Cretney, S (2003) Principles of Family Law, (7th edition), Sweet and Maxwell
Welstead M, Edwards S (2006) Family Law, Oxford University Press

Access to a PC
Access to the Internet
Access to hard-copy formats of texts, materials, and other guidance, such as government information, Explanatory Notes to legislation, etc
Access to Personal and Family Advice HEW73217-2 VLE material

The focus of this module is on a mix of directed (online) and independent study, complemented by face-to-face tutorial sessions.

Contact Hours (40) on this module means a combination of directed on-screen study engaging with the course materials in the VLE, and tutorial sessions with the module tutor. This includes undertaking the assessed seminar.

A minimum of 6 hours of face to face tutorial sessions will provide
- initial familiarisation with the module
- opportunity to discuss issues raised in the course material or discussion forums
- specific guidance to complete the assignment.

Independent Study (110) means both on-line and off-line activity, including work in the course documents, course information, and assignments sections of the module. It also includes: further relevant background and developmental reading and research; preparation and engagement with the discussion forums, self-assessment exercises and tasks, together with assessment preparation and completion

The VLE Blackboard will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module.

Course Information. This section provides students with important module overview information for students.

Course Documents. This contains all the study materials separated into sections, each section being further broken down to contain the module materials and exercises.

Discussion Board: Regular engagement in the forums within the discussion board will facilitate interactive, asynchronous discussion on the exercises/tasks, which, through critical analysis, supports and develops student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

In some sections there may be no formal assessment of work undertaken, but there will be 'questions' for consideration, or other tasks to complete. Feedback will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and fellow students using e-mail or the discussion forum and to do so if there are matters needing assistance or support.

As this is an online module, students will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work, for example by ensuring that activities, tasks, and assignments (whether formally assessed or not) are completed within specified time limits and discussion with other participants may need to be undertaken within specified time frames.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

This module will provide critical analyses of the following :-

- data on the changing nature of families and households in the UK
- adult relationships
- marriage
- cohabitation (heterosexual and same sex relationships)
- domestic violence
- divorce and separation
- ending a relationship - legalities and practicalities
- introduction to children's rights and parental rights
- introduction to the rights of elders
- policy issues relating to family law

An Assignment length 2500 words weighted at 70% contributes to learning outcomes 1-5

An Assessed Seminar weighted at 30% contributes to learning outcomes 1-5

Students must attempt both elements of assessment.

Formative Assessment:
Tutor feedback will be provided via the online seminar discussion forum and also during the module via email and telephone responses to tasks and exercises.