Module Descriptors
COMMERCIAL LAW - CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW (BLOCK TEACHING)
LAWS60995
Key Facts
Faculty of Business, Education and Law
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader:
Email:
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 16
Independent Study Hours: 134
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
Students opting for this module will be introduced to the civil and criminal liability of manufacturers and retailers. It would therefore suit those with aspirations to work in a trading environment. Attention is paid to design, manufacturing and marketing considerations.
The modules should also be of interest to those interested in working other in a legal advice or regulatory capacity.
The subject draws on the law of contract and tort. The module deals with the UK legislation but it is necessary to examine European measures in this field as consumer protection is actively promoted there.

Students will typically study:
The national and international framework of Consumer Protection Law.
Influences on this area
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 Part 1 & Part II
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Enforcement
Self Regulation
Advertising & Marketing
This is consequently a dynamic subject and a number of the topics covered will be the subject of proposed or pending reforms.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
It is advisable that students have studied some element of contract law, commercial law or business law before embarking on this module.
Module Learning Strategies
WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS (LECTURES):
In these sessions students will be introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and be provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Students will be given handouts and study packs. Some of the sessions will include collaborative activities to focus on skills such a teamwork, presentation and research.

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (TUTORIALS):
These will be preceded by a period of independent student-centred learning. The module study guide contains indicative reading and IT exercises 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 the topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply knowledge and principles to factual situations. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to enhance knowledge and understanding in the tutorial.

DIRECTED STUDY AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING:
This will consist of preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions, workshops and assessment. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide.
Module Resources
Textbook
Study Guide
Westlaw/LexisNexis
Blackboard Site
Module Additional Assessment Details
PORTFOLIO (100%)
Students are required to submit a portfolio (3000 words) which consists of 2 pieces of work:

1. Written Assignment which will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 3 and 5

2. Research Exercise which will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5

The overall pass mark for the module is 40%. Marks less than 25% for either of the individual exercises cannot be compensated.

Where a student also takes 'Commercial Law - Law of Sale' in the same academic year, a mark of 25% - 39% in one of these modules may be compensated by the other module, provided the average mark for the two modules is at least 40%
Module Texts
TBA. New regulations have made vast quantities of existing textbooks redundant. New titles will be available for inspection shortly. The most up-to-date texts at present are:
G Woodroffe & R Lowe Woodroffe & Lowes's Consumer Law and Practice Sweet & Maxwell
J Tillson Law Express: Consumer and Commercial law Pearson/Longman