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

Two Exams of length 1.5 HOURS, each weighted at 50%.

The first exam consists of 1 x 1.5 hours multiple-choice examination at the end of Semester 1 (50%) The examination will assess Learning Outcomes 2-4. Pre-seen guidance to support research for the examination is provided in advance of the examination.
And 1 x 1.5 hours examination at the end of Semester 2 (50%). 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%
Students must obtain at least 25% in both examination elements of the module

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 enhance research and problem-solving/communication skills.
2 hours per week, 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. For all small group sessions, there are questions to help guide reading and preparation.
1 hour alternate weeks = 10 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. One tutorial 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 = 246 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.