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 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 also examines the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Topics covered include:

- Negligence (including psychiatric injury and economic loss)
- Occupiers' liability
- Nuisance
- Defamation & Privacy
- Trespass
- Vicarious Liability
- Remedies
- Defences

This module will be delivered via introductory lecture sessions with accompanying study plans and workshop sessions. The main substantive content of the module will be accessible via Blackboard as a distance learning environment.

CONTACT HOURS
Face-to-face sessions will be used to explore particular aspects of Tort Law in more detail and provide a clear introduction to the use of Blackboard. These sessions will comprise of large-group lectures and small group workshops. In addition, students will carry our research and self-study tasks in order to participate in scheduled online discussion sessions with the tutor and other students.

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 and via Blackboard. Students will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time on independent study, utilising the Blackboard content and completing independent reading. Each topic area will include self-study tasks to complete. These will be followed up by online discussion groups to explore the topic areas in more depth. Completion of reflective work plans will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.

DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS
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.
Interviewing Skills: One session is also dedicated to the development of interviewing skills.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
On this module, formative assessment is utilised to support the learning and assessment. Formative assessment primarily aims to provide useful feedback to students prior to summative assessment (ie formal assessment which counts towards degree classification and progression). Formative assessment provides feedback in a manner which enables students to evaluate understanding and become more able within a subject, thereby enhancing student confidence.

Total independent and directed study = 265 hours
Total learning time = 300 hours

Module Study Guide
Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available via Blackboard and the Web.
Specialist software (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)

Bermingham, V., & Brennan, C. Tort Law Directions (Oxford University Press, current edition)
OR
Cooke, J. Law of Tort (Pearson Longman ¿ current edition)
OR
Harpwood, V. Modern Tort Law (Cavendish Publishing - current edition)

Detailed Further Reading is contained in module study guide.

The EXAM consists of 1 x 3 hours examination (August Resit Period) (100%)

The examination will assess Learning Outcomes 1-4

To pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 40%