* Contract Law:

Offer and acceptance, consideration, intention, terms and interpretation, unfair terms, vitiating factors (misrepresentation, duress), discharge, frustration, remedies (damages, restitution, equitable remedies).

* Tort Law:

Negligence (including psychiatric injury, vicarious liability, and pure economic loss), occupiers’ liability, nuisance, product liability, defences and remedies.

* Cross-Cutting Themes:

Comparative evaluation of contract and tort; access to remedies; intersection of private law and human rights; socio-historical perspectives on inequality, exploitation, and contractual power imbalance.

Assessment 1: Case-Based Problem Task and Legal Opinion (2,500 words) - Students are provided with a complex factual scenario that integrates issues of contract and tort. They are expected to identify legal issues, apply the relevant doctrines, and construct a structured, persuasive legal opinion suitable for advising a hypothetical client. This task develops legal problem-solving and communication skills in a format aligned with real-world practice. (Assesses: LO1: Understanding of contract and tort principles. LO2: Application to factual problems and legal advice. LO4: Communication of legal reasoning in a professional format).

Assessment 2: Comparative Remedies Report (2,500 words) - Students produce a structured report comparing and critically evaluating remedies in contract and tort. The format simulates a practice-oriented advisory document or internal firm resource. The report format, including clear headings and subheadings, enables students to present critical analysis and comparative reasoning in a professional and accessible style. (Assesses: LO3: Critical evaluation of remedies across both areas of law LO4: Structured, comparative legal communication)

This varied assessment approach ensures students engage with both doctrinal learning and the development of practice-facing competencies. The legal opinion and comparative report formats prepare students for the kinds of outputs expected in professional legal contexts, while still embedding strong academic analysis. Formative feedback is provided in skills workshops and seminars to scaffold performance and support student progression.

A combination of interactive lectures and practice-focused workshops will support students in applying legal principles to complex, real-world scenarios. Teaching strategies are intentionally varied to align with the learning outcomes of each topic and accommodate different learning styles. Students will engage in both collaborative group activities and independent tasks, promoting critical thinking and individual accountability.

Case-based learning will underpin much of the module, encouraging group dialogue, structured problem-solving, and the development of persuasive oral argumentation skills. Blended learning techniques will be used, incorporating directed online tasks and e-learning materials to extend learning beyond the classroom.
To support students’ academic development and confidence, regular formative feedback will be embedded throughout the module. Assessment scaffolding and peer engagement ,particularly around themes such as legal ethics, fairness, and access to justice, will further enhance reflective learning and ethical awareness. Multiple-choice best-answer tests may also be employed as diagnostic and revision tools to consolidate understanding of core legal principles.

1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of the doctrines governing contract formation, vitiation, discharge, and available remedies.
University Learning Outcome: 1.Knowledge and Understanding 7. Application

2. Apply contract and tort law principles to complex, practice-based scenarios and formulate legally sound, structured advice.
University Learning Outcome: 5. Problem Solving 6. Communication 7.Application

3. Critically evaluate the legal and theoretical foundations of remedies in contract and tort, including their scope, limitations, and functional overlap.
University Learning Outcome: 1.Knowledge and Understanding 3.Enquiry 4.Analysis

4. Communicate legal reasoning and comparative analysis clearly, accurately, and professionally in formats suitable for both academic and practice contexts.
University Learning Outcome: 2. Learning. 6. Communication 8. Reflection

Westlaw, Lexis+, Law Trove, E-books, Seminar Materials, Online quizzes and case databases

Contract:
McKendrick, E. Contract Law: Text, Cases and Materials (OUP, 2022)
Poole, J. Textbook on Contract Law (OUP, 2019)
Tort:
Horsey & Rackley. Tort Law (OUP, latest)
Bermingham & Brennan. Tort Law Directions (OUP, latest)

N/A

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex private law disputes, focusing on contract and tort obligations and their remedies. You will apply legal principles to practice-based scenarios and critically explore the societal, commercial, and ethical dimensions of private law. The module fosters advanced legal reasoning, communication, and advisory skills essential to legal practice and postgraduate research.