WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS (LECTURES): In these sessions, students will be introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Handouts and teaching materials will supplement the sessions. During some of the sessions workshops will take place to develop research (including electronic resources) and problem-solving/essay-writing skills (2 hours per week for 22 weeks = 44 hours)

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (TUTORIALS): These will be preceded by a period of independent student-centred learning. The module study guide contains indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the small group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply legal principles to factual situations. Each small group session will require students to read one legal case in full. The session will incorporate a dedicated question on the case, the aim being to further develop research and analytical skills. For all small group sessions, there are self-test questions to help guide reading and preparation. In addition, there will be the use of team working, pyramid and client counselling exercises. These are fully explained at the appropriate place in the study guide. (10 hours, 5 per semester)

INDEPENDENT STUDY: This will consist of research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions, workshops and assessment, and will aim to develop a critical understanding of issues within the Law of Tort. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide. In addition, there will be the occasional use of directed study plans. Additional learning materials will be provided via the Tort Web pages. Completion of a reflective assessment diary will encourage students to assess thier progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively. Total 146 Hours.

DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS: - Research Skills:
The development of research skills in the context of Tort Law is enhanced by work plans on the use of electronic resources such as Westlaw and the World Wide Web.
- Problem-Solving Skills:
Specific learning activities such as pyramid exercises and other group work are integrated into the tutorial programme to enhance problem-solving skills.

Total learning time 300 Hours

This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the law of tort, as well as the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies. The law of tort is an amalgam of different principles, each with its own set of rules. The word tort can be regarded as a convenient title for a number of civil actions which primarily aim to provide remedies for those who have suffered loss as a result of a defendant's carelessness or unreasonable conduct. The module will also examine the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Issues covered include:

- Negligence (including psychiatric injury and economic loss)
- Occupiers' liability
- Nuisance
- Liability for damage caused by animals
- Harassment and interference with privacy
- Defamation
- Trespass
- Vicarious Liability

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module study guide
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.
Specialist software (IOLIS, Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)

1 x coursework (end of Semester 1) (50%)

The coursework consists of:
1 written assignment 2500 words maximum
The coursework will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, & 5.

1 x 2 hour unseen examination (end of Semester 2) (50%)
The examination will assess Learning Outcomes 1-5.

To pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 40%.
Students must obtain at least 35% in both the coursework and examination elements of the module.

Brazier, M., and Murphy, J., Street, H. (1999). Street on Torts, 10th Edition. Butterworths.
Cooke, J. (2003). Law of Tort. Pitman Publishing.
Jones. M A. (2000). Textbook on Torts. Oxford University Press.
Lunney, M., & Oliphant, M. (2000). Tort Law: Texts & Materials. Oxford University Press.

Detailed Further Reading is contained in module study guide.