| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
|
Intellectual Property Law
|
30 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Intellectual Property (IP) can be defined as creations of the mind - everything from works of art to inventions, computer programs to trademarks and other commercial signs. The purpose of the various fields of Intellectual Property Law is to deter others from copying or taking advantage of the works or reputations of another and provide remedies should this occur. Intellectual Property is protected in law by, for instance, trademarks, copyright and patents that allow individuals to gain financial benefit or recognition from what they create or invent. By striking a fair balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, Intellectual Property aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish. |
|
Information Technology Law
|
30 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module will examine the impact that digital technologies such as computerisation and internet communications are currently having on society, the law, as well as legal procedures. We will explore the development of the Internet in terms of technology and the debate on its regulation. As part of the module, we will also examine the development of E-Commerce and digital economy and consider consumer protection issues. We will also evaluate the nature of online contracts including relevant terms of service and focus on consumer protection matters. The module will also explore the issue of internet intermediary liability along with related internet topics. We will also analyse the impact of new and emerging technologies such as, AI robotics, and computing on Information Technology Law. There will also be an introduction to the certain key principles, rules and concepts surrounding data protection issues. |
|
Research Methods and Skills
|
0 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module prepares you for undertaking independent research in your chosen modules, as well as an individual research dissertation in your chosen field. The aim is to provide the opportunity for students to develop and apply postgraduate level skills of independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation. You will examine different legal and other research methods and assess their relevance to your own independent research and practice. |
|
LLM Dissertation
|
60 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The dissertation requires you to select a topic relevant to one of your LLM module choices. Guidance is given on topic selection. Students are allocated a supervisor for their dissertation to provide them with support and some formative feedback. Supervision meetings are documented through diary sheets completed by both parties. |
|
Banking Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| This module will allow students to develop an understanding of the role of Banks in our economy and certain regulatory and supervisory regimes that apply to them. You will analyse the nature of the Banker-Customer relationship and examine the impact of new electronic payments systems on the Banking industry. You will also consider developments within Money Laundering Regulations and the issue of Bank resolution with reference to the global financial crisis. |
|
International Financial Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| This module will allow students to compare the approach of different jurisdictions to key aspects of financial law. You will examine aspects of the regulation and supervision of financial institutions (particularly in response to the global financial crisis), explore aspects of the International Financial Architecture and evaluate the role of Credit Rating Agencies. You will also examine the nature of certain key debt and financial instruments including International Bonds and Syndicated Loan Agreements. You will be encouraged to research and discuss emerging legal issues relating to International Financial Law. |
|
Data Protection Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| This module will enable you to examine the development of data protection law as a distinct area of legal practice. You will explore the current data protection legislation in the UK and the EU and its implementation through case law, real-life examples and scenarios. In this context, you will examine the key concepts of the data protection law, such as the notion of informed consent and transparency requirements in the face of continuous technological developments, e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things. You will also consider in detail the obligations placed on data controllers, as well as the rights enjoyed by individual data subjects. Furthermore, the module involves the analysis of various policy challenges posed by Brexit such as in relation to international data transfers. |
|
Medical Law and Ethics
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| On this course, you will examine a wide range of both medical law and bioethics, with an international perspective. Included in the module will be medical negligence and legal and ethical dilemmas regarding patients consent to medical treatment including Advance Decisions and treatment of the incompetent patient. You will then consider medical law and ethics from birth to death . Beginning with new and emerging assisted reproductive technologies that have global application to the start of life then turns to subjects such as abortion. Highly topical issues and relevant issues to the global society such as organ donation will be explored before moving onto the end of life which will include, examination of the law and ethics of assisted suicide in the UK and other countries and other end of life issues. You will also examine any new emerging technologies/areas of law in this fast-developing area of law and ethics globally. |
|
Employment Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| In this course, you will look at the concept of employment status, particularly in the light of new ways of working and possible reform. You will be considering both express and implied terms of a contract of employment, along with possible ways to vary them and the implications thereof. You will analyse current Equality Law. The law relating to dismissal in its various forms will also be considered. You will also study remedies available for various claims. |
|
Legal Risk and Compliance
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| Legal Risk is an atypical practically-oriented module that attempts to place the student into the role and mindset of an in-house adviser undertaking the evolving dual legal / commercial role within the risk / compliance paradigm. Seminars are structured with a view to student-focussed participation and discussion and bookended with a structured set of pre-seminar and post seminar tasks to enable students to consider and evaluate issues and topics of the week both in advance and consolidate and reflect after seminar sessions. |
|
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| You will study Copyright Law which is an Intellectual Property right providing its owner with the exclusive right to use a creative work such as, written, audio-visual, musical, or dramatic works, with some exceptions. Over the years, copyright law has gone through great changes to keep up with advances in technology and media. Current developments in AI technology raise new issues concerning the scope and purpose of copyright protection. Copyright is relevant to AI in multiple ways. Machine learning technology learns from data that might be protected by copyright. Moreover, some AI systems can also autonomously generate new works, which might be copyright protected. Additionally, AI technology is also used to identify and prevent online copyright infringement. By striking the right balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, copyright and Artificial Intelligence aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish. |
|
Public International Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| This module considers the nature, sources, and mechanisms of public international law. It examines the role of the state and international institutions and engages students with contemporary international law challenges and encourages them to reflect on their geopolitical implications. |
|
Private International Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| The subject comprises of the general principles of private international law and the role of connecting factors (domicile/residence etc.) while moving on to the three substantive areas (a) jurisdiction (b) choice of law (c) recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Students are encouraged to read and consider the content of primary materials and to reflect on the difficult litigation that may sometimes arise in this area of law, acknowledging how the nature of the subject has changed from being concerned with the propertied expatriate to the multinational operations of a globalised world. |
|
International Human Rights Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| The module provides a rigorous and stimulating, theoretical and practical understanding of human rights law from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Students will examine theoretical and philosophical discussions on human rights, international law on human rights, as well as regional systems of protection and the effectiveness of the United Nations system. In this module, students will focus on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and will use certain case studies from around the world to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of international human rights law. |
|
International Commercial Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| The module will examine the choice of law/jurisdiction clauses, the different types of international commercial contracts and the respective implications for the parties involved. In the module, you will also examine the various international conventions applicable to international commerce as well as the role of documentation through a consideration of bill of lading. Finally, marine insurance and the typical method of financing used in international commerce will be discussed in detail. |
|
Clinical Legal Education and Research
|
60 Credits |
Optional |
| Students are given the opportunity to take part in one or more pro bono projects to develop their practical and professional skills. This may include working in Hertfordshire Law Clinic, taking part in Streetlaw projects, shadowing solicitors at the Employment tribunal or county court, or volunteering with an external pro bono project such as the Free Representation Unit. Students wanting to rely on volunteering with an external project for this module will need to seek prior approval from the module leader to ensure that they will have the opportunity to gain appropriate experience and will receive suitable supervision. Students will work under supervision and will carry out a range of tasks which may include interviewing clients, conducting legal research, drafting and representing clients at a tribunal. The module will also explore ethical issues, ensuring that students are able to identify and act in accordance with the core duties of professional conduct and ethics. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their progress in their pro bono project(s) Students will strengthen their time-management, teamwork, organisational, communication and employability skills. |
|
Crimes of the Powerful
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| To limit criminological blindness on how crime is defined and/or considered, studies have sought to broaden the criminological discourse on criminality and examined crimes or harm committed by the powerful in society. Crimes of the elite cover a range of harmful activities, crimes committed by the powerful and states have harmed, killed, injured, robbed, and sexually violated more people than non-state violent crime/terrorism, and this pattern continues. This module will enable students to examine crimes/harm perpetrated by the state and individuals who hold a significant social/political authority. Students will be challenged to examine the full dimensions of crimes of the elite as one of the social problems within society. The module will generally include state crime, human rights with human security, war crime, and human rights, historical and contemporary forms of mass violence, corruption, hate crime, cooperate crimes, and the international mechanisms designed to prevent large-scale social harms. |
|
GLOBAL POLICING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| Global law enforcement operates within a complex and interconnected world to respond to crime by sourcing their efforts within an international legal framework to enforce national criminal law. This module aims to enable students to examine law enforcement in different cultural contexts (i.e., Europe, Africa, Asia, North America), a comparative analysis between the policing systems. The respective social, cultural, and political systems that influence social order and control will be considered. The module traces the development of international, transnational and EU legal frameworks on law enforcement cooperation. Develop conceptual and critical insights into contemporary issues in the theory, policy, and practice of law enforcement, and apply the knowledge to own jurisdictions. Key concepts include the development of global policing, global policing power, theorising global policing, law enforcement models and procedural requirements in different jurisdictions. The module considers the nature of global policing, police cooperation strategies and underlying legal frameworks. |
|
Company Law
|
30 Credits |
Optional |
| In this module, you will focus on the fundamental and contemporary aspects of company law. You will learn and develop your knowledge of the internal operations of a company, ranging its incorporation, the rights and duties of shareholders and directors, the governance of the firm and remedies available to the company. You will also critically evaluate the nature of its separate legal personality and consider the agency problem. |
