Module Descriptors
TORT LAW (BLOCK TEACHING)
LAWS51171
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 5
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Ruby Hammer
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 32
Independent Study Hours: 268
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Resources
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)
Module Learning Strategies
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 and problem-solving/writing skills. (24 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. For all small group sessions, there are questions to help guide reading and preparation. (8 hours)

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. In addition, there will be the occasional use of directed study plans. Completion of reflective work plans will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.
Pre-seen guidance to support research for the examination is provided in advance of the written examination.

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.

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 = 268 hours
Total Learning = 300 hours
Module Indicative Content
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

Module Additional Assessment Details
The EXAM consists of 1 x 3 hours examination
(end of Semester 2) (100%)

The examination will assess Learning Outcomes 1-4. Pre-seen guidance to support research for the examination is provided in advance of the examination.

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

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.