English Legal System

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

This module covers use of the library and electronic resources, and reading cases, statutes and academic literature. You will learn how to produce fully-referenced academic work provide you with the necessary skills to help you study law. You will learn about the doctrine of judicial precedent and the principles involved in drafting and interpreting legislation. This module gives you the opportunity to specialise as well as to consider the English legal system in a broad context, by critically examining its structures, process and personnel.

Introduction to Business and Management

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

Introduction to Business and Management is an introductory study of contemporary organisations and their management. It explores the types of purposes of organisations, their stakeholders (CSR) and changing environments together with their key managerial processes – entrepreneurship, organisational structure, leading, strategic planning and change.

The focus throughout is on helping you achieve a critical and reflective approach, and learning to apply relevant concepts, tools and models.

The coursework component of assessment requires you to choose an organisation that is of interest to you and to explore, critically, the way in which it handles a process of your choice. You are supported in this by the submission of a structured proposal on which formative feedback is given.

Seminar activities are participative and require preparatory work which is signposted though downloads and links on Study Direct well in advance.

Lectures are interactive, employing the use of quizzes and featuring clips from YouTube, such as Dragons' Den excerpts.

An unseen examination completes the assessment profile and you tackle a case study (which revisits keys concepts) in the final seminar as a formative exercise.

The module provides a platform for later study by encouraging skills in critical thinking, academic writing, concept acquisition and research. Introduction to Business and Management aims to facilitate the transition to university-level learning smoothly, meaningfully and enjoyably.

Justice, Equality and Society

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1

In this module, special attention is given to justice, equality and rights. You are introduced to theory which is then explored through a number of case studies focusing in particular on the development of non-discrimination and equality law in the English Legal System. The module will encourage you to think about contemporary issues from the perspectives of justice, equality and rights.

Law of Contract

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 1

This module explores the legal rules and principles related to the formation, enforcement and vitiation of contractual promises. In particular you will consider ideas of offer and acceptance. You will study the legal doctrine of consideration and the equitable doctrine of promissory estoppel. You will consider rights of enforceability under the doctrine of privity and then go on to consider the classification and substance of particular terms in a contract, eg implied terms or exemption clauses. The module goes on to look at factors that may vitiate or void agreement such as misrepresentation, mistake, frusration, duress and undue influence.

Law of Tort

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 1

In broad terms, the Law of tort is the area of civil law primarily concerned with providing a remedy to persons who have been wrongfully harmed by the conduct of others. This module explores a number of the most important areas of tort law, for example, negligence, nuisance, trespass to the person, liability for dangerous premises, liability for psychiatric harm and employers' liability. The module will consider these and other areas as they are approached by the courts in England and Wales, to some extent the approach of other legal jurisdictions and also the social and political context of tort law.

Principles of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1

This module explores the causes and effects of human interaction in an organisation and how humans at individual, group and organisational level influence organisations. Organisational performance depends on appropriate incentives to individuals, developing effective teams, designing an attractive job environment and managing organisational structure.

Focusing on these issues, the module is divided into four themes based on the level of analysis:

• individual – we will look at the individual's contribution to organisation and the factors affecting their behaviour
• group – the nature and significance of groups in organisations will be discussed and the range of skills required for effective team work and factors affecting working in groups will also be explored
• organisational – organisational design and culture, inspiring workers through norms, beliefs and behaviour, and management in the work place will be explained
• human resource management – we will examine the aspects of developing human capital through recruitment, training, development and reward, which will create a sustainable commitment to organisational goals and to ensure high performance.

There will be two forms of assessment for this module with an equal weighting for coursework and an unseen exam. The coursework component will invovle a Group Report analysing concepts of human resource management and organisational behaviour in a chosen organisation. Formative feedback for this assessment will be provided by peers and tutors on the work-in-progress presentation of this report in seminars.

An unseen exam at the end of the term will cover the remaining assessment. You will participate in a role playing game in your final seminar analysing and discussing the concepts taught during the lecture as a formative exercise.

Equity and Trusts

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 2

This module consists of two related parts:

1. key principles and concepts of equity and equitable remedies; and
2. the institution of the trust.

The module aims to set Equity and Trusts in its social, economic and political contexts. The module will consider the historical development of equity and the use of particular equitable remedies. We will look at the institution of the trust, it's formation and constitution, moving on to regard the idea of beneficial ownership. The nature of private and public purpose trusts and implied trusts is considered.

Further, we look at the duties, responsibilities and rights of the personnel involved in a trust relationship; finally moving on to look at the liability for strangers to a trust. Within this framework, the basic principles and theoretical underpinnings of the subject will be analysed.

Information Systems

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

The module introduces you to the application and management of information systems in an organisational environment. It adopts a management perspective to appreciate the identification, analysis, development, organisation and impact of appropriate information systems. Foundations of intra- and inter-organisational systems are examined along with their economic, social and organisational impacts.

Land Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 2

This module explores the legal rules determining what it means to own land and/or other rights that relate to land. Specific topics may include: the doctrines of estates and tenure; the meaning of land (fixtures); and the distinction between personal and property rights; the role of equity and the trust and the doctrine of proprietary estoppel; the contractual formalities for buying an interest or estate in land; acquiring ownership rights, including the rules of adverse possession; unregistered and registered title; mortgages; leases (and licences); co-ownership; trusts of land; freehold covenants; and easements.

Operations Management

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

This module provides you with an understanding of how the fundamental principles of operations management can support the improvement of management performance in both public and private organisations. During the module, you will apply these principles to both manufacturing and service operations.

You will gain an understanding of the systemic and interactive nature of operations management problems and their relationship to the external environment. In addition, the module will allow you to develop quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, through guided problem-based activities and case study analysis.

The content of the module covers:

• Operations strategy
• Designing operations
• Organisation design
• Planning and control
• Lean operations
• Project management
• Managing quality and continous process/product improvement
• Managing the supply chain and future direction of travel for operations management.

Public Law I: Constitutional and Administrative Law advanced

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

The module considers the nature and structure of the British Constitution. It addresses some of the core theoretical principles of the Constitution and examine how those principles are applied in the institutional arrangements of government in the UK. The relationship between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government will be considered, and the allocation of power between them is analysed in terms of both constitutional theory and political practice. The module also considers the extent to which state power is subject to control and restraint. The mechanisms that are used to control the exercises of state power are examined in some detail; the principles of Judicial Review, as well as the alternative mechanisms for holding the institutions of the state to account, are considered.

Canadian Constitutional Law in Comparative Perspective advanced

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

The distinctive nature and history of the Canadian state and Canadian constitutional arrangements make it an interesting study in its own right and a useful comparator at a time of growing discussion and interest in the field of constitutionalism. The Canadian model with its Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides a source of influence and inspiration to the UK and other Commonwealth countries and is frequently used as a comparator particularly because of the multi-faceted nature of the Canadian state and the commitment of the Canadian Constitution to multi-culturalism. Canadian constitutional law is examined in comparative perspective.

This module introduces you to the history, structures, sources and nature of the Canadian Constitution. In particular the module examines the distinctive history of the Canadian constitutional arrangements and the development of a rich Canadian constitutional literature which has made a major contribution to discussions of constitutionalism and difference. The context of multi-national Canadian democracy provides a particularly interesting case study for an examination of Constitutional contestation and the course examines how this context has influenced the structure of the Canadian state, including Canadian federalism, constitutional change in Canada and the adjudication of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 1982 through the courts.

Public Law II: Power, the Individual and the State advanced

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

The module builds upon Public Law I to develop a deeper understanding of the British constitution and of constitutional law more generally. Drawing upon legal, political and social theory, you examine the theoretical principles of constitutions focussing upon the operation and distribution of power within the state and its impact upon the lives of groups and individuals. Both theories and historical accounts of legitimacy, democracy and human rights will be examined, and their operation in contemporary legal and political practice will be considered.

Criminal Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module encompasses the elements of a crime; actus reus and mens rea; negligence and strict liability; the criminal liability of corporations and children; defences; accomplices; homicide; non-fatal offences against the person; sexual offences; theft and other property offences and inchoate offences. This module places the law within the framework of the Human Rights Act 1998. Some aspects of criminal law theory such as theories of punishment, why conduct should be criminalised and issues of procedure and evidence that are relevant to the substantive law are covered.

Law and Policy of the European Union advanced

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module examines the law and policy of the EU, with an emphasis on the role of law as a tool of European integration. The first part concentrates on a detailed study of the constitutional principles and values of the EU as expressed in the treaties and case law of the Court of Justice.

The second half of the module addresses substantive law, particularly in relation to the single market (in persons, goods and services) and non-market issues such as citizenship of the European Union and protection of fundamental rights.

Banking Law and Regulation

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module will introduce you to some of the key legal issues arising in banking. In Term 1 we will examine the principles that underpin the regulation of banking; this will start with a discussion of risk and general theories of regulation and then we will look more in-depth at the role of the Basel Committee in determining the nature of banking regulation on a global scale, the impact of the European Union directives on banking regulation and, finally, a case study of bank regulation in the UK. In Term 2 our attention will focus on a detailed analysis of the relationship between banks and their customers in English law, examining the rights and obligations of those parties and we will close by looking at accounts, money and methods of payment.

Commercial Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

One of the most powerful influences on human activity is the driving force of trade. Commercial law is primarily concerned with the rights and duties arising from the supply of goods and services by way of trade. This module adopts the specific-contract approach to the subject and focuses on the paradigm commercial transaction – the sale and supply of goods by one merchant to another.

Company Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to company law: an outline of the new statute: Companies Act 2006; the inter-relationship between statute and the common law; the role of the European Company Law Harmonisation Programme; Company Law in context, theory and history.
• Legal personality and limited liability: different categories of companies (the private/public divide); the rule in Salomon's case and lifting the veil of incorporation.
• The promotion of companies: the role of the Stock Exchange and investor protection; the role, duties and liabilities of the promoter; pre-incorporation contracts.
• The relationship between the company and the outside world: the objects of the company and the rise and fall of the ultra vires rule; the nullity principle; the internal operations of the company and their effect on third parties; principles of agency/vicarious liability, corporate crimes and criminal liability.
• The internal relations within the company: shareholders inter se; inter-relationship between the company's constitution and the Companies Act; alteration of the constitution; different classes of shares; preference shares and the alteration of their rights; the company and its employees; the stakeholder debate.
• The role of corporate governance in company life: the regulatory framework for companies; self-regulation by business and Government intervention; the work of the CG committees, a definition of CG and Corporate Social Responsibility;
• The management of the company: composition of the board of directors; formalities of management; division of functions between the company's organs.
• The qualification of directors: different kinds of directors (non-executive/executive; nominee; shadow; de facto); how are directors qualified?; the disqualification framework..
• Directors' duties and their enforcement: the new statutory statement of duties; to whom are the duties owed?; the rule in Foss v. Harbottle; derivative and representative actions.
• Protection of minority shareholders: just and equitable winding up; the action for unfair prejudice.

Competition Law of the European Union

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

The module examines the detailed rules of competition law and policy in the EU. You cover the law relating to cartels, abuses of dominant position, mergers, enforcement, state aid and the application of competition law to public services and undertakings entrusted with services of general economic interest.

Criminology

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

The first part of the module considers the development of explanations for criminal offending, looking at the classical and positivist schools of criminology as well as sociological, psychological and behaviouralist approaches. It concludes by examining the more radical alternatives offered by neo-Marxist and feminist criminologists, the so called 'Left Realists' and contemporary criminology.

The second part looks at the more practical dimensions of criminal justice, dealing with crime statistics and victim surveys; victims in the criminal justice system; punishment, rehabilitation and compensation; diversion of offenders; sentencing and penal policy; imprisonment and prison regimes; and non-custodial and community sentences.

Developing Leadership

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Organisations have traditionally conceived of leadership as a heroic attribute, appointing the few 'real' leaders to high-level senior positions in order to get them through the hard times. Many observers within organisations are questioning this approach and are beginning to think about the need to recognise and utilise a wider range of leadership practices. Leadership, they argue, needs to be conceived of as something that happens across functions and levels, and that is closely connected with social, cognitive and communicative skills such as those employed in negotiation and decision-making. New concepts and frameworks are needed in order to embrace this more inclusive understanding. This module adopts a systems approach, which focuses on method, people, context, and need. As such, the module offers a perspective that links the two dimensions of people and situation with two additional dimensions of process and content (methods and outcomes).

Dissertation

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module involves you researching and writing a 10,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice. Having chosen your research topic in consultation with a supervisor, you work under the guidance of your supervisor for the duration of the academic year. The teaching component of the module takes place during the first teaching block only and is seminar-based. The seminars are designed to equip you with the research skills required to complete your dissertations. The topics covered include: research methodology, writing up, advanced word processing, and researching online. You submit a 2,000 word research proposal to your supervisor during the first term and receive feedback on this. You also present your research proposals to the tutor and the other students at one of the seminars towards the end of the first term. The module seeks to develop the skills of independent research and learning; good time management; the ability to reflect upon progress; and an appreciation of the value of constructive criticism.

Employment Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

Employment Law is one of the fastest growing areas of law and practice: the volume of both case law and legislation is considerable. The election of a different political party to government inevitably brings new employment legislation in its wake and the current coalition government, which seeks to reconcile rather different aspirations, is producing fairly radical proposals for change. It is against this backdrop that the module seeks to examine and explore both the individual contract of employment and the tripartite relationship involving employers, employees and trade unions.

The module looks at the dramatic changes in working arrangements (such as the growing participation and influence of women in the workforce coupled with the very varied patterns of work (such as part-time/casuals/agency/flexible working),the employee/self-employed distinction, the employment contract and its sources with particular reference to implied terms such as mutual trust and confidence, and also the controversial expansion of employers' liability to encompass psychiatric harm caused by stress at work. Protection of wages and limitations on working hours, together with 'family-friendly' entitlements covering maternity, paternity, adoptive and parental issues, are also examined.

Topics of current interest which also now feature in the module are 'whistleblowing', restraint of trade covenants and references. Thereafter, the module addresses termination of employment, in particular wrongful and unfair dismissal, redundancy and transfers. Last, but certainly not least, the important and expanding subject of discrimination and equality law is examined in some detail, including sex, religion or belief, race, disability and age. We also examine equal pay issues in this section of the module.

Overall, the aim is to make the module informative, relevant and stimulating by combining the academic aspects of employment law with an appreciation of current developments and proposals in this dynamic area of law which affects all our lives. To keep you abreast of the latest developments, particularly in relation to the most substantial second term topic of discrimination and equality law, separate handbooks are issued at the start of each main teaching term.

Entrepreneurship and Small Firms

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

The module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the development of new ventures. Entrepreneurship is viewed as a process to provide sustainable economic, social and institutional change. Module content is limited to entrepreneurship in a small business context.

Environmental Law 1

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Can law protect the environment? This module introduces you to the role of law in decision-making processes which affect environmental quality and the use and conservation of natural resources. You will gain an understanding of the role of law at national, EU and international levels. You also look at what makes environmental problems distinctive and key issues such as how can we set legal standards for the environment? Can we tell industry or individuals what to do or should we incentivise behaviour by using economic tools or by disclosing information? Should we criminalise environmentally harmful behaviour or should we try to work with polluters to clean up and prevent problems in the future? What rights do we or future generations, or perhaps even the environment itself, have in relation to the environment? How far should we make those responsible for environmental harm pay for this? What role should the courts play in the development of environmental law?

Family Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module introduces you to the most important rules of family law. But it does more than just outline the rules on marriage and divorce, parental status and parental responsibility, child protection, domestic violence, contact and residence disputes, etc. It also considers the application of those rules in the social and political context that frames them. The module requires you to think about the nature of the family in it broadest sense (to include married and unmarried partners in adult relationships, and the great variety of ways in which adults raise and care for children) and to consider the appropriateness of the rules that govern the family in law. You will also be required to reflect on the place of law in the regulation of family life. The module will, for that reason, be both theoretical and extremely practical; and it will be both thoroughly legal (in a black letter sense) and a little sociological.

Global Business Law and Regulation

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the City or in an international business envionment. It presents a comprehensive discussion of cutting edge issues arising from the global financial crisis. The module develops an interdisciplinary understanding of the global context in which financial regulatory frameworks seek to operate. The interplay of the above theoretical and policy issues in domestic and international capital markets builds a solid foundation to explain how modern corporate and securities laws are shaped and how they have been evolved in judicial practices involving such law.

Hate Crime and the Law

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Healthcare Law and Ethics

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module introduces you to a number of key contemporary issues and debates within the field of health care law and policy. As well as gaining knowledge of the subject's substantive legal rules, you will acquire an understanding of the main ethical principles underlying these. The module is also designed to create an awareness of the historical development of health care law and policy and of how their contemporary nature is influenced by wider political and economic transformations at the national, EU and global levels.

Human Rights

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

Human rights has become part of the contemporary political discourse, so much so that we generally take for granted that we know what the concept covers. Today almost everyone around the globe is acquainted with the idea of human rights. We often hear about 'human rights', especially in the media. This module covers both domestic and international human rights systems as well as theoretical critiques of human rights (eg by cultural relativists and feminists). It also looks at contemporary human rights issues and some of the current challenges facing the human rights community.

Intellectual Property Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

The module covers aspects of the law of copyright, unregistered and registered trade marks, confidential information and patents. The module aims to introduce you to the principles of intellectual property law and its philosophical and economic justifications, but it will also encourage in-depth analysis of particular issues in the law and policy of intellectual property, such as internet 'piracy' and access to medicines in developing countries. The focus of the module will be on UK law and policy, however reference will be made to EU and international law where relevant.

International Business Transactions

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This module focuses on the international sale of goods transported by land, sea and air. Due to time constraints, this module only deals with carriage by sea. We will consider the main trade terms used in international sales contracts (common law and INCOTERMS), the essential elements of contracts of carriage of goods by sea, cargo insurance and key aspects of the financing of international sales transactions (mainly UCP 600).

International Human Resource Management

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to an analytical and critical approach to international aspects of HRM. Therefore, the module will examine, among other things: how power and politics are implicated in the internal dynamics of multinational corporations, how the 'ideal worker' as construed by strategic IHRM practices informs the expectations from workers, and if corporate social responsibility can possibly suffice to ensure a fair employment relationship in the absence of a transnational regulator.

Internet Law and Regulation

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This 15-credit module will introduce you over the term to the legal issues raised by the internet. The module will begin with a discussion of the various schools of thought about the application of law to the internet. It will also familiarise you with the history of communications legislation in the United Kingdom, as well as essential case law. You will be made familiar with the dual role of communications network users as both consumers and citizens and the economic and human rights arguments pertinent to each category. This will prepare you for later discussion of the case law and legislation of the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as comparative analysis of US legislation and case law. The relevant domestic, European and international laws will be scrutinised so that you will gain an understanding of the major regulatory regimes applicable to the internet.

Knowledge, work and organisations

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This module looks at the pivotal role that knowledge workers play in the creation, application and diffusion of knowledge within and between firms.

You will consider new approaches to managing learning processes in the firm, including developments such as knowledge management and communities of practice, and the novel organisational structures that have emerged to coordinate knowledge-­work activity.

You will explore the diffusion of knowledge between firms through different types of knowledge-worker communities and networks, as well as the role of labour mobility. You will also consider how certain skills are emerging to play a critical role in the knowledge economy - for example, consulting services and knowledge brokering. Finally, you will consider how labour market institutions that impact careers, skills and training of knowledge workers, shape different approaches to knowledge generation. 

Law and Aesthetics

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

Law and Development

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This module will cover the role of law and the legal system in human 'development' in 'developing' countries. We will explore how the law can affect the 'development' of a country and how the mode of development affects legal change. You will first engage with a critical understanding of the history and theory of law and development and engage with post-colonial crirtiques of law. The module will then examine specific topics including access to justice; human rights in the development process; governance, democracy, and development; technical legal assistance; and foreign direct investment.

Law and the Creative Industries

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module begins with an overview of the creative industries before looking at the regulatory framework thereof. It will then focus on the the music, film and fashion industries and consider legal issues and the relevant markets. 

In relation to music consideration will be given to the process of music creation and the players involved (eg songwriters, publishers, performers, producers, managers, etc); copyright and trade mark issues; contractual aspects; collective administration of music rights as a tool to creative efforts by individuals; and online exploitation of music and changing business models. For films the focus will be on the process of creation, production and distribution of a film; film financing; copyright and trade mark aspects; contractual issues; trade representatives for film actors in different jurisdictions. In relation to fashion consideration will be given to haute couture and prêt-à-porter such as creation, production and distribution of a collection; innovation in shapes, colours and textiles; copyright, design and trademark aspects; economic considerations concerning knock-offs, look-alikes and excellent fakes. For the gaming industry studies will revolve around key players in the industry, a case study of who administers interactive platforms and virtual worlds and intellectual and contractual issues in the video games industry. 

The module will also examine personality and privacy rights relating to the economic value of one's image (eg celebrities); commercialisation of a person's image through intellectual property, contracts and tort and human rights aspects. The module will conclude with an examination of current issues concerning the online environment including administration of content in the online environment and the online infrastructure.

Law of Succession (Aut)

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

This module is concerned with the devolution of assets on death, often representing the culmination of a person’s accumulation of goods in a lifetime of work and saving. The module considers both the law of intestacy (where property devolves by rules of law because there is no will) and the law of wills.

We will explore the modes of transfering inherited wealth and property on death in a social context, focusing on the idea of freedom of testation (which is particularly strong in this jurisdiction) and in the social context in which that principle operates. Here, we will consider the consequences that freedom of testation may have for poverty and the impact that that may have on the State’s obligation to alleviate poverty. The adequacy of current legislation to provide for the meeting of support obligations to family and dependants will be considered in this light.

The module will cover not only wills and intestacy, but also probate and the administration of estates (although in this regard the outline ideas rather than the technical details will be relevant to our study).

Legal Theory

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module will examine theoretical approaches to law and legal discourse. After an initial grounding in the history, relevance and contemporary significance of jurisprudence and legal theory the module will explore in more detail doctrinal and philosopical approaches to the law, as well as more critical approaches such as feminism, socio-legal approaches, law and economics, law and literature and law and anthropology. Particular theories will be considered in relation to relevant substantive areas of law. You will be given the opportunity to consider recent legal judgements from a critical perspective. Ultimately you will be asked to consider whether the way in which the law works is appropriate for contemporary issues in modern society.

Media Law and Regulation

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Principles of Islamic Law

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Islamic law is based on the Quran, the practice of the Prophet Muhammad and the writings of Muslim scholars and jurists making it one of the oldest and most significant systems of law in the contemporary age. Understanding Islamic law is crucial not only for Muslims, but for non-Muslims who work with Muslims in legal contexts as well as for anyone wanting to understand the role of Islam in the world today. 

This module will provide a critical overview of the history and practice of Islamic law. We will examine the basic concepts of Islamic law, its classification and the development of the classical schools of jurisprudence. We will then consider the place of Islamic Law in the modern state and government. Placing Islamic law in the present context this module will investigate the purposes, methodologies and processes of Islamic jurisprudence.

Professional Negligence

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Professional negligence and liability is a well established specialist area of academic legal study as well as an important specialism within legal practice. The range of solicitors' firms and barristers' chambers that offer specialist professional negligence services is extensive. Some focus upon claimant based actions against, for example, architects, accountants, doctors, lawyers and surveyors while others focus upon defence work. Large City of London and similar practices will often specialise in bringing or defending complex commercially focussed professional negligence claims (eg the largest claims against firms of solicitors or accountants can run to hundreds of millions of pounds). Consideration will also be given to professional protections and the history of professional immunities. 

This moduleenables you to consider and debate key areas of professional negligence and liability focussing predominantly on the position in England and Wales but also making international comparisons where appropriate. The module will consider the common law, statutory and other regulatory aspects of professional control and liability. In essence, the module will seek to address the question, 'how are professionals controlled and what avenues of redress are available for the wrongs they commit?'

Public and Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

This module provides an introduction to organization and management in the public and nonprofit sectors. It combines perspectives from organization studies, management, economics, sociology, political science, and public policy. The first part of the module aims to develop insights into why public action is needed and how it is implemented including the governance of courses and projects, their budgeting and management, and the demonstration of their effectiveness. The second part of the module will examine the nonprofit sector. In addition to comparing the scope of activity, means of delivery and approaches to evaluation in this sector with the public sector, the second part of the module will examine the problems of mobilising support for nonprofit activities including fundraising, the enrolment of volunteers, and the role of professional staff. Seminars will develop more deeply the topics treated during the lectures by considering specific experience in both Anglo-American and more international contexts.

Public International Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

Public International Law governs the relations between states. Increasingly, during the 20th and early 21st centuries it has also come to regulate the activity of individuals and organisations. This module aims to provide a grounding in the basic concepts and general principles of international law. You will be encouraged to examine the legal basis of international law, the sources of the law and the relationship between international law and national law. The module will also examine recent developments and matters of controversy in international law and will introduce you to interdisciplinary aspects of the study of international law.

Short Dissertation A

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

The dissertation module involves researching and writing a 5,000-word dissertation on a subject of you choice. Having chosen your research topic in consultation with a supervisor, you will work under the guidance of your supervisor for teaching block 1. The teaching component is seminar based. The seminars are designed to equip you with the research skills required to complete your dissertation. The topics covered include: research methodology, writing up, advanced word processing and researching online. You submit a 2,000-word research proposal to your supervisor and receive feedback on this. You also present your research proposals to the tutor and the other students at one of the seminars towards the end of the first term. The module seeks to develop the skills of independent research and learning; good time management; the ability to reflect upon progress; and an appreciation of the value of constructive criticism.

You cannot undertake both Short Dissertation A and B and this module cannot be taken if you are completing the 30-credit dissertation module.

Short Dissertation B

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

The dissertation module involves researching and writing a 5,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. Having chosen your research topic in consultation with a supervisor, you will work under the guidance of your supervisor for teaching block 2. The teaching component is seminar based. The seminars are designed to equip you with the research skills required to complete your dissertation. The topics covered include research methodology, writing up, advanced word processing and researching online. You will submit a 2,000-word research proposal to your supervisor and receive feedback on this. You also present your research proposals to the tutor and the other students at one of the seminars. The module seeks to develop the skills of independent research and learning; good time management; the ability to reflect upon progress; and an appreciation of the value of constructive criticism.

You cannot undertake both Short Dissertation A and B and this module cannot be taken if you are completing the 30-credit dissertation module.

Sports Law

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

The module will cover the subject of sports law with reference to national, regional and international regulatory systems. In its introductory part, the module will address historical aspects of sports law, which led to the establishment of dedicated governing bodies. The module will then cover issues of tort law which affect participants in and spectators at sport events. Matters of public order will be considered with reference to the legal repercussions that emerged, for example, from the events at Heysel Stadium and Hillsborough.

Employment contracts in sports will be analysed in detail, with particular emphasis on the relationship between sportsmen and sportswomen and their employers, but also on the safeguards in place for other employees, which are not directly involved with sport performances but contribute to the organisation and running of sport events.

We will review the European dimension of sports law, and the impact of fundamental freedoms in the relevant regulatory framework. This will include an analysis of the impact of competition rules and media laws on the broadcasting of sport. Moreover, intellectual property matters will be addressed, with reference to the branding and marketing of sports personalities and events.

On issues of integrity, the module will examine rules intended to prevent instances of discrimination, and enhance standards of financial governance for the stakeholders involved. The module will conclude with a part dedicated to international and comparative aspects of anti-doping regulations.

The Ethics and Conduct of Lawyers

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

The role and nature of lawyers' ethics, conduct and regulation continues to be a contentious topic of discussion amongst academics and practitioner groups. The place it should occupy within the undergraduate law syllabus as a component of the future education of lawyers also remains topical. More broadly, professional regulation may be seen as a significant element of modern government and public policy. From those who would categorise the term 'lawyers' ethics' as an oxymoron, playing little or no part in the day-to-day practice of the lawyer as hired gun, to those who place an ethical legal profession at the heart of democratic liberal values, this is a subject area that warrants close academic scrutiny.

The overarching objective of the module will be to deliver a grounding in the theory and practice of lawyers' ethics, conduct and regulation. The focus will primarily be on England and Wales with some comparative examples as appropriate. The module will be relevant whether you are considering a career practising law or you have a more general academic interest in this field.

Module content will draw from key debates and so may vary from year to year but core elements will remain. Notably the ideals of legal professionalism; professional organisation; professional power and culture; historical and current considerations of professional education, ethics, governance, regulation, discipline and dispute resolution, all as applied to the legal professions. Specific issues will also play a role, for example, diligence and confidentiality in relation to client matters and wider professional obligations to third parties and society as a whole. Where relevant theoretical insights will be drawn from philosophy, the sociology of the legal profession and regulatory theory.

The Law of Evidence

30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

This module is a study of the law of evidence in England and Wales but we also take the opportunity to examine and assess selected developments in other common law jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada and the USA. An outline of the history and development of evidence law puts into context the significance of key principles as developed very largely by case-law and, increasingly, now to be found in statutory provisions.

From the last quarter of the 20th century to the present day, we examine and assess the significant impact that issues such as re-balancing the interests of victims as against those of defendants plus the rapid development of anti-terrorist legislation aimed at protecting society are having on the fundamental principles of presumption of innocence, burden of proof and right of silence. The overall objective of a fair trial is considered in both domestic and ECtHR jurisprudence. We also explore the impact of changes over the same period on the worrying prevalence of miscarriages of justice in areas such as confession evidence and eyewitness identification.

The two major exclusionary rules of evidence – bad character and hearsay – are examined in some depth in the latter part of the module and we also address important issues relating to witnesses, such as competence, compellability, special measures for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses and the very vexed question of sexual history evidence. To ensure particularly that the rapidly developing law on bad character and hearsay is as up-to-date as possible, separate handbooks are issued at the start of each main teaching term. Overall, the aim is to make the module informative, relevant and stimulating.

The Legal Regulation of Sexual Relationships

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This module focuses on the legal regulation of sexual encounters, and requires you to think critically about the values and assumptions that underpin legal responses to a variety of sexual and intimate relationships. Key questions which orient the module are: What messages do the substantive law and enforcement practices communicate about the nature and value of sexual activity? What are the consequences of the legal regulation of sexual activity in everyday life?

Topics that will be explored include:

• legal definitions of ‘sexual activity’
• the role of consent in distinguishing sex from sexual violation
• sexual activity involving vulnerable people such as children and mentally disordered adults
• legal responses to pornography and sex work/prostitution
• legal aspects of same sex relationships.

The module combines elements of criminal, family and mental capacity law, and encourages you to consider the ways that different aspects of legal regulation intersect in particular contexts. For example, you will explore the relationship between criminal law and mental capacity law in relation to the sexual activity of mentally disordered adults. Discussion and analysis of the substantive law will be informed by a range of relevant theoretical approaches, such as feminist theory, intersectionality, masculinity studies and queer theory.

The module will be taught via weekly two-hour seminars. These will alternate between standard seminars, each focused on a particular substantive topic, and ‘workshop’ sessions, the majority of which will consist of reading groups on one key text (in order to help you get to grips with some of the more complex theoretical approaches you will need to engage with).

One week will be devoted to guidance on the assessment.