Programme aims
The course provides students with an accredited qualifying law degree together with a Masters degree, as well as an option of enrolling into one of our joint degrees complementing the accredited law degree with a choice of topics ranging from Politics to Finance.
At the undergraduate level, students will study all of the foundations of legal knowledge, as prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. The course allows a wide choice of optional modules offered in the School of Law and for joint degrees optional modules offered by the relevant departments.
At the masters’ level, students will choose a specialisation into the human rights law, international law or the commercial law pathways offered. At this level, students will gain in-depth knowledge and strong understanding of the main legal rules, concepts, models, principles and institutions of their chosen pathway topic. They will develop advanced legal research and critical analytical skills throughout their masters year sharpening their research and analytical skills developed during UG studies.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Fundamental doctrines and principles of the law, and the institutions and procedures of the legal system of England and Wales.
A2: Social, cultural, economic and political context in which the law develops.
A3: Some substantive areas of law in depth.
A4: Those areas of law relevant for progression to professional legal training and examinations.
A101: Develop an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental doctrines, principles and institutions of international law as they pertain to the protection and promotion of human rights.
A102: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and strong understanding of rules, concepts, models, principles and institutions of international law.
A103: Develop an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental doctrines, principles and institutions of international commercial law
Learning methods
A1, A2, A3, A4 (and A101 (Human Rights pathway only), A102 (International Law pathway only) and A103 (Commercial Law pathway only) if applicable) are acquired through lectures; large group interactive classes which encourage dialogue between the students and teacher and between the students inter se; and tutorials which allow students to work in small groups and for dynamic interaction.
Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, students should use, present and evaluate relevant numerical or statistical information as appropriate.
Students are expected to undertake independent research through directed reading to consolidate and develop what they have learned in class, and in particular, for their Legal Research Project at the UG level and for their Advanced Legal Research project at the masters level.
Assessment methods
Testing of the knowledge base for A1 – A4, A101-A103 is through unseen examinations and coursework.
Coursework consists of essays, problem analysis, oral presentations, group projects and individual research projects.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B101: Identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching.
B102: Apply relevant primary and secondary legal sources.
B103: Reason critically, identify, analyse, and solve complex problems, even in the absence of complete data.
B104: Recognise, rank and collate items and issues in terms of relevance and importance.
B105: Produce a synthesis of relevant doctrinal and policy issues in relation to a topic.
B106: Critically evaluate the merits of particular arguments and advanced scholarship in the field.
B107: Present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions or methodologies and, where necessary, propose new hypotheses.
B108: Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly.
B109: Demonstrate and exercise originality of thought in the application of knowledge.
Learning methods
Skills B101 - B109 are obtained and developed through seminars and large group interactive classes where there is an emphasis on group discussion and analysis of case material and problems (hypothetical and actual).
All skills are complemented by independent research through the Legal Research Project at UG level and the Advanced Legal Research Project at the Masters level.
Assessment methods
Skills B101 - B108 will be assessed through course essays and the dissertation.
B109 will be assessed by the dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C101: Identify, select and retrieve up-to-date legal information, using both paper and electronic sources.
C102: Use and apply legal terminology and legal concepts, not only in legal settings, but to applied problems, actual or hypothetical.
C103: Plan and undertake tasks in and beyond complex areas of law that have already been studied; and plan and autonomously undertake independent research in areas of law not previously studied.
Learning methods
Skill C101 is developed through preparation for seminars and the large group interactive classes, and through research for the Dissertation.
Skills C102 and C103 are developed through seminars by way of the medium of problem solving and group discussion.
Skill C103 is particularly developed through the Legal Research Project at the UG level and the Advanced Legal Research Project at the Masters level.
Assessment methods
Skills C101 – C103 are assessed through coursework and research projects at the UG and masters levels.
Skill C102 is also obtained through unseen examinations.
D: Key skills
D101: A student should be able to:
Work with the English language proficiently in relation to matters of law;
Present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and relevant manner; Analyse materials pertaining to law that are complex and technical
D102: A student should be able to:
Produce a word-processed essay and other text in an appropriate form
Use the worldwide web, e-mail, and also some electronic information retrieval systems.
D103: A student should be able to:
Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, use, present and evaluate information provided in numerical or statistical form.
D104: Demonstrate the ability to:
Identify legal issues
Adopt effective research methodologies and appropriate presentation for legal, theoretical and practical issues
D105: Demonstrate the ability to engage in group discussions and debates of legal, theoretical and practical issues.
D106: A student should be able:
To reflect on his or her own learning, and to seek and make use of feedback.
To appreciate when s/he does not know enough and needs to undertake further
Learning methods
Skills D101 – D106 are developed through preparation for seminars and tutorials and by way of the medium of problem solving and group discussion within these interactive sessions.
Skills D102, D104, and D106 are further developed through the Legal Research Project at the UG level and the Advanced Legal Research Project at the Masters level.
Assessment methods
D101 - D104 and D106 are assessed through unseen exams, coursework and the research projects at the UG and masters levels.