This core module provides students with an understanding of the abstract principles and institutional structures and practices which together amount to the UK’s constitutional tradition.

The module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the core principles of Constitutional Law.

The module identifies three key values (theories): sovereignty, rule of law (constitutionality) and separation of powers.

These theories are then related to the three key institutions: Parliament, judiciary and executive, whose functions and relations are then studied.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 36 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 114 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks.

Contact will include a mixture of small and larger group activities, much of it based on the principles of practice and problem based learning. Learning will be organised into a series of sessions where students will be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying related theory and knowledge based around the subject matter.

Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and rules of the subject matter can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints.

The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require group work and electronic interaction. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors.

Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter.

The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.

Large Group Sessions

In this module the basic principles of Constitutional Law will be outlined in a series of whole group sessions.

Smaller Group Activities

The large group sessions will be supplemented by smaller group sessions to examine particular aspects of the law of contract by means of group problem solving activities. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop both individual and collaborative learning. Students will be encouraged to present argument and carry out research using electronic resources.

DIRECTED STUDY AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING:
This will consist of preparation for the work to be undertaken in the workshops and also assessment. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide, lecture materials and via Blackboard. A significant amount of on-line guided support will be provided via Blackboard and this will include further reading, research exercises, and on-line collaboration to support workshop preparation. The independent learning activities encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the principles of contract and provide practice in preparation for assessments.

A written assignment (2000 words) (100%), assessing learning outcomes 1,2,3,4, & 5.

Additional Assessment Details:
Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process. Face to face contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.

Appropriate texts, legislation and case law.
Blackboard.
Module study guide.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts & principles of Constitutional Law.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the study of Constitutional Law and demonstrate application of the key principles of Information Literacy.
Enquiry

3. Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake analysis of information.
Analysis

4. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems.
Problem Solving

5. Communicate effectively information and arguments in a variety of forms, and with coherent and structured arguments.
Communication

Neil Parpworth, Constitutional and Administrative Law (11th edn, Oxford University Press 2020)

Alex Carroll, Constitutional and Administrative Law (9th edn, Pearson 2017)

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