The Law of Contract
Module title | The Law of Contract |
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Module code | LAW4006H |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
Credits | 20 |
Module staff | Dr Chunping Bush (Lecturer) |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 12 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
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Module description
On the module, you will examine the main elements of the law of contract in England and Wales. Contract law plays an important part of everyday life for individuals, businesses and even public agencies. It underpins many industries, including the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. Knowledge and understanding of contract law is imperative in a variety of practical dispute resolution and problem-solving contexts. The module therefore places substantial emphasis on applying the rules, principles and concepts of contract law to real-life, industry-focused cases with practical consequences, and on contextualising the law in relevant legal practice, social and economic settings.
The module needs to be completed before progressing to the Exeter-based part of the HKUST-Exeter programme LLB in Engineering and Law.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of different aspects of contract law in England and Wales. In particular, the module aims to enable you to:
(a) develop knowledge and understanding of the general principles and traditional approaches of contract law in England and Wales;
(b) develop independent and practical thinking in this field, and apply the legal rules and principles you have learned to specific situations;
(c) identify and analyse problematic issues within the law of contract; and
(d) gain an analytical and critical approach to contract law, and an awareness of social, economic and other issues that can impact on contractual relations (including, for example, fairness, inequality of bargaining power, and public policy).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the law on the topics covered by the module, using appropriate concepts, interpretative techniques and terminology;
- 2. identify and analyse (with guidance) the general concepts and principles relating to contract law, together with related theories and academic commentary;
- 3. research a legal question and demonstrate competence in applying contract law in order to formulate and evaluate a response to it
- 4. demonstrate competent understanding of some of the relevant legal practice, social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural contexts within which contract law operates
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of legal rules, concepts, values and principles, and the ability to explain and discuss the relationships among them;
- 6. make an informed judgement about the merits and relevance of particular information and make reasoned choices between alternative solutions or arguments;
- 7. communicate technical legal information and argument effectively and concisely in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of resources with some guidance;
- 9. manage time efficiently in preparing for learning activities and to work independently to complete a specified task.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Introduction to learning in law
- Introduction to contract law in England and Wales
- Formation of contracts
- Contractual terms and representation
- Exemption clauses
- Discharge of contract and damages
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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30 | 170 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 18 | 12 x 1.5 hour workshops |
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 12 | 12 x 1 hour support sessions |
Guided Independent Study | 140 | Preparation for scheduled learning and teaching activities, and further guided study |
Guided Independent Study | 30 | Preparation for and completion of assessments |
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Coursework (legal problem) | 1,750 words in total | 1-9 | Individual written feedback (with oral feedback upon request) |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Coursework (legal problem) | 100 | 1750 words | 1-9 | Individual written feedback (with oral feedback upon request) |
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Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Coursework (legal problem3 | Coursework (legal problem (1,750 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
All reading materials will be recommended by the course convenor and available online (e.g. via the University Library or Oxford Law Trove). Most assigned reading will be textbook chapters, academic papers, case reports and legislation.
Credit value | 20 |
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Module ECTS | 10 |
NQF level (module) | 4 |
Available as distance learning? | Yes |
Origin date | 05/07/2021 |
Last revision date | 16/02/2023 |