Master of Laws of England and Wales (Incorporating the GDL) (Distance Learning)

Leeds Beckett University

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of English law, the institutions of the English legal system, and the main sources of law. You'll apply foundational techniques and concepts to selected topics from the Foundation modules. In addition, you'll develop essential skills in legal research, analysis, group work, and effective oral and written communication. On completion of the module, you'll be able to evaluate the key principles of the English legal system and reflect on your role in resolving disputes involving individuals, businesses, and organisations. You'll also be able to assess factual situations, critically analyse issues, and formulate and apply legal rules to produce well-reasoned solutions to complex problem scenarios.

Contract law governs freely negotiated and agreed obligations between two or more contracting parties. This module examines how the law defines, creates, regulates, and enforces those obligations. You'll develop the ability to understand, apply, and critically evaluate the general principles of contract law and the remedies available for breach. As you progress, you'll assess how effectively the law delivers the outcomes intended by the parties and sharpen your skills in analysing complex, legally problematic situations. You'll also be able to evaluate the purpose and functioning of key legal rules and principles, applying them thoughtfully across a range of scenarios.

Explore the general principles of criminal law and the policies that underpin them. This module develops your ability to analyse legally problematic situations and evaluate the purpose and functioning of key legal rules. You'll examine the rules governing criminal responsibility for specific offences, assessing factual scenarios and applying legal principles to produce well-reasoned, model solutions to complex problems. Using original source materials, including law reports and statutes, you'll research relevant law and present coherent, evidence-based arguments to support a proposition. This process will ultimately refine your skills in critical analysis and legal reasoning.

Public Law concerns the relationships between the organs of the State, and between these organs and the individual. This module focuses on constitutional law, exploring key doctrines such as the separation of powers, the rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, and the royal prerogative. You'll also examine human rights, with particular reference to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, as well as the principles and processes of judicial review.

Property Law is a broad and influential area of law, impacting individuals, businesses, and other entities across society. In this module, you'll study the fundamental concepts of property, including ownership and the rights and obligations that arise from it. You'll develop a solid understanding of key areas such as leases, mortgages, easements, and covenants. By the end of this module, you'll be able to apply these principles confidently to complex practical scenarios and essay questions, demonstrating both analytical and problem-solving skills.

Trusts play a vital role for both business and private clients. A trust is a device by which the legal owner of property manages and looks after it on behalf of another person or persons. The legal owner is known as the trustee, and those for whom the property is managed are the beneficiaries. In this module, you'll learn how and why trusts are created, explore the different legal frameworks governing them, and understand the principles of equity that shape their formation and use. You'll examine how private trusts are managed, including asset management, distribution, and the appointment, retirement, or removal of trustees. The module also considers the liabilities of trustees to beneficiaries, as well as circumstances in which non-trustees may be held accountable. Finally, you'll explore the remedies available when wrongdoing occurs, developing the ability to analyse and apply these principles in practice.

Explore the founding principles of European Union law, gaining a critical understanding of its nature, purpose, and regulatory developments. You'll examine the operational structure of the EU, including its institutions, key governing principles established by the Court of Justice of the EU, and fundamental freedoms granted to EU citizens. The module also considers the institutional aspects of EU law alongside its practical application in selected substantive contexts, such as the free movement of goods, services, establishment, and people.

The word 'tort' means wrong, and this module explores civil (or private) liability for certain kinds of wrongdoing. You'll examine the circumstances in which individuals and organisations that have suffered harm may be able to claim compensation from the responsible party. The module begins with negligence, the most significant area of tort claims, before exploring other key and topical areas such as defamation and trespass to the person, considering how tort law protects reputation and personal integrity. You'll also be introduced to concepts of major importance for managing risks in everyday life, in business, and across wider society.

Develop your critical thinking, legal research and writing skills by undertaking a research project. You will research your chosen area and write up your analysis with the support of a supervisor.