Module Catalogue 2024/25

LAW1054 : Introduction to Business Law

LAW1054 : Introduction to Business Law

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Aris Christidis
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Neha Vyas
  • Lecturer: Mr Damian Beasley-Suffolk
  • Owning School: Newcastle Law School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

n/a

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

n/a

Aims

1. To acquire familiarity with the main legal institutions and sources of English law
2. To achieve awareness of areas of substantive law relevant to the operation of Business.
3. To provide an understanding of the commercial purpose and operation of the areas of law under consideration.

This module is designed for non-law students to introduce them to the nature of law, legal institutions, and substantive private law. It covers the law of obligations, employment law, the law of business organisations and company law.

Outline Of Syllabus

A.       An introduction to Law and the English Legal System
-       The Nature of Law
-       The Sources of English Law
-       The Court System and Alternative Dispute Resolution
B.       General Principles of Contract Law (The law of obligations I)
-       An introduction to Contract Law
-       Formation of Contracts
-       Vitiating Factors
-       Discharge and Remedies
C.       General Principles of Tort Law (The law of obligations II)
-       An introduction to Tort Law
-       The law of negligence and professional negligence
D.       Employment Law
-       Contracts of Employment
-       Dismissal and Redundancy
E.       The Structure and Management of Business
-       Business Organisations
-       Company Law I: Formation and Finance
-       Company Law II: Company Running, Maintenance and Liquidation

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

-       Identify the different sources of law
-       Acquire an understanding of legal terminology
-       Demonstrate a good understanding of the substantive law relevant to business and commerce

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

Subject specific skills

-       Appreciate the role of law and regulation in business and commerce
-       Recognise, analyse and apply relevant legal concepts, principles, and rules
-       Synthesise case law, legislation, and other materials

Transferable skills

-       Develop analytical thinking
-       Develop critical reasoning skills
-       Develop commercial awareness through the prism of law
-       Demonstrate skills in collecting, handling, evaluating and applying information

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion160:0060:00Time for students to complete formative and summative coursework & assessments
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture281:0028:00In person lectures on substantive class content (FLEX: can be moved to online material)
Guided Independent StudySkills practice80:152:008 MCQs intended to allow students to self-test
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching51:005:001 hour in-person seminars (FLEX: can be delivered as on-line ZOOM seminars)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1103:00103:00Combination of own reading and revision of substantive module content. Directed seminar reading.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time21:002:00Q&A sessions placed throughout the module to allow for all students to be able to ask questions
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
LAW8142Law for Accounting Practice
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods have been adapted for delivery in the post-COVID environment and are based on the presumption that in person lectures, seminars and in-person drop-in sessions will be possible but that this shall need to be supplemented by making alternative arrangements under ‘FLEX’ in case of the possibility of more limited possibilities for on Campus teaching.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination751A20Inspera Digital Exam. An examination of a particular style is necessary to meet accreditation requirements (PSRBs) for accounting and finance organisation
Digital Examination1352A80Inspera Digital Exam. An examination of a particular style is necessary to meet accreditation requirements (PSRBs) for accounting and finance organisation
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An examination of a particular style is necessary to meet accreditation requirements (PSRBs) for accounting and finance organisations. The two papers with an attribution of 20%/80% allows students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application. This attribution is aligned with the examination of the other Stage 1 modules in Accounting and Finance. This structure also allows student progression on and over the year to be properly rewarded whilst providing assessment feedback at the beginning of semester 2 and incentive to study in semester 1.


In the case of an alternative examination being necessary due to circumstances, the module leader will in the first instance consult with the DPD as to the requirements of the professional accrediting body to discuss possible acceptable alternatives. In 2020/21 and 21/22 (semester 1 only) this alternative was a 24-hour take-home exam delivered online, and it is envisioned that if circumstances do not allow a present-in-person timed exam at the end of semester 2, and the professional body agrees, then this may well be an example of the type of alternative assessment which could be put in place.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.