This module will cover land law and trusts and equity.

Land law

- Ownership of land: legal estates, co-ownership, adverse possession, overriding interests
- Use of land: leases, restrictive covenants.

Trusts and equity:

- Formation of valid trusts: certainties, constitution, formalities
- Types of trusts: express, resulting, constructive, purpose
- Role of the trustee and trustee liability.

This module is assessed through three components: a simulated client interview, a multiple-choice test (MCT), and a reflective assessment. The simulated client interview will assess student's ability to identify legal issues in land law and trusts, apply relevant legal principles, and communicate advice clearly and professionally. The MCT will test knowledge and understanding of key doctrinal concepts and rules. The reflective assessment will require students to reflect critically on their performance in the simulated interview and their learning across the module.

Students will learn land law and equity concurrently being able to benefit from transferring ideas, concepts and skills from one area to the other. Through lectures and workshops they will gain a firm understanding of the foundations of English land law and equity and trusts, the leading cases and legislation. They will be encouraged to think critically about land and equity and to develop their professional communication and problem-solving skills.

Workshops will provide a supportive environment for students to develop their understanding through discussion, problem solving, advice giving and research exercises. Students will benefit from regular feedback and peer collaboration in workshops.

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the key legal theories, concepts and legal rules within land law and equity and trusts.

Knowledge and understanding

2. Communicate effectively to non-specialist audiences about the legal and practical implications of legal knowledge.

Communication

3. Critically reflect on your knowledge, skills and professional attitudes, and use this reflection to inform your future development as a legal professional.

Reflection

4. Identify and engage with relevant learning opportunities to develop your legal and transferable skills in preparation for the simulated client interview.

Professional development and entrepreneurship

Law Trove

Legal databases with access to statutes, case law, and secondary sources such as journal articles.

Equity

Students will use either of the following text books both of which are available via law trove:

Virgo, G. Principles of Equity and Trusts (5th edn, OUP, 2023)
Watt, G. Trusts and Equity (10th edn, OUP, 2023)

Land law

Bevan, C. Land Law, (4th Edition) Oxford Publishing, 2024
Nair, N, Land Law (19th Edition) Oxford Publishing, 2023

This module develops your understanding of core principles of land law and trusts, focusing on the regulation of legal rights over land and equitable interests. It combines doctrinal study with practical application, enabling you to analyse legal problems, advise clients, and reflect on their learning through a range of skills-based and knowledge-focused assessments.