1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the structure and operation of the English legal system, including sources of law, the hierarchy of courts, and principles of statutory interpretation.

1. Knowledge and Understanding

6. Communication

7. Application

2. Critically evaluate constitutional principles such as parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, and the separation of powers, including their development in domestic and comparative contexts.

1. Knowledge and Understanding

3, Enquiry

4. Analysis

3. Apply administrative law doctrines, including judicial review, tribunal oversight, and ombudsman accountability, to realistic factual and policy scenarios.

5. Problem Solving

6. Communication

7. Application

4. Analyse and communicate the impact of retained EU law and institutional frameworks on UK constitutional and public law through structured legal argument and policy analysis.

1.Knowledge and understanding

2. Learning

6. Communication

8. Reflection

Assessment 1: Legal Research Problem and Case Commentary (2,500 words) - This task requires students to engage with a complex problem scenario involving key areas of public law, such as judicial review, separation of powers, and administrative accountability. Students will be asked to research legal sources, apply relevant doctrines, and produce a structured case commentary or analytical response. The task reinforces foundational research skills and the ability to evaluate public law issues critically and practically. (Assesses: LO1: Understanding of English legal system and sources. LO2: Critical evaluation of constitutional principles. LO3: Application of administrative law doctrines)

Assessment 2: Professional Briefing Paper – EU and Public Law (2,500 words) - This assessment takes the form of a structured legal or policy briefing intended for a professional audience (e.g., law reform agency, policy team, NGO). Students will select a current issue involving retained EU law (e.g., free movement, supremacy, institutional reform) and analyse its integration within the UK’s public law framework. The briefing will test the ability to communicate complex legal arguments clearly, structure a persuasive position, and demonstrate policy awareness relevant to legal practice. (Assesses: LO2: Critical evaluation of constitutional principles (continued focus). LO4: Analysis and communication of retained EU law in public law context)

The English Legal System: courts and tribunals, legal personnel, sources of law, legal reasoning, precedent

Constitutional Principles: separation of powers, parliamentary sovereignty, rule of law, devolution, human rights

Administrative Law: judicial review process, public accountability mechanisms, ombudsman and tribunals

EU Law and Brexit: institutional structures, supremacy and direct effect, free movement of goods and people, retained EU law post-Brexit

Legal Method and Skills: legal research, statutory interpretation, case analysis, critical writing and professional ethics

This module will introduce you to the core structures and principles of UK public law, including the English legal system, constitutional law, administrative law, and retained EU law. You will develop core skills in legal reasoning, case analysis, and statutory interpretation. Through a combination of doctrinal study and practical application, you will learn to critically evaluate the ways in which law regulates public power and protects fundamental rights, with emphasis on the interaction between UK and EU frameworks post-Brexit

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and blended online learning. Lectures provide theoretical frameworks and institutional context, while workshops focus on practical skills such as interpreting legislation, solving legal problems, and constructing arguments. Students engage in peer discussion, ethical reflection, and problem-based learning scenarios, preparing them for both further legal study and professional legal reasoning.

The varied assessment strategy enables students to engage in doctrinal legal reasoning (Assessment 1) and practice structured professional writing for a policy/law environment (Assessment 2). It reinforces digital research, referencing, and policy interpretation skills and prepares students for real-world legal tasks involving legal reform and EU–UK regulatory intersections. Formative activities include guided research tasks, case analysis workshops, and peer feedback on draft structures. Scaffolding is embedded throughout the module to support critical thinking and legal communication.

Independent learning is supported through guided readings, VLE forums, and formative exercises that scaffold the final assessments. Formative feedback is embedded throughout, with opportunities to practice legal writing, receive peer input, and reflect on personal progress. In terms of inclusivity, core legal materials are made available in multiple accessible formats to accommodate a range of accessibility needs.

Elliott, M. & Thomas, R. Public Law (5th edn, OUP, 2024)

Parpworth, N. Constitutional and Administrative Law (12th edn, OUP, 2022)

Foster, N. Foster on EU Law (8th edn, OUP, 2021)

Loveland, I. Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Human Rights (9th edn, OUP, 2021)

Gillespie, A. & Weare, S. The English Legal System (9th edn, OUP, 2023)

Westlaw, Lexis+, Law Trove, Blackboard, online legal databases, seminar readings, legislation.gov.uk.

This module will introduce you to the core structures and principles of UK public law, including the English legal system, constitutional law, administrative law, and retained EU law. You will develop core skills in legal reasoning, case analysis, and statutory interpretation. Through a combination of doctrinal study and practical application, you will learn to critically evaluate the ways in which law regulates public power and protects fundamental rights, with emphasis on the interaction between UK and EU frameworks post-Brexit.