The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of Criminal Law and to enable them to develop problem-solving skills in relation to some of the main substantive areas of Criminal Law. In particular, the course will focus on the following areas:
-The terms mens rea and actus reus

-General defences
-Homicide and non-fatal offences against the person

-Theft and related property offences

-ECHR and the Human Rights Act 1998

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks.

Contact will include a mixture of small and larger group activities, much of it based on the principles of practice and problem based learning. Learning will be organised into a series of sessions where students will be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying related theory and knowledge based around the subject matter.

Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and rules of the subject matter can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints.

The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require groupwork and electronic interaction. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors.

Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter.

The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.

Appropriate texts, journals, legislation and case law.
Module Study Guide.
Preparatory whole group session materials.
Computing facilities to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.

Loveless, J, Criminal Law, Text, Cases and Materials, Current Edition, oxford University Press.
Allen M., Textbook on Criminal Law, Current Edition. Oxford University Press.

Card Cross Jones, Criminal Law, Current Edition, Oxford University Press

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature and framework of criminal law and some of the main substantive offences and defences.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate and apply such knowledge and understanding verbally and in writing.
Application
Communication

3. Demonstrate an ability to recognise and apply relevant rules of criminal law to explore possible criminal liability in factual scenarios.
Knowledge and Understanding
Application
Problem Solving

An examination of 3 hours (100%), assessing Learning Outcomes 1 - 3.