Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

n/a

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

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 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.

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.

General Notes

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