Year 1 - full details

Core modules

Criminal Law (CPE)

This module examines the aims and objectives of Criminal Law and the foundations of criminal liability. It considers actus reus, causation, mens rea, non-fatal offences against the person, homicide, general defences, theft, burglary, rape, inchoate offences and parties to crime.

English Legal System (CPE)

This course offers students on this programme an introduction to the elements of the English Legal System. Topics considered include the court structure, the sources of law, statutory interpretation, legal personnel and judicial precedent. The student will be given pre-directed reading on these key topics. The course also introduces students to the nature of studying law.

Equity and Trusts (CPE)

This module examines the nature of the law of equity, equitable obligations and the trust concept. It considers the role and place of equity in the 21st century and uses for the jurisdiction, whilst emphasising both the domestic and commercial aspects of trusts. It considers, in depth, the obligations of trustees, and the liabilities which might arise from breach of such obligations, both from a personal and proprietary perspective.

European Law (CPE)

The module examines political institutions and processes of the European Community - the European Court of Justice and its jurisdiction. Sources and general principles of the law of the EU. Principle of Supremacy direct effect, indirect effect, state liability. Enforcement procedures are examined including individuals enforcing their rights against a member state. Introduction to substantive areas of EU law: free movement of goods, free movement of persons and competition law.

Independent Legal Study (CPE)

This module offers students the opportunity to research their chosen area of law independently. Students will be provided with a list of titles from which to make a choice following discussion with academic staff. Students may also propose their own area of research subject to School of Law approval.

Land Law (CPE)

The module contains a brief introduction to the meaning of land, the historical development of land law including strict settlements and trusts for sale, the formalities for the creation of legal and equitable third party interests in land. Unregistered title is considered but a more in-depth study is made of the registered system (with emphasis on the Land Registration Act 2002). The module also examines trusts of land (including disputes), co-ownership, commonhold, leases (with the emphasis on enforceability of leasehold covenants), easements, mortgages and adverse possession. The Human Rights Act 1998 will be referred to, where relevant.

Law of Contract (CPE)

The module examines the nature of the Law of Contract considering how contracts are formed, how terms are derived, vitiating factors, discharge of contracts and remedies (including an outline of the law of restitution). Specific topics covered include offer and acceptance, consideration, privity, exemption clauses, misrepresentation, mistake, duress, undue influence, illegality, breach, performance, frustration, damages and equitable remedies

Law of Tort (CPE)

This module examines the aims and objectives of Tort Law and the foundations of Tortious liability including relevant aspects of the Human Rights Act 1998. It considers common law torts, statute based torts and intentional torts.

Public Law (CPE)

This module examines the nature of public law. It comprises three distinct aspects - the constitution, human rights and administrative law. The first part examines the nature and sources of the British Constitution and the impact on the constitution of membership of the EU. Secondly human rights examines the European Convention of Human Rights, the Human Rights Act and the balance of individual rights in the context of freedom of expression. Thirdly the module examines administrative law and the mechanisms for the control of the executive through Judicial Review and consideration of the role of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.