You will be introduced to the core legal skills needed for a career in law and explore the operation and fundamental principles of the legal system of England and Wales, enabling you to acquire a basic knowledge of the main legal institutions and professions, sources of law and the criminal and civil justice systems. You’ll learn about the rules of interpretation and the funding of legal services as well as develop the critical and research skills required for the study and practice of law.

You’ll study the key principles of corporate law in England and Wales looking at the concept of the company as a separate legal entity and considering aspects such as limited liability, the corporate veil, constitution and the role of directors and shareholders. You’ll also explore the internal processes and procedures that a company must follow together with the associated legal reporting requirements. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about issues such as minority protection, majority rule and the separation of ownership and control so that you can apply these key concepts to problem-based scenarios. 

You’ll develop your awareness of issues surrounding contract law and dispute resolution.  You’ll consider the practical and ethical implications of contract law and how it operates in society within a range of social, economic and political contexts. You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the main legal principles and issues of dispute resolution, the contexts in which disputes may arise and the objectives of parties in disputes. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the methods and processes used to resolve civil disputes cost-effectively in England and Wales, using contract law scenarios to contextualise the material.  

We’ll introduce you to the operation and fundamental principles of the UK’s constitution, including the Crown and Parliament, central government, devolved institutions, EU institutions and the judiciary, as well as principles of the British Constitution, the nature, status and procedure for passing primary and delegated legislation, government accountability and the relationship between the government and parliament, parliamentary sovereignty, the separation of powers, the rule of law, judicial control of the Executive, the process and principles of judicial review and the role of the European Convention of Human Rights in domestic law. This module also explores the fundamental principles of the European Union’s legal basis and the important role that this supranational organisation still retains on the structure of law in England and Wales.

This module will enable you to develop your awareness of the role, remit and function of the law of Torts, including practical and ethical implications, its operation within society and the social, economic and political contexts and underlying policy issues relating to (and impacting on) its operation.

You’ll gain an appreciation of areas of key importance to legal practitioners in England and Wales relating to Property and Land Law. You’ll be introduced to the process of analysis of the definition of land and practical application to the conveyancing process. Areas covered will include: Estates; Unregistered and registered land and conveyancing processes; Trusts of Land; Adverse Possession; Mortgages; and Conveyancing. The theory will be illustrated using current and contemporary case studies to allow you to apply your learning to real scenarios and consider the interrelation of different areas of your studies.

This module covers the main principles of English Criminal Law and analysis of their practical application. During this module, you’ll study a wide range of subject areas, which include: Elements of offences, Specific and Inchoate offences, Modes of liability, Capacity to commit offences, Defences, Burdens and standards of proof, Competence and compellability of witnesses, Special measures, Examination and Cross Examination, and Expert Evidence.

You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to equity and trusts. Through the use of specific case studies, you’ll explore practical and ethical implications, and evaluate the operation of equity and trusts within society. You’ll look at the social, economic and political contexts and underlying policy issues relating to their operation, and their impact.

In order to demonstrate your critical understanding of issues and concepts in connection with a legal topic, you will define a research project of your choice on an area of law. You will be supported through individual supervisions and workshops to formulate a proposal, research, analyse and make judgements on an informed understanding of arguments in the area of law in question, before evaluating and completing a research-based written dissertation.

This module allows you to develop, practice and demonstrate skills relevant to your programme of study in a professional work environment.

You must select one of the following two options for your Professional Placement.

Industry Placement

Spend a year working full-time in industry. You will have an opportunity to apply to a range of advertised placements, which will offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in a professional workplace setting. Although we cannot guarantee placements for students, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your placement.

For aspiring solicitors, the professional industry placement may count as ‘qualifying work experience’ (QWE) before the SQE assessments are taken (experience from previous roles can also count). The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has more detailed guidance on QWE: SRA | Qualifying work experience | Solicitors Regulation Authority

Research Project

Develop your research and academic skills by working as a member of a research team being led by one of our leading researchers. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in academic or industrial research or consultancy.