Module Directory

This module goes beyond asking students to learn what law is. Instead, it asks them to understand how law changes, who and what influences that change, and how law is shaped by the social, political, economic and technological context. As a foundation-level transition module, it prepares students to enter their legal studies with a grasp of legal change, legal institutions, legal sources, and the role of the law in society. Students will learn that law is not only a set of rules, but also a process through which social problems are defined, policy choices are made, legal authority is exercised, and competing interests are balanced.

The module is built on a case-study design, where students will study the evolution of the law, as well as the reasons and processes through which laws change, in ways that are directly linked to their own lived experiences, current events, and the wider socio-political context in the UK. Students will be able to move from everyday awareness of societal issues, such as the use of social media, voting rights, AI regulation, and health emergencies, towards an introductory academic understanding of how these issues become legal questions. Throughout the module, students will develop the legal literacy, research, communication and reflective skills needed for progression to undergraduate Law study.

The aims of this module are:

• To introduce law as a system of institutions, sources, and processes.


• To develop students’ understanding of how law is shaped by, and impacts on, ethical, social, political, environmental and economic norms.


• To prepare students for undergraduate legal research, communication, and assessment.


• To encourage a reflective, inclusive and critical engagement with law.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Identify the main sources and institutions involved in UK law-making.


2. Explain the relationship between policy, legislation, regulation, and judicial interpretation/precedent.


3. Describe how laws are adopted, repealed and/or revised in terms of substance and process.


4. Analyse case studies of real-life reforms to the law using a structured approach.


5. Communicate ideas using appropriate legal terminology.


6. Reflect on their own learning and transition into undergraduate Law studies.

Transferable Skills

• Contextual analysis: understanding and mapping how legal developments are shaped by various factors


• Communication skills: clearly communicating complex information and concepts


• Legal research skills: finding and assessing legal, policy, parliamentary, regulatory and media sources


• Time management skills: learning to put together a portfolio and meeting deadlines throughout the academic year


• Critical, ethical, and contextual awareness: ability to identify legal and contemporary social issues in UK current affairs


• Reflection: Ability to critically reflect on your skills and on steps for further improvement

Complimentary learning or prior knowledge

No prior knowledge is required to follow this module. The module was designed for students in their foundation year of study.

Syllabus information

The module consists of two parts:

In Part I, which will take place in the Autumn Term, the lectures and corresponding tutorials will be focused on the overall theme of legislating in the UK.

In Part II, which will take place in the Spring Term, students will explore the evolution of law and the context around it through specific case studies. Each case study will be delivered across 2 weeks.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour seminar per week
• One 2-hour lecture per week

Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.