LAW1054 : Introduction to Business Law
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Aris Christidis
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Neha Vyas
- 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 | |
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
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 28 | 1:00 | 28:00 | In person lectures on substantive class content (FLEX: can be moved to online material) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | Time for students to complete formative and summative coursework & assessments |
| 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 | 103:00 | 103:00 | 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 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| LAW8142 | Law 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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 75 | 1 | A | 20 | Inspera Digital Exam. An examination of a particular style is necessary to meet accreditation requirements (PSRBs) for accounting and finance organisation |
| Digital Examination | 135 | 2 | A | 80 | Inspera 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- LAW1054's Timetable