LAW1054 : Introduction to Business Law
LAW1054 : Introduction to Business Law
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Aris Christidis
- 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: | 20 |
| 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
- Terms and 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 Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | Time for students to complete formative and summative coursework & assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 26 | 1:00 | 26:00 | In person lectures on substantive class content (FLEX: can be moved to online material) |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 8 | 0:15 | 2:00 | 8 MCQs intended to allow students to self-test |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | 1 hour in-person seminars (FLEX: can be delivered as on-line ZOOM seminars) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 105:00 | 105:00 | Combination of own reading and revision of substantive module content. Directed seminar reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Q&A sessions placed throughout the module to allow for all students to be able to ask questions |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 100 | Inspera Digital Exam. An examination of a particular style is necessary to meet accreditation requirements (PSRBs) for accounting and finance organisation |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Formative MCQs/carry no weight . To be completed before or after class. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
An examination of a particular style is necessary to meet accreditation requirements (PSRBs) for accounting and finance organisations. A combination of MCQs (multiple choice questions), MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) and SAQs (Short Answer Questions). A mixed-methods examination, comprehensive of MCQs, MSQs, and SAQs, is a pedagogically robust strategy that ensures a multi-layered evaluation of student proficiency, moving from broad knowledge recognition to the nuanced application of professional judgment. It integrates theoretical frameworks with practical, real-world applications. This mixed method is also aligned with PSRB's way of assessing for accreditation purposes.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- LAW1054's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- LAW1054's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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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 2026 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.