Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree, you will knowledge and understanding of:
- the general principles of the law of contract and the law of tort
- what constitutes a valid contract and what remedies are available if a contract term is breached
- what (if any) legal redress is available if an agreement is entered into under a misapprehension or undue pressure
- the opportunity to consider to what extent liability can be excluded by a contracting party
- how, and in what circumstances, parties may be discharged from a contract
- ability to define the elements of particular torts such as negligence, nuisance, trespass and defamation
- an appreciation of when defences such as consent and illegality and the quasi-defence of contributory negligence will be available to a defendant
- the remedies which may be available in contract and tort
- opportunity to apply the legal concepts encountered to factual scenarios, developing skills of analysis and problem-solving
- the ability to recognise when concurrent liability in contract and tort can arise and evaluate and advise on the merits of each claim.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- determine the relative weight and importance of issues
- evaluate the cogency of arguments grounded in an understanding of the relevant rules and legal principles
- assimilate and organise extensive factual and legal material, and present a reasoned, coherant and personal view
- evaluate and criticise the merits of particular legal arguments and the opinions of academic commentators
- formulate and construct a reasoned response to complex and conflicting opinions
- formulate and express a reasoned, coherent and personal view
- plan how to execute research within the course
- set and meet appropriate learning targets
- reflect critically on own performance with the assistance of feedback
- make assessment of own progress, identify issues on which assistance is needed, seek appropriate assistance and evaluate the benefits
- take steps to improve learning performance.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- access, comprehend and use legal materials provided
- identify, retrieve and use electronic and hard copy research tools
- perform directed research tasks
- select key relevant issues for research
- devise a strategy for researching a topic, using standard research tools
- identify in context legal issues and material facts
- apply legal principles to resolve identified issues
- present arguable conclusions
- identify more complex practical issues arising in the context of legal practice
- plan workload and meet deadlines
- demonstrate an ability to respond to constructive criticism
- complete directed study both with and without assistance
- demonstrate an ability to express a view based on critical analysis of a range of primary and secondary sources
- devise a strategy for resolving issues by application of legal principles.
Key skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
Communication and literacy
- communicate effectively (using appropriate legal terminology) in a range of oral formats
- communicate effectively (using appropriate legal terminology) in a range of written formats
- organise information and illustrate its relevance to the intended audience
- appreciate the requirements of intended audiences, and select an appropriate presentation and style
- appreciate and demonstrate the techniques of legal argument.
Numeracy and IT
- use numerical information
- use basic keyboard skills
- use the internet to access a range of legal information.
Working with others
- work with a group to find agreed solutions to set problems
- negotiate the performance of (and accept responsibility for performing) an aspect of a team task.
Improving own learning and performance
- manage learning time effectively.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired at all levels through specially prepared module manuals, resource books, videos, audio-tapes and CD-ROMs, self-assessment exercises, optional group tutorials, individual tutor support, specially prepared research exercises, optional library study days and internet-based legal research activities.