business ethics. Throughout the module, students will be introduced to the principles of business law within the context of the socio-ethical and commercial world in which these principles are applied. In particular, the module will aim to develop a commercial awareness alongside knowledge of black letter law. The aim is to equip students with

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a sound knowledge and skills base, as well as an understanding of the underlying policy issues.


Assessments: 30% coursework (2,500 words)70% invigilated CBT (one hour)

Jurisprudence

Credits: 15


Overview: At its most basic, Jurisprudence is the study of what makes a law different from any other type of social rule- why it possesses the binding quality it does, what occurs when it is broken, etc. Effectively, it is the philosophy behind law. On another level, jurisprudence is concerned with the search for a better legal system. So we spend a lot of time highlighting the mistakes that the law and lawyers themselves make and trying to identify the universal principle that we believe lies behind any given legal rule. In finding these principles, we can then eek to perfect the law itself.

Module Leader: Alex Lawson ([email protected])


70% invigilated assessment (one hour and 30 minutes)

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Extra Credit Project

Credits: 15


Overview: The primary aim of Extra Credit Projects (ECPs) is to develop students’ ability to work autonomously, conducting research and/or exhibiting other skills at a level appropriate for their stage of legal educational development. Students electing to complete an ECP will develop and submit a proposal arising out of a taught module (foundation or elective), then (once approved) undertake the ECP, followed by submission of both evidence of their substantive work and a reflective learning report on that work. Although staff can suggest sample ECPs, students will also be encouraged to create their own ECP proposals for approval. Students’ ECP proposals will have to include a demonstration of how their proposed ECP will help them achieve the LLB programme learning outcomes. ECPs are co-ordinated by Personal Tutors.

Contact: Chris Howard ([email protected])

Assessments: This depends upon the ECP itself. Further guidance is available on the VLE.

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European Law

Credits: 15


Overview: European Union Law is concerned with the body of legal rules created by the member states of the EU (in the form of Treaties) and by the EU institutions themselves (in the form of Directives and Regulations). These rules are binding on the member states of the EU, including the United Kingdom. A Court of Justice of the EU, which sits in Luxembourg, adjudicates on disputes between member states, Union institutions and private individuals and companies. Specific subject areas covered on the EU Law include the effect of EU Law, completion law and freedom of movement.

Contact: Alex Lawson ([email protected])


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Constitutional and Administrative Law

Credits: 30


Overview: Constitutional and Administrative Law addresses the interaction between the different branches of government and how they relate, through application of rules and procedures to individuals. The subject encompasses there distinct element: First, constitutional law – the theoretical and practical arrangements by which the government of the United Kingdom is empowered and restrained. Second, human rights law – the application of the Human Rights Act 1998 to enable individuals to bring claims for rights violations against the state or those acting on its behalf. Third, Administrative law – the application of the mechanism of judicial review, enabling individuals to challenge the actions of the executive branch of government.

Contact: Alex Lawson ([email protected])

Assessments: 50% invigilated examination (three hours)



Criminal Law

Credits: 30


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Overview: This module is designed to introduce students to some of the key principles of criminal law. Students will learn about the elements of a crime, such as the actus reus and mens rea, as well as exploring some of the general principles of criminal liability. This module will also consider a number of substantive offences in detail, including murder, offences against the person, theft and criminal damage. Finally, the module will also deal with the defences relating to those offences.

Module Leader: Caroline Collins ([email protected])

Assessments: 50% invigilated examination (three hours)





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Commercial Contracts

Note: Compulsory for those students on the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15


Overview: This module is designed to introduce students to the area of Commercial Contracts. Students will build upon their existing knowledge of contract law, looking at drafting and the effect of typical clauses they will come across in practice in commercial contracts. They will study the role of agents within this area, and the key issues arising from international trade. They will also look at payment mechanisms within the realm of commercial contracts, in particular negotiable instruments and bills of exchange.

Module Leader: Chris Monaghan ([email protected])


Employment Law I

Note: Elective for the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15


Overview: Employment law is an ever-changing area of law that is dynamic and immediately engaging. Employment Law I concentrates on the fundamental aspects of the employment relationship: what makes an employee and what defines the employment contract.

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Other issues examined during this module include: maternity and paternity rights, privacy and confidentiality, time and pay, flexible working and redundancy. These issues are primarily examined through the remedies of wrongful and unfair dismissal.

Contact: Leyanda Cocks ([email protected])

Assessments: 50% coursework (2,500 words)50% invigilated assessment (one hour and 30 minutes)

Employment Law II


Credits: 15

Pre-requisites: Employment Law I

Overview: Employment law II builds on the knowledge gained in Employment law I, concentrating on three key areas: anti-discrimination laws, industrial relations and health and safety. The module also covers the key TUPE regulations which protect employees in times of changing business ownership. As part of this module, students will be closely examining the newly enacted Equality Act 2010. Students will also consider the place of industrial action in the modern workplace.

Contact: Chris Monaghan ([email protected])


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Medical Law I

Credits: 15


Overview: Medical Law represents a fascinating, dynamic and challenging area of law to study. Not only does it require the ability to intertwine several disciplines of law, such as Tort, Human Rights and Criminal Law, but also an appreciation of a number of influential and discrete subject areas outside law, including: Bioethics, Medical Economics and Health Service Policy. Many of the topics covered, such as: Euthanasia, Abortion, Stem Cell Research, Organ Transplantation/Donation and the Rationing of Medical Treatment are highly controversial attracting much debate; both within the professions and amongst the general public as a whole. Likewise, there is rarely a day in which medico-legal issues do not appear within the media; often in the form of commentaries on bioethical stories.

Module Leader: John Clifford ([email protected])


Extra Credit Project

Credits: 15


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Overview: The primary aim of Extra Credit Projects (ECPs) is to develop students’ ability to work autonomously, conducting research and/or exhibiting other skills at a level appropriate for their stage of legal educational development. Students electing to complete an ECP will develop and submit a proposal arising out of a taught module (foundation or elective), then (once approved) undertake the ECP, followed by submission of both evidence of their substantive work and a reflective learning report on that work. Although staff can suggest sample ECPs, students will also be encouraged to create their own ECP proposals for approval. Students’ ECP proposals will have to include a demonstration of how their proposed ECP will help them achieve the LLB programme learning outcomes.

Contact: Chris Howard ([email protected])

Assessments: will depend on ECP

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Equity and Trusts Law

Credits: 30


Overview: The aim of the course is to introduce the structure of a trust scheme and highlight the requirements for a trust to exist, both in this jurisdiction and in offshore ‘tax havens’. We will also cover the duties placed upon trustees and what they exactly mean, and remedies when trustees act in breach of trust. Finally, we will consider the special rules that apply to charitable trusts and the rules that apply to trusts arising by operation of law to respond to specific scenarios: firstly where trust property will ‘result’ or go back to the original owner, and secondly to respond to the intentions of the parties with regard to unmarried couples who have a family home.

Module Leader: Adam Doyle ([email protected])

Assessments: 50% invigilated written assessment (three hours)



Land Law

Credits: 30

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Overview: The aim of the Land Law module is to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts which underpin land law, alongside a detailed knowledge of key areas of substantive law within the discipline. In achieving this aim, the module explores the different types of rights which can be held in land and how these are created and protected so as to be enforceable by and against subsequent owners of the land who were not parties to the original arrangement. Topics covered include: looking at what ‘land’ actually is in a legal context; the different estates and interests that can exist; the registered and unregistered land systems for protecting them; covenants, easements, leases, mortgages and beneficial interests behind trusts of land.

Module Leader: Jan Maltby ([email protected])

Assessments: 50% invigilated written assessment (three hours)



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Company Law I

Note: Compulsory for the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15

Co-requisites: Equity and Trusts

Overview: Company law is a vibrant and fast paced subject both academically and practically, drawing together aspects of contract, tort and equity. Company Law I looks at the principles of company law, concentrating on three key areas essential to an understanding of the subject: The Nature of the Corporation, Shares and Shareholders, and Directors' Duties. Students will explore the twin doctrines of separate legal personality and limited liability and discover the importance of the company’s constitution. The module will also deal with the legal nature of

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shares and the rights and remedies available to minority shareholders.

Module Leader: Leyanda Cocks ([email protected])

Assessments: 30% invigilated CBT (one hour)70% coursework (2,500 words)

Company Law II

Note: Compulsory for the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15

Pre-requisites: Company Law I

Overview: Company Law II builds on the foundation concepts from Company Law I, focusing on specific issues associated with the corporate form: Corporate Finance, Corporate Recovery and Corporate Governance. During this module students will need to explore the challenging areas of capital maintenance, insider dealing and vulnerable transactions in insolvency. Students will also learn how companies list on a regulated investment exchange (such as the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange) and the consequences of such a listing.

Module Leader: Leyanda Cocks ([email protected])

Assessments: 30% invigilated CBT (one hour)70% coursework (2,500 words)

Intellectual Property Law I


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Credits: 15


Overview: This module develops students’ knowledge of the general principles of a range of areas of substantive law relevant to intellectual property, focusing on copyright, registered trademarks, passing off and breach of confidence. During the study of this module, students will consider: the development and aims of copyright; copyright disputes, including infringement, defences and remedies; the requirements for trade mark registration; passing off in relation to trade marks; and breach of confidence largely in an employment context.

Module Leader: Caroline Barrow ([email protected])

Assessments: 30% invigilated assessment (one hour and 30 minutes)70% coursework (2,500 words)

Intellectual Property Law II


Credits: 15

Pre-requisites: Intellectual Property Law I

Overview: This module develops students’ knowledge of the general principles of a range of areas of substantive law relevant to intellectual property and commerce, focusing on patents, designs and contemporary issues in IP generally. During the study of this module, students will consider: the development and aims of patents; patent disputes, including infringement, defences and

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remedies; the requirements for registered and unregistered designs including the European context.

Contact: Julian Davies ([email protected])


Property Tax

Elective for the LLB (Hons) Business Law Programme

Credits: 15


Overview: This module is a research module which is designed to introduce students to Property Tax law. Students will be expected to cover the basics of taxation - types of taxes and the principles of taxation. Students will then look at taxation issues which arise from holding and selling properties as an individual. Some of the areas students will have the opportunity to research will cover income tax, capital gains tax on disposal of a property, and the relevant exemptions, as well as the effect of inheritance tax. By the end of the course students should be aware of the most tax-efficient ways to buy, hold and sell property.



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Legal Research and Analysis


Credits: 30


Overview: The Research module provides students with the chance to study an area of law that they have not received instruction in. Students have to prepare a 20 minute presentation, with up to an additional 10 minutes for questions, to give to a panel of tutors. The topic you study can be arrived at in two ways: 1. We have 15 set questions that you can choose (1) from; 2. Students can set their own title, subject to their being a member of BPP staff able to supervise it. You will then be provided with one-on-one supervision, the ability to submit a written outline and finally a mock presentation, before the actual assessment.

Module Leader: Alex Lawson ([email protected])

Assessments: 100% oral presentation and viva (30 minutes)

Media Law

Credits: 15


Overview: The law as it relates to the media is one of the most important areas of the legal system. In this 24-hour information society, the media is all-pervasive. We encounter the media in virtually

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every aspect of our everyday lives. The ways in which the law both regulates and provides certain freedoms for the media raise fascinating issues that this module aims to explore. In doing so, this module will take students through some of the major parts of media-related law: defamation, privacy, contempt of court, obscenity and offensive speech. It is not an easy module – it grapples with some complex concepts and involves a very substantial amount of reading. It is, however, an area of the law that is forever changing as cultural attitudes and technology evolve, making it a deeply rewarding one to study.

Module Leader: Thomas Bennett ([email protected])


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Module Options Guide August 2011

Documents

Transcript of Module Options Guide August 2011