In this module you will look at how and why trusts are created, including the different forms of trust, their legal frameworks, the principles of equity affecting their creation and the use of trusts in practice. You will also consider the statutory and equitable rules that govern the way in which a private trust is managed including asset management and distribution and the appointment retirement and removal of trustees.
Build on the knowledge you developed in your first year of study concerning the law of the UK constitution. You will explore the law of the European Union by examining the structure and status of the law of the EU and its relationship to the national laws of the Member States. You will investigate the key legal doctrines of the law of the EU and the specific application of the law of the EU in certain selected substantive legal contexts.
Develop knowledge and practical understanding of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation and arbitration. Every legal practitioner must be familiar with ADR due to factors such as the cost of litigation, the pre-action protocols that require parties to civil litigation to have considered a form of ADR to assist with settlement, and the popularity of mediation and arbitration in multi-tier dispute resolution clauses in commercial contracts. This module will enable you to develop the skills you'll need to advise a client on their options for dispute resolution either at the time of drafting contracts or after disputes have arisen.
Study the relevant national and international laws which relate to animal welfare in different contexts. Exploring the effectiveness of these laws, you'll think deeply about our relationship with animals and the socio-legal and ethical implications of their use. You'll investigate a variety of theories relating to our treatment of animals. You'll then undertake a critical examination of the law to assess whether it is adequate to protect animals or whether reform is needed.
Explore companies as a type of business organisation. You'll examine the legal relationships between stakeholders in a company and the impact of companies as legal entities on society. During the module, you'll be encouraged to consider the economic, social and political role of company law.
Explore the law of evidence and gain a critical understanding of how evidential principles apply within the criminal and civil jurisdictions. This module aims to promote independent learning, critical thinking and the development of problem-solving skills cultivated throughout the course.
Carry out an in-depth research project in a subject area that is appropriate to the course and of particular interest to you. During this module, you'll critically evaluate key concepts, research approaches, techniques, theoretical perspectives, and findings of existing research within the context of law. You'll also analyse, evaluate and synthesise ideas and information, communicating these effectively through an appropriate research design.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the law and legal framework relating to the individual employer/employee relationship. This module will encompass the broader social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, moral and cultural context of employment law. It will consider the employer/employee relationship and the effect and impact of statutory intervention.
Step into the world of intellectual property law, covering key areas such as copyright, trademarks, patents, the law of confidence and design rights. You'll explore various topics including the legal requirements for each intellectual property right (IPR), how each IPR might be infringed, and the application of the relevant laws to realistic problem-based scenarios.
This module will consider the international human rights framework with reference to the role and function of the United Nations. You'll be introduced to the nature and structure of international human rights and the systems and institutions that seek to protect and promote them. This module will focus on civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, torture and the rights of prisoners. We'll encourage you to engage actively in wider reading and make both guided and independent links between your studies and world affairs. Additionally, you'll evaluate the successes and challenges of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
Gain experience and apply your expertise by working on real cases and offering pro bono legal advice in a practical setting. Under the supervision of a practising solicitor, you'll engage in interviewing clients, conducting research, providing written advice, and observing oral guidance across various areas of law. This may include small business and charity problems, family, employment, housing, landlord and tenant, small debt and social security. Your clients could range from individuals to small businesses or charities requiring advice or seeking more general assistance with law reform. Ultimately, this module will introduce you to a client-focused role in a professional setting that follows strict procedural and operational rules.
Examine UK law as it applies to the media and entertainment industries. Areas covered will include human rights, privacy and confidentiality; freedom of expression and defamation; contempt of court; the reporting of legal proceedings, media regulation; copyright, passing off, image rights and performers' rights; journalists' sources and official secrets. You'll study key aspects such as broadcasting, the printed press, the music industry, online news and entertainment, and social networking sites. Your studies will also cover the law relating to intellectual property for the entertainment industry.
Develop your individual, transferable, personal, intellectual, subject-related and professional skills and competencies through work experience. You'll undertake a placement for one year in a graduate environment such as a law firm or other appropriate organisation. During your placement, you'll gain relevant industry experience which will enable you to reflect on the skills and knowledge that you've developed throughout your course. Your experience will help you to build your enterprising attributes and wider skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration, entrepreneurial, interpersonal, managerial and communication with others.