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 and its relevance to modern Tort Law.

Issues covered include:

- Negligence (including psychiatric injury, medical negligence and economic loss)
- Occupiers' liability
- Nuisance
- Defamation
- Trespass
- Vicarious Liability

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 3 hours per week, for 2 x4 week blocks= 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. 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. 1 hour per week for 2 x 4 blocks=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. In addition, there will be the occasional use of directed study plans. Completion of a reflective assessment diary will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.

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 Class Contact and Independent Study 200 hours

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)

Latest edition of:

Cooke Law of Tort (Pitman Publishing)
Murphy Street on Torts (Butterworths)
Lunney & Oliphant Text and Materials on Tort (Oxford University Press)
Detailed Further Reading is contained in module study guide.

Details:- 1 x assignment, maximum length 3000 words, at the end of Semester 1 (30%), which will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5.
and
1 x 3 hour written examination at the end of Semester 2 (70%), which will assess Learning Outcomes 1 - 4.