Graduate Diploma in LawGDL

Assessed Essays

This module aims to do the following:

1. To develop the research and analysis skills required to produce a first rate examination style essay.

2. To develop essay structure and the ability to focus on what is specifically important to a given case study or critical discussion.

Case and Statute Analysis

This module aims to do the following:

1. To provide a sound understanding of legal research methods from primary sources.

2. To develop skills of legal analysis from primary sources.

3. To develop written communication skills in a legal setting.

Criminal Law

This module has the following aims:

1. To develop an understanding of the general principles of criminal liability (actus reus, mens rea and defences).

2. To study a selection of the major offences (such as homicide, non-fatal offences against the person and offences involving dishonesty and deception).

3. To exemplify the application of the general principles of liability and the constituent elements of particular offences.

4. To identify the relevant issues and present a logical reasoned analysis of factual scenarios giving rise to criminal liability.

Extended Essay

This module aims to develop the research and analysis skills required to produce a first rate dissertation in an area of law which has not been specifically taught on the course; and to develop the presentational skills necessary to produce a structured and coherent thesis.

Obligations A (Contract)

This module provides a sound understanding of:

i. the general principles of creation, content of and enforcement of obligations in exchange relationships;

ii. the general principles of actions and defences available in exchange relationships;

iii. the application of the general principles in exchange relationships to specific practical situations;

iv. the general principles of the doctrine of restitution.

Obligations B (Tort)

This module provides a sound understanding of:

i. the general principles of creation, content of and enforcement of non-consensual tortious obligations;

ii. the general principles of actions and defences available in tort;

iii. the application of the general principles of the Law of Tort to specific practical situations;

iv. a critical analysis of the theories underlying judicial and legislative practice in the Law of Tort.

Property Law A (Land Law)

This module provides a sound understanding of:

1. The legal concept of property and the variety of property rights and their protection.

2. The foundation concepts, principles and areas of Land Law.

Property Law B (Equity and Trusts)

This module provides a sound understanding of the following:

1. The relationship between equity and common law, the nature of equity and the use of equitable principles and remedies in Property Law.

2. The concept and use of trusts.

3. The creation of trusts, trust powers and obligations

4. Remedies for breach of trust.

Public Law A (Constitutional and Administrative)

The Public Law and Human Rights course is basically concerned with the law and politics governing the relations between the various institutions of the UK State – such as Parliament, the judiciary and the Government – as well as examining the relations, legal and otherwise between the citizen and the State. Examining such perspectives takes place by necessary reference to the permeating influence of two different types of European law: European Union (EU) law, which is essentially still concerned with promoting economic goals, and European Convention law which focuses on the protection of human rights set out in the ECHR.

The first part of the course examines notions of “constitutionalism” and inquiries into how we can speak of Constitutional law in the UK by reference to principles such as Parliamentary Sovereignty and the Rule of Law. It also looks at the increasing importance of human rights law through examining theories of human rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the role of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The second part investigates how the Government, or “Executive”, administers the UK State and considers the effect this has on us as individual citizens. It also considers the differing methods, political, administrative and legal, of holding the Executive to account. It particularly focuses on the procedure and grounds of Judicial Review.

Public Law B (European Union Law)

This module examines the influence of European Union law post-Brexit, which is essentially still concerned with promoting economic goals. The subject is concerned with the law and politics relating to the institutions of the European Union (EU).

This module provides an understanding of the underlying principles of the Law of the European Union and its relationship to domestic law. It considers the law-making powers of the EU institutions, the constitutional principles of the EU, the procedures that operate under the Law of the European Union, the role of the European Court of Justice, and the economic freedoms established under the Law of the European Union.