Bachelor of Laws

Law (Senior Status)

Modules, teaching and learning

The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study - the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.

What you'll learn

Gain an appreciation of major fundamental concepts underpinning the English Legal system. You'll apply basic learning techniques and concepts to selected topics from your foundation modules. Subsequently, you'll enhance your skills in legal research, group working and develop effective oral and written communication competencies.
During this module, you'll begin to understand the key concepts of public law as you study the relationships between the institutions of state. You'll gain an insight into the historical progression of the UK constitution. This will include exploring developments from over the last 50 years of international treaties and agreements that have contributed to it. In addition, you'll study a variety of topics including the rule of law, human rights and judicial review.
Study the circumstances in which organisations and individuals who have suffered harm at the hands of others might be able to claim compensation from the wrongdoer. Initially, you'll concentrate on negligence before studying other key and topical areas such trespass to the person.
This module will help you to understand how a contract is created. You'll study the terms of the contract that determine the obligations of each party, as well as the specific terms concerned with liability. You'll also consider the remedies and damages available in the event of a breach of contract.
Criminal law plays an important role in everyday life, affecting both individuals and society. This module will consider the foundations of criminal liability in a practical, applied way, enabling you to draw the link between academic study and courtroom practice. You'll examine some of the key ingredients of criminal liability such as underpinning principles of individual autonomy and the harm principles, actus reus, mens rea and causation. You'll then move on to study selected offences and defences which are commonly encountered in practice. This module will also look at criminal attempts as well as participation in crime. Your study will enable you to develop the knowledge to understand and apply criminal law. Ultimately, you'll learn to approach the question of liability in a logical way and to undertake independent research to find legal solutions.
Gain an appreciation of major fundamental concepts underpinning the English Legal system. You'll apply basic learning techniques and concepts to selected topics from your foundation modules. Subsequently, you'll enhance your skills in legal research, group working and develop effective oral and written communication competencies.
During this module, you'll begin to understand the key concepts of public law as you study the relationships between the institutions of state. You'll gain an insight into the historical progression of the UK constitution. This will include exploring developments from over the last 50 years of international treaties and agreements that have contributed to it. In addition, you'll study a variety of topics including the rule of law, human rights and judicial review.
Study the circumstances in which organisations and individuals who have suffered harm at the hands of others might be able to claim compensation from the wrongdoer. Initially, you'll concentrate on negligence before studying other key and topical areas such trespass to the person.
This module will help you to understand how a contract is created. You'll study the terms of the contract that determine the obligations of each party, as well as the specific terms concerned with liability. You'll also consider the remedies and damages available in the event of a breach of contract.
Criminal law plays an important role in everyday life, affecting both individuals and society. This module will consider the foundations of criminal liability in a practical, applied way, enabling you to draw the link between academic study and courtroom practice. You'll examine some of the key ingredients of criminal liability such as underpinning principles of individual autonomy and the harm principles, actus reus, mens rea and causation. You'll then move on to study selected offences and defences which are commonly encountered in practice. This module will also look at criminal attempts as well as participation in crime. Your study will enable you to develop the knowledge to understand and apply criminal law. Ultimately, you'll learn to approach the question of liability in a logical way and to undertake independent research to find legal solutions.

What you'll learn

In this module you'll look at how and why trusts are created. You'll study the different forms of trust, their legal frameworks, the principles of equity affecting their creation and the use of trusts in practice. You'll also consider the statutory and equitable rules that govern the way in which a private trust is managed. This will include asset management and distribution, and the appointment retirement and removal of trustees.
Understand the concept of land and the difference between real and personal property. You'll study a range of topics including the nature of property rights as contrasted with personal rights; leases, leasehold covenants and mortgages; co-ownership and trusts of land; and land registration. You'll develop a strong understanding of the core legal principles of property and land law, allowing you to confidently evaluate and apply these principles to practical scenarios.
This module explores the founding principles of the law of the European Union. You’ll develop a critical understanding of the nature and purpose of European developments and regulations. This includes the new UK-EU relationship following the UK’s departure from the European Union (Brexit). You’ll examine the operational structure of the EU and its institutions, key governing principles as set out by the Court of Justice of the European Union and some fundamental freedoms granted by the Union to its citizens. Additionally, you’ll cover the post-Brexit changes and the new emerging UK-EU trade relations.
In this module you'll look at how and why trusts are created. You'll study the different forms of trust, their legal frameworks, the principles of equity affecting their creation and the use of trusts in practice. You'll also consider the statutory and equitable rules that govern the way in which a private trust is managed. This will include asset management and distribution, and the appointment retirement and removal of trustees.
Understand the concept of land and the difference between real and personal property. You'll study a range of topics including the nature of property rights as contrasted with personal rights; leases, leasehold covenants and mortgages; co-ownership and trusts of land; and land registration. You'll develop a strong understanding of the core legal principles of property and land law, allowing you to confidently evaluate and apply these principles to practical scenarios.
This module explores the founding principles of the law of the European Union. You’ll develop a critical understanding of the nature and purpose of European developments and regulations. This includes the new UK-EU relationship following the UK’s departure from the European Union (Brexit). You’ll examine the operational structure of the EU and its institutions, key governing principles as set out by the Court of Justice of the European Union and some fundamental freedoms granted by the Union to its citizens. Additionally, you’ll cover the post-Brexit changes and the new emerging UK-EU trade relations.

Option modules may include

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 crime and morality from a variety of perspectives, drawing on criminological and sociological theories to critically evaluate how crime is constructed in society. You'll explore how the criminal justice system operates and how crime and those who commit crime are perceived by society.
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.
Explore the area of mental health law and policy, with a focus on critically examining policy shifts. You'll understand how policy shifts can be seen to influence this area of law and the impact they have had on the medicalisation or criminalisation of mental disorder.
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.
Enhance your transferable employability skills through part-time work, paid or unpaid, over the summer. You'll complete a period of at least 80 hours working in a graduate environment such as a law firm or other appropriate organisation. As well as gaining professional skills, you'll be able to reflect on the experience that you have developed. Your learning will be experiential and involves no face to face teaching. Enrolment on is module will preclude you from enrolling on the Placement (day release) module.
This module will introduce you to the nature of the assessment, learning and teaching for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) new route to qualification as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You'll undertake elements of revision of key fundamental legal principles across academic subjects forming part of the SRA's Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 1 and 2. Additionally, you'll discover the practice-based elements of the SQE assessment specification that will be studied in your final year. You'll cover key principles and processes in preparation for future in-depth study and assessment. The module will also include an introduction to some of the legal skills forming part of SQE2.
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 crime and morality from a variety of perspectives, drawing on criminological and sociological theories to critically evaluate how crime is constructed in society. You'll explore how the criminal justice system operates and how crime and those who commit crime are perceived by society.
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.
Explore the area of mental health law and policy, with a focus on critically examining policy shifts. You'll understand how policy shifts can be seen to influence this area of law and the impact they have had on the medicalisation or criminalisation of mental disorder.
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.
Enhance your transferable employability skills through part-time work, paid or unpaid, over the summer. You'll complete a period of at least 80 hours working in a graduate environment such as a law firm or other appropriate organisation. As well as gaining professional skills, you'll be able to reflect on the experience that you have developed. Your learning will be experiential and involves no face to face teaching. Enrolment on is module will preclude you from enrolling on the Placement (day release) module.
This module will introduce you to the nature of the assessment, learning and teaching for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) new route to qualification as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You'll undertake elements of revision of key fundamental legal principles across academic subjects forming part of the SRA's Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 1 and 2. Additionally, you'll discover the practice-based elements of the SQE assessment specification that will be studied in your final year. You'll cover key principles and processes in preparation for future in-depth study and assessment. The module will also include an introduction to some of the legal skills forming part of SQE2.
login