Constitutional Law:

Nature of the UK constitution
Separation of Powers
Sovereignty of Parliament
Rule of Law
Royal Prerogative

Administrative Law:

Introduction to Administrative Law
Establishing standing in a judicial review case
Grounds for judicial review
Tribunals
The role of an Ombudsman

First element of assessment (Constitutional Law):

It is an essay on the separation of powers, an important doctrine in Constitutional Law. The essay will involve evaluation of certain aspects of this doctrine, with analysis of relevant legislative and case law provisions. Use of academic opinion will be an important feature of the coherent and structured arguments set out in the essay.

Second element of assessment (Administrative Law):

It is a mock client interview which will be conducted face to face. You will deploy a range of skills to provide advice to the fictitious client on both the issue of standing to bring a judicial review case and the relevant ground that can be used in the case.

During the teaching of the module students will attend a mixed economy of lecture and workshop sessions, comprised of two one-hour lectures and two one and a half hour workshops. Self-directed study will provide the student with the opportunity to prepare for workshop activities and to carry out independent research as well as team working. 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 communication skills, research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing.

The lectures will introduce legislation, case law, law reform suggestions and academic commentary on the core topics of Public Law. The lectures will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in detailed exposition of selected concepts, principles and procedures.

The workshops will facilitate examination of specific aspects of human rights 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. Students will participate in activities centred on the provision of legal advice to fictitious clients. Preparatory exercises and reading for each workshop will be on the VLE.

Independent Study:

Both the lectures and workshops will require the student to undertake study to further enhance their knowledge and understanding. The independent study will also provide the student with preparation time for work on research materials for workshops. The self-directed study will also provide the student with valuable opportunities to engage in team working. The independent learning activities encourage students to develop a sound understanding of the principles of Public Law and provide practice in preparation for assessment.

1. Identify, explain and evaluate key concepts and principles of Constitutional Law.

Knowledge and understanding

2. Undertake evaluative, independent research on the UK constitution using primary and secondary sources.

Research skills

3. Explain, apply and evaluate the core concepts and processes of administrative law.

Application and problem solving

4. Communicate legal advice relating to judicial review accurately and concisely, using spoken language and style appropriate to the audience.

Communication

Legal databases with access to statute, case law and journal articles.

Neil Parpworth, Constitutional and Administrative Law (13th edn, OUP 2025)

John Stanton and Craig Prescott, Public Law (4th edn, OUP 2025)

Ian Loveland, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Human Rights: A Critical Introduction (9th edn, OUP 2021)

Anne Dennett, Public Law (3rd edn, OUP 2024)

Lisa Webley and Harriet Samuels, Complete Public Law: Text, Cases and Materials (6th edn, OUP 2025)

Public Law is an exciting subject which you will find enjoyable and engaging. You will examine the ways in which separation of power in the UK constitution prevents any organ of the state from acquiring absolute power. You will explore various implications of the sovereignty of Parliament. The modern-day relevance of the royal prerogative will be reviewed.

You will examine the scope of judicial review as a way of protecting the ordinary citizen from malpractice on the part of any public authority or agent. You will assess the ways in which a claimant can establish standing to take a judicial review case in the High Court of England and Wales. You will debate the grounds for judicial review and reflect on how they interact with each other. You will learn about the crucial work undertaken by both First-Tier tribunals and Upper tribunals as well as the important role of an Ombudsman.