Law with Criminal Investigation LLB (Hons)

Legal Skills

The Legal Skills modules is designed to equip you with the core skills necessary to be a successful law student and legal professional. You will learn how to find, interpret and use the law – such as statute and case law – as well as other relevant material such as journal articles.

Module code: LAWS43735

English Legal System

The English Legal System module will introduce students to the fundamental elements of the English legal system and help them understand where laws come from and how they are created; the people who work in the English legal system; and how both the civil and criminal justice systems operate.

Module code: LAWS43733

Contract Law

In this module, students will explore the concept of contracts, which serve as the foundation of business and commercial activities. They will examine the various elements that make up contracts and gain insight into the consequences that arise when contracts do not function as intended. Additionally, students will consider the extent to which courts are willing to uphold the individual freedom of parties to negotiate and enter into contracts, as well as the associated policy and commercial implications.

Module code: LAWS43732

Constitutional Law

Are you curious about how the UK is governed and the key legal principles which form the heart of our democratic system? You will be introduced to the important Public Law principle called the separation of powers. You will explore the key developments of recent decades which have shaped the 21st century UK constitution. This means that you will examine practical scenarios regarding the role of the Supreme Court, the future of the devolution settlement in three nations of the UK, and the independence of the judiciary. This module will be of interest to students who aspire to a career as a lawyer taking public law challenges against public authorities such as government departments, courts and tribunals, coroners, the police, housing authorities, schools and prisons. This career route involves advocacy on a wide range of issues which include prisoners’ rights, protest rights and climate justice. The module is also valuable in the context of student aspirations to conduct such activity with a third sector organisation. Constitutional Law is also an invaluable module for students who have their eyes set on a political career either in the UK or overseas.

Module code: LAWS43731

Tort Law

Tort Law covers a variety of different actions including negligence, occupier’s liability, trespass to the person and land and nuisance claims (which often arise between neighbouring properties). The subject matter of the module is relevant for both prospective solicitors and barristers as tortious problems are often litigated. The module will also be enjoyed by students who are looking to go on to postgraduate Master’s or PhD study. From an employability perspective, students will also develop problem solving skills which are transferable to a wide variety of career paths.

Module code: LAWS43736

Introduction To Investigation

Module code: FORE40362

Practical Methods Of Criminal Investigation

This is a core module which provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework of investigation relative to arrest, search, detention, identification and interviewing of suspects in accordance with the Police and Criminal, Evidence Act 1984. Students will also apply their knowledge through a series of practical exercises regarding interviewing the complainant, witness and suspect about a variety of criminal offences before producing a portfolio of evidence. The module concludes with the student giving evidence on their portfolio before a Moot Court.

Module code: FORE50372

Administrative Law

This module will introduce students to the primary elements of administrative law in the UK and enable them to appreciate how the constitutional principles of parliamentary sovereignty, separation of powers and the rule of law are realised. It will also introduce students to the law of judicial review and to the UK’s system of tribunals and public sector ombudsman. Finally, the module will facilitate students’ further understanding of the relationship between the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 and how the latter protects the Convention rights of UK citizens. This module will prepare students who work in public law to identify and analyse cases for judicial review. Students will gain an understanding of the process of bringing a case to the Administrative Court, and the process followed to do so. Students will be able to assess the incorporation of international treaties into domestic legislation and understand the process that occurs in Parliament when treaties introduced in domestic legislation. In their careers, students will apply the practical knowledge from this module to engage in all areas of the judiciary.

Module code: LAWS51968

Law Of Trusts And Equitable Remedies

Commerce and charities, taxation and family finance, wills and wealth management: The Law of Trusts and Equitable Remedies is a module that spans lots of different areas of law and human experience. In this module, you will learn about how equity adds fairness and flexibility to the common law and how trust can be used to solve legal problems. Any student who plans to be a barrister, solicitor or legal executive will need to know law of trusts and equitable remedies as part of their professional qualifications. Beyond that, the wide scope of equity means it is useful to students who plan to work in business, finance or in the third sector.

Module code: LAWS51971

Criminal Law

On this module, you will learn about the purpose of criminal law, the operation of the criminal courts, and the general principles and key elements of criminal liability. You will study the general defences and learn how people can avoid criminal liability by excusing or justifying their actions. Next, you will explore a variety of criminal offences, including property offences, non-fatal offences against the person, homicide, and the sophisticated discourse around manslaughter. Indeed, the study of criminal law is fascinating, yet it can also be challenging. Throughout this module, you will develop your analytical and problem-solving skills by working through several complex case scenarios, aimed at teasing out several legal themes. With an emphasis on application, analysis, and problem solving, the module also seeks to provide you with the necessary skills to gain employment in the many agencies that make up the criminal justice sector.

Module code: LAWS51969

Property Law

Property permeates a multitude of legal disciplines in law, affecting private individuals and companies. It is also often the most valuable asset that individuals own. Therefore, it is an important area of law to understand as it feeds into practice areas like civil litigation, housing, residential and commercial property, corporate mergers and acquisitions, insolvency and many more. This module will introduce you to some of the core principles of the law governing property. The module will develop your understanding of property law and introduce you to some of property law’s more practical aspects that affect daily life. In addition, the client interview element of the module assessment will build on your practical practice skill set, improving your employability and building on your confidence.

Module code: LAWS51974

European Union Law

Could you one day be working for a time in an EU Member State? Could you perhaps be employed by a business which is exporting and importing goods to and from EU Member States? You will explore the law on free movement of goods, an important aspect of the substantive law of the European Union. You will examine the institutional framework of the European Union. You will reflect on the power of the European Commission to take a case in the Court of Justice, in Luxembourg, against any state that has infringed EU law. You will develop your problem-solving skills by analysing a range of scenarios concerning the exercise by a variety of family units of their core EU citizenship rights. This module will be of interest to students who wish to have a role with the in-house legal department of a business organisation engaged in international trade. It would also be valuable to any graduate wishing to work in an EU member state for either a law firm or a third sector organisation engaged in advising and supporting citizens of the Union in relation to the exercise of their citizenship rights. The module affords an opportunity to acquire vital insights for any student looking to a career with the UK Mission to the EU, any of the institutions of the EU or any of the other EU bodies such as the European Data Protection Board.

Module code: LAWS51970

Principles Of International Law

This module will provide students with an opportunity to study the legal rules and theories in International law. It will enable them to engage with academic literature and assess the relevance of the principles of international law in various contextual settings. Students will be able to identify sources of international law. They will consider state personality, in comparison with international bodies such as the UN and analyse the process of recognition and its operation in politics. International crimes and justice will enable students to identify a range of transgressions, gain insight into the history of the development of the crimes and understand how the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court operates in response to crimes and issues surrounding human rights. As such, students will expand their knowledge of human rights by learning about statehood, the right to self-determination, nationality and the protection of groups such as unrecognised peoples and stateless nations. You will be able to assess operation of international law principles in context of societal changes. Amongst others, you will be able to understand laws regulating immigration, nationality, and jurisdiction for international crimes and cases. You will be able to assess the incorporation of treaties and the effectiveness of these treaties in domestic legislation. You will also understand the process of law making and the decision making in international organisations, such as the United Nations.

Module code: LAWS63095

Law Of Evidence

You will explore the laws which govern the admissibility of evidence in trials. The main focus is on key aspects of evidence in criminal cases, including confessions, adverse inferences from silence, the defendant’s previous convictions, hearsay, and the evidential consequences of breaches of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Learning activities and the summative assessments concentrate on problem solving, by applying laws of evidence to scenarios that may arise in legal practice. This module will be of interest to students who have either criminal law or general litigation career ambitions. The emphasis on analysis and problem-solving will also support transferable skills for other graduate careers.

Module code: LAWS63092

Human Rights

Can you see yourself championing important freedoms and liberties in challenging and controversial circumstances? You will explore important human rights such as the right to life and the absolute prohibition on torture. You will examine the scope of the right to liberty and the right to a fair trial. You will debate the boundaries of two human rights that sometimes conflict with each other, freedom of expression and the right to respect for private and family life. You will apply principles of human rights law to practical scenarios in the areas of medical ethics, employment rights and state measures designed to combat terrorism. This module will be of interest to students who may wish to have a career in the Public Law arena working on matters such as judicial review cases. It is also valuable to those who may progress to employment in central, devolved or local government with a role in, for example, a government department. The same can be said in respect of positions in government agencies such as the Criminal Cases Review Commission or the Employment and Equality Commission. A Human Rights’ module is also a useful stepping stone towards a variety of careers with third sector organisations both national and international.

Module code: LAWS63090

Policing And Society

This module focuses on individual and organisational aspects which may influence policing both internally and externally to the organisation, including misconduct and culture. Students will learn about bias and discrimination and how to effectively challenge these to improve policing. Students will study theories of justice such as procedural justice and organisational justice, as well as how community differences, values and norms, alongside politics, accountability and governance impact on the policing landscape. The module reviews how local and high-profile cases can affect the police’s ability to foster and maintain community cohesion. This module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding about the value of community policing in community engagement

Module code: FORE60379

Intelligence Led Policing And Major Crime Investigation

Intelligence Led Policing and Major Crime Investigation is an optional module which is taught in Semester 1. Students will examine the National Intelligence Model (NIM) which is the foundation upon which policing is based. Students will explore the NIM including the requirement of strategic Intelligence development linked to problem oriented policing and the use of Intelligence functions in Major Crime Investigations. The use of covert and overt techniques of investigation will be examined together with the links to partnership working. Scrutiny of major crime incidents including murder and manslaughter as well as the role of the Home Office Live Major Enquiry System (HOLMES) will be conducted. Students will consider aspects of the Murder Investigation Manual which forms national guidance for Major Crime Investigation. The use of expert witnesses and specialist services together with an examination of policies and procedures and the use of the media in Critical and Major Incidents will be undertaken.

Module code: FORE60370

Family Law

Family law explores how the law regulates families. It examines relationships between adults: marriage, divorce, cohabitation and domestic violence and how the law supports children. Family law is a subject where the law has changed significantly in recent years, and where more change is inevitable.¿ Students will find a fascinating subject where their own experiences and views will be treated sensitively. Family law is a great and very useful subject for students who want to enter any of the legal professions, but it is also highly relevant for anyone who wants to work supporting families.

Module code: LAWS63089

Cyber Law & Artificial Intelligence

Cyber law and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly interactive as business and individuals utilise the online space. Therefore, this module will introduce you to both elements to help prepare you for your future careers, whatever they may be. The internet is the present and future of commerce and social interactions nationally and internationally. Most of us interact online and the businesses and/or clients that you may in the future work for almost certainly will. This module seeks to explore how some of the legal principles that you have studied at levels 4 and 5 apply in this online environment. Artificial intelligence is possibly the great catalyst of the 21st century, stretching beyond human ability to extend or restrict our own rights and humble capabilities. Therefore, this module will also explore what AI is and how it interacts with our established legal concepts both online and offline.

Module code: LAWS63086

International Human Rights

This module offers an opportunity to explore the historical and theoretical foundations of international human rights, alongside an examination of contemporary global challenges. You will gain insights into the UN human rights system and how this framework applies to various scenarios. Additionally, the module will enhance your awareness and understanding of the intersectionality and the complex, multi-layered nature of international human rights law.

Module code: LAWS63091

Employment Law

The aim of this module is to provide the students with a practical knowledge, ability to critically analyse and evaluate the fundamental areas of law and policy relating to the employment relationship. The focus of the subject is people at work, their legal rights and responsibilities, and their relationships with others – employer, co-workers and other stakeholders. This module is highly relevant for students wishing to interact with any area of the Employment sphere.

Module code: LAWS63088

Legal Advice Clinic

The Legal Advice Clinic is a module in which you will be placed as a Student Legal Advisor within the Legal Advice Service and trained to put the law into practice. You will be providing free legal advice to members of the public and certain sectors of the local community, supervised by a qualified solicitor. The Legal Advice Clinic module is designed to give you a real-life experience from which you can compare, contrast and critically examine the role of law, lawyers and the legal process, as well as the wider context of human dynamics in practice and legal ethics. The Legal Advice Clinic may operate in various locations including during in person clinics and online via Microsoft Teams. This module is an excellent form of work experience to boost your CV and employment prospects and is beneficial to students aspiring to work in legal practice.

Module code: LAWS63093

Street Law

Street Law is a form of public legal education which makes the public more aware of their legal rights, obligations and responsibilities. Students participating in this module will have the opportunity to design, develop and deliver a project to their chosen community group. As well as developing your communication, team-work, research and presentation skills, participation in the module allows you to conduct in-depth research into an area of law which interests you and to share your knowledge with the wider community. This module may particularly appeal to students who are considering a career in teaching, training or working with community groups.

Module code: LAWS63096

Contemporary Developments In Criminal Law

Students will examine law, policy and theory that influence how strands of predominantly crime issues are regarded within the judicial system. Students will engage with practical subjects as broad as the growth of civil orders, recognition of coercive control in violence and human trafficking investigations, all of which now influence how evidence is obtained and regarded by the court. Students will also consider policy creation to deflect vulnerable offenders into restorative measures, training, and treatment. Each week we will examine a different subject and associated case studies. However, all the subjects are inextricably linked by human rights considerations, CPS direction and policing policy; all of which, lead to legislative development and strategies engaged by Government to reduce threat, harm and risk. Therefore, this module will be of interest to students who have either criminal law or general litigation career ambitions, or those considering wider legal based career paths withing law enforcement/intelligence, The emphasis on understanding and communication, analysis and resolving problems through legal or policy considerations –It will also support transferable skills for other graduate careers

Module code: LAWS63085

Dissertation

This Module allows students to undertake a piece of independent legal research and critical writing, in a related subject that interests them, under the supervision of a member of staff. The Module is structured so that students are required to present an assessed legal research proposal, which then provides the infrastructure for their Dissertation. During the first Semester of this Module, the Dissertation Tutor will conduct several sessions on how to research and write a law dissertation. Students are expected to engage with regular supervision throughout the process. Research is a key skill of all parties in the Justice system, but particularly lawyers. As is the delivery of a cogent written argument on a legal/social legal topic. Therefore, this module will be of interest to students who have legal or litigation career ambitions. The emphasis on communication, understanding and analysis and will also support transferable skills for other graduate careers.

Module code: LAWS63087

Company Law

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of company law and commercial issues. It will cover essential topics such as company structure, corporate governance, incorporation, and the constitution. You will also explore the practical relationships between key players, including shareholders, directors, and other stakeholders. This module will build a solid foundation in company principles, which will be extremely beneficial if you are interested in the field of company and commercial law.

Module code: LAWS63084

Mooting

Mooting is an opportunity to use and develop all the knowledge and skills already gained through your study of law in a real courtroom setting. This is your chance to test your ability to stand up in a higher court, put your legal arguments to a bench of judges and pit your wits against an opposing counsel. Mooting helps you to develop valuable skills, such as teamwork, research, organisation, the development of arguments and the articulation of those arguments. You will argue a point of law which was significant in the decision made at first instance in order to persuade the higher court to overturn that decision. This module will be of interest to students who wish to become advocates working in the tribunals and courts of England and Wales. The transferable skills that it develops, such as the ability to think on one’s feet, are also very valuable for other careers such as management roles, education and politics. The student teamwork dimension of the module is appealing to those whose career goals prioritise jobs in which working closely with colleagues on varied projects is a constant feature.

Module code: LAWS63094

Alternative Dispute Resolution (Adr)

Access to the court system is increasingly dictated by the need to firstly consider the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In this module you will explore the use of alternative methods of resolving legal conflicts which aim to provide a less time-consuming, cost effective and flexible solution for potential litigants. You will examine the main methods of ADR with a close focus on mediation. You will develop problem solving techniques and use a live legal problem scenarios to attempt to resolve matters between the parties. The skills encountered in this module are transferrable to many employment arenas and graduate opportunities not least those required for legal practice or as a Mediator.

Module code: LAWS63083