This module is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of Constitutional and Administrative Law, as well as the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies. The module covers the powers of the state, the key institutions, the rights of the individual and the legal framework which unifies these elements. The module will also examine the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 and its relevance to Constitutional and Administrative Law.

Issues covered include:

- Constitutional Concepts: Sovereignty, Separation of Powers, etc
- Executive/Legislative/Judicial Powers
- Human Rights, esp with regard to Police Powers
- Judicial Review
- Tribunals
- Ombudsman

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

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. The aim is to 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.

INDEPENDENT STUDY: This will consist of research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions and assessment, and will aim to develop a critical understanding of issues within Constitutional and Administrative Law. 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. (146 Hours Independent Study)

DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS: -
Research Skills:
The development of research skills in the context of Constitutional and Administrative 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 problem based exercises and other group work are integrated into the tutorial programme to enhance problem-solving skills.

TOTAL Learning hours (contact and non-contact) 300 hours

One 3 hour unseen examination at the end of the semester.

To pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 40%.

Additional Assessment Details:

Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process. Face to face contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.

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)

Parpworth, N (2008) Constitutional and Administrative Law, 5th edition Oxford University Press

Or later editions, if available

1. AN ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON ANALYTICAL, CONCEPTUAL AND CRITICAL WRITING
Communication

2. KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRINCIPLES OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, IN HISTORICAL, POLITICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL CONTEXTS.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

3. ABILITY TO DISPLAY AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SUBJECT TO LEGAL SCENARIOS Analysis
Application
Problem Solving
Reflection

4. ABILITY TO CONDUCT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND STUDY AT AN ADVANCED, ABSTRACT LEVEL.
Enquiry