Law UG Course Guide 2014 by Robert Gordon University

Aberdeen Business School Undergraduate course guide 2014

l a c i g o l e h t ice o h c law w - L a an d M w - La

em e g a an

Law 2 What and when: course overview 6 ... and course detail 8 Law and Management 10 What and when: course overview 12 ... and course detail 14 Placements 16 Study abroad 18 How will I be taught? 22 Key facts 23 What next? 24

Choosing a course isn’t straightforward. There’s lots of detail you need to know. Where will I study? What topics are covered? How will I be assessed? You also want to gain a ‘feel’ for things – directly from some current students and graduates. In this brochure we’ve combined hard facts about the degree with real views of students and graduates. Our aim is to give you a quick, genuine and useful insight into our degrees. If there’s anything more you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. Simply call us on 01224 262728, email: UGOffice@rgu.ac.uk.

LAW LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

begthe la ins w her e

opp or

tun itie

Overview This course combines thorough academic study with the practical aspects of law, providing you with a grounding in the general transferable skills needed for all professional roles. We have a focused, friendly department, with smaller class sizes than some other institutions, regular class contact and a balance between academic and practical input.

“There’s a huge range of interesting modules, especially at honours level where you have choice. For example, I’m taking UK Oil and Gas Law this semester – particularly topical as RGU is in Aberdeen.”

LAW LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

Craig Donald LLB (Hons) LAW

“I studied my LLB at RGU and the course was interesting and enjoyable as well as challenging and academically stimulating. The facilities provided to students at RGU are first class and definitely enhance the student experience. I have found the academic staff absolutely wonderful. They are always willing to help you and encourage you to achieve your full potential. Many of the law staff at RGU are former legal practitioners and this adds another dimension to studying the law, it’s one thing to read the law from a book but it’s quite another to be taught by someone who has professional experience in the area and it’s always interesting to hear about cases which the academic staff worked on when they were practising.“

e s i l ss a i e c c e sp suc r o f 4

Career options A Law degree from RGU opens the door to the legal profession – plus opportunities within the ﬁnancial sector, civil service, banking, corporate consultancy, global business management, local government, charitable organisations and trade unions, to name just a few.

“The student-to-lecturer ratio is great. You don’t feel crammed into a tiny dingy lecture hall with no communication with the lecturer. At RGU it’s more interactive, with more possibilities to speak one-on-one and seek clarification.”

If you intend to become a solicitor, you can also currently complete the one year Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at RGU. Our previous LLB graduates, many of whom have also taken the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice with us, have an excellent record for securing quality employment in the legal profession, locally and nationally. We expect this trend to continue.

LAW LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

core areas & skills During this course you will gain a thorough understanding of the Scottish, UK and EU legal systems; explore the concept and reality of human rights and justice; examine and critically assess diverse and key legal subjects including:

WHAT COURSE& WHEN OVER : VIEW ...

>> >> >> >> >>

Criminal Law Constitutional Law Law of Contract Commercial Law Family Law

In addition to this legal training, you develop key transferable skills such as communication, planning and organising, team working and problem-solving. You also acquire specialist skills in legal research, analysis and legal reasoning. The first three years of the course are designed to provide you with the law subjects required by the Law Society of Scotland for entry into the legal profession. In year 3 you also have the opportunity to study two non law subjects and to study 4 honours subjects.

choose your specialisms

teaching styles

other opportunities

In year 4 of the course (Honours year – optional) you will choose the subjects that appeal to you. This means you can tailor your subject proﬁle to suit your intended career path, whether in the public or private sector.

Our teaching methods enable you to develop professional skills such as communication and problem-solving.

In year 3 of the course you have the opportunity to spend a 12 week semester abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe.

The subjects available are diverse and, in some cases, highly vocational, such as Criminal Justice, UK Oil and Gas Law, Media Law and Intellectual Property Law.

This ensures your degree is valuable whatever career you’re considering. Throughout the course, you’re taught by staff who are experienced in a wide range of legal subjects. In addition, we ensure you graduate ready for today’s professional world. We value the advice and input of our close contacts in the legal profession, who continuously keep us appraised of the latest professional trends. This in turn informs our curriculum and teaching style.

During the course you also have the opportunity to take part in inter university competitions (mooting involves conducting a mock legal debate) or and inter university competitions.

There are several key advantages to the way we teach this course: >> You’ll have regular class contact both in tutorials (seminars) and lectures >> Our Student Law Society offers events and more liaison with staff >> The strong research culture among departmental staff feeds into their teaching expertise >> You can choose to take part in regular mooting exercises (legal debating), giving you additional practical experience >> We give regular and detailed feedback on your academic performance

LAW LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

year 2 SEMESTER ONE >> Delict >> Family Law >> Law of Evidence >> Legal Systems Direct Entry students Please note that the course structure is reviewed each year and may be subject to change. Honours Level modules will run subject to student demand and staff availability so may be subject to change.

year 1

>> Criminal Law >> Law of Contract >> Delict and Family Law

SEMESTER ONE

SEMESTER TWO

>> Criminal Law >> Law of Contract >> Legal Methods >> Legal Systems

>> Company Law >> European Union Law >> Legal Theory >> Property Rights in Land

SEMESTER TWO

DIRECT ENTRY STUDENTS

>> Commercial Law >> Constitutional Law >> Human Rights >> Property Law

If you left now, you’d have...

Certiﬁcate of Higher Education Law

Diploma of Higher Education Law

...& co urse detai l year 3

year 4

SEMESTER ONE

SEMESTER TWO

Choose from the following:

>> Dissertation

>> Forensic Practice >> Entrepreneurship in the Legal Sector

Plus THREE elective modules from a list currently containing:

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Plus THREE of the honours level modules (see list in Year 4) Or study abroad at a partner European or US university

SEMESTER TWO >> Practical Legal Skills >> Taxation Law Choose one from the following: >> Forensic Psychology >> Management Studies for Law >> Managing Projects Plus ONE honours level modules (see list in Year 4) Or study abroad at a partner European or US university If you left now, you’d have... LLB LAW

DIRECT ENTRY ROUTE SEMESTER ONE >> Law of Succession >> Law of Evidence in place of non law and two honours choices

Child Care Law Comparative Company Law Criminal Justice Criminal Responsibility Employment Law Environmental Law European Union Law Fundamentals of Employment Law International and Comparative Tax Law International Trade Law Judicial Review and Public Administration Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility Legal Issues in Construction Media Law Property Law (Honours) Public International Law Regional Human Rights Systems Roman Law Sports Law Tax Law

Comparative Law Consumer Law and Policy Criminal Law: Specific Crimes Criminology Dispute Resolution Equality Law Evidence: Law and Psychology Information Technology Law Intellectual Property Law International and Comparative Family Law International Private Law Legal History Medical Ethics Medical Law UK Oil and Gas Law

If you left now, you’d have... LLB (Hons) LAW

SEMESTER TWO

If you left now, you’d have...

>> European Union Law >> Property Rights in Land in place of non law and honours choices

LLB (Hons) LAW

LAW AND MANAGEMENT BA (Hons) UCAS M990

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was really impressed at the diversity of the course, and the fact it opened the door to a lot of career opportunities in a variety of industries.â&#x20AC;?

ON FOCUS FUTURE YOUR

This course will equip you with a sound grounding in law, as well as key business skills and knowledge.

Sarah Adams BA (Hons) Law and Management

“Commencing a university course was daunting as I went directly into third year of the BA (Hons) Law and Management after a long gap in studying. I have enjoyed meeting new people ... some of whom I now consider lifelong friends. I have gained the confidence to work and research independently and also as part of a team, and to present confidently in a room full of people.”

Career options The course will expose you to a range of career paths and opportunities. For example, it can be a pathway to becoming a Qualiﬁed Conveyancer or Executry Practitioner. (You can gain Diplomas in Conveyancing and Executry Services, or Executry Services, as additional qualifications in year 4.) Other options are with oil companies (locally and overseas), banks and businesses, civil service, corporate consultancy firms and the police. 11

LAW AND MANAGEMENT BA (Hons) UCAS M990

CORE SKILLS/ SPECIALISMS

KEY AREAS

In each year of the course you study a range of law and management subjects including Law of contract, Commercial Law and Property Law.

The high level of ﬂexibility in this course allows you to shape your degree to specialise in the areas you develop an interest in.

In your ﬁnal year you can specialise further in either law, or management, or a combination – whatever interests you most. Optional subjects include Criminal Justice, Employment Law, UK Oil and Gas Law.

As well as studying core law subjects, you will: >> Develop knowledge of the management perspectives and principles that underpin the effective operation of a business >> Gain an understanding of economic principles and concepts >> Learn effective people management practices

WHAT COURSE& WHEN OVER : VIEW ...

This course will equip you with a comprehensive set of skills in: >> Communication, including report and essay writing >> Creating professional presentations and information handling >> Research, including critical appraisal and referencing >> Project management >> Time management techniques >> Teamwork >> Information technology including managing files and using computers for word processing, spreadsheets and databases

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

TEACHING STYLE

ADDING LLB (HONS) LAW

In year 3 you have the opportunity to gain practical experience, equipping you for the working world.

There are several key advantages to the way we teach this course:

It is possible to add LLB (Hons) Law to this degree. If you enter the degree in year 1, and successfully complete the first three years to graduate with a BA in Law and Management, you can then apply to enter year 3 of the LLB (Hons) course.

Placements are highly regarded by employers as preparation for employment and are an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and establish links with potential employers. You have the option to undertake a placement with a small, medium-sized or multinational organisation situated locally, nationally or internationally. The placement helps you to acquire skills and knowledge that can otherwise be difďŹ cult to gain in an academic setting. This is one of the reasons why we assess your progress and contribution during your placement as part of your degree award.

>> Our small class sizes allow for more intensive, individual support and enable you to explore ideas and solutions >> Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have regular class contact both in tutorials (seminars) and lectures >> Our Student Law Society offers events and further liaison with staff >> The strong research culture among departmental staff feeds into their teaching expertise

Degree Link students who enter the degree in year 2 or 3, and successfully graduate with a BA in Law and Management on completing year 3 can then apply to enter year 1 or 2 of the LLB (Hons) course.

>> You can choose to take part in regular mooting exercises (legal debating), giving you additional practical experience >> We give regular and detailed feedback on your academic performance

Please note that the course structure is reviewed each year and may be subject to change. Honours Level modules will run subject to student demand.

LAW AND MANAGEMENT BA (Hons) UCAS M990

year 3 TAUGHT ROUTE ONLY SEMESTER ONE >> Delict >> Fundamentals of Employment Law Plus TWO options from: >> Ethics and the Consumer Corporate Governance >> Family Law (for LLB transfers)

year 1

year 2

SEMESTER ONE

Or study abroad at a partner European or US university

>> Business Ethics >> Legal Methods >> Legal Systems >> Management Concepts

>> Criminal Law >> Globalisation >> Law of Contract

SEMESTER TWO

SEMESTER TWO >> Constitutional Law >> Introductory Economics >> People Management >> Property Law If you left now, you’d have... Certiﬁcate of Higher Education Law and Management

* In Year 3, students must choose Legal Theory if they wish to transfer into the LLB. Students progressing to honours must choose Practical Legal Skills.

Plus ONE option from: >> European Union >> Organisational Behaviour >> The Financial Environment

SEMESTER TWO >> Commercial Law >> Company Law >> Human Rights Plus ONE option from: >> Business Economics >> Governing the UK >> Marketing If you left now, you’d have... Certiﬁcate of Higher Education Law and Management

>> Entrepreneurship in the Legal Sector >> Management Studies for Law (may be dropped if a placement is secured) >> Property Rights in Land Plus ONE option from: >> Legal Theory* >> Practical Legal Skills If you left now, you’d have... BA Law and Management

DIRECT ENTRY ROUTE SEMESTER ONE >> Delict >> Legal Methods Plus TWO options from:

...& co urse detai l year 4 PLACEMENT ROUTE SEMESTER ONE >> Delict >> Fundamentals of Employment Law Plus TWO options from: >> >> >> >>

Ethics and the Consumer Family Law Corporate Governance Organisational Marketing

Or study abroad at a partner European or US university

SEMESTER TWO >> >> >>

Business Start Up (may be dropped if placement is secured) Management Studies for Law Placement

Plus ONE option from: >> Legal Theory* >> Practical Legal Skills If you left now, you’d have... BA Law and Management >> Ethics and the Consumer >> Corporate Governance >> Family Law (for LLB transfers) Or study abroad at a partner European or US university

SEMESTER ONE

>> Dissertation

Plus THREE elective modules from a list currently containing:

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Child Care Law Comparative Company Law Criminal Justice Criminal Responsibility Employment Law Environmental Law European Union Law International and Comparative Tax Law International Human Resource Management International Organisations International Trade Law Judicial Review and Public Administration Legal Issues in Construction Media Law Property Law (Honours) Public International Law Regional Human Rights Systems Roman Law Sports Law Tax Law The Business of Economics

Comparative Law Consumer Law and Policy Corporate Ethics Criminal Law: Specific Crimes Criminology Dispute Resolution Employee Relations and Reward Entrepreneurial Studies Equality Law Information Technology Law Intellectual Property Law International and Comparative Family Law International Private Law Labour Market Economics Legal History Medical Ethics Medical Law Strategic Marketing Management UK Oil and Gas Law

If you left now, you’d have... BA (Hons) Law and Management

SEMESTER TWO

Plus ONE option from:

>> >> >> >>

>> Practical Legal Skills >> Legal Theory (for LLB transfers)

Entrepreneurship in the Legal Sector Company Law Management Studies for Law (may be dropped if a placement is secured) Placement (option)

If you left now, you’d have... BA Law and Management 15

LAW AND MANAGEMENT BA (Hons) UCAS M990

REALISE YOUR POTENTIAL 16

pl ac em en

Yul Thomson

Corrina Mathers

Director, Method Inventories Limited

BA (HONS) Law and Management

“Overall the addition of the students to the business has been very successful, they are intelligent, motivated and have a good attitude to their work. They have assisted us through a significant growth period in the business and we are delighted that they are both still working for the company a year on.”

“My experience over the last year within RGU has been brilliant. I have found all teaching staff friendly, helpful and approachable and a credit to RGU. I was a direct entrant (from Aberdeen College) and have been made to feel very welcome by my peers which made the transition easy. Overall I have loved my experience at RGU and would highly recommend both the course and the staff at RGU.”

“ABS allowed me to reach my full potential. The opportunities are endless: I set up and headed a new student Law Society during my time here, and participated in an international Law Moot Court Competition.”

Placements You will have the opportunity to complete a placement in your third year. What you do is up to you – and we’ll help you arrange it. You could concentrate on the legal side of your studies. In the past, students have worked in Sheriff Clerks’ Ofﬁces, legal firms, local government and councils plus public and private sector organisations. Or you can explore the management component in a corporate placement. Many students choose Contracts and Procurement departments, while others work in Finance, HR and Marketing. Recent placements have included Scottish Court Service, Aker Kvaerner and Halliburton.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS. ENJOY NEW HORIZONS. What could possibly be better than studying at Robert Gordon University? Good question! How about studying here – but also getting a chance to spend some time studying abroad! Well that’s entirely possible. Most undergraduate programmes at Aberdeen Business School include the opportunity for a period of study abroad with one of our carefully chosen international partners – both in Europe and beyond. Our Study Abroad programmes offer additional educational and cultural experiences – but all as part of your accredited qualification with RGU. Many employers like to have graduates with some international experience, so it’s your chance to enhance your CV and widen your employment opportunities.

BYE, AU REVOIR, CIAO AND SEE YOU SOON

ABROAD STUDY

Going abroad to study or work could be one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of your course. The experience, new friends, a different country, climate, culture and language: these, and many other factors, make it an unforgettable time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wherever you go! And where you go will depend on the course you study. Each participating course has its own partner institutions in different countries. Most of the courses have more than one partner institution, so you can choose which institution or country is most suitable for you. So if we say that you might need a phrase book and sunglasses when you come to Aberdeen, we are being serious!

GREAT PLACEMENT PROSPECTS

Wide open spaces

ABERDEEN PERFECT A great Scottish location and brilliant career opportunities; Robert Gordon University gives you lots to smile about... Named “best UK university for employment” (HESA, 2013), Robert Gordon University is the ideal place to start your career. What’s more, “residents in Aberdeenshire enjoy the best quality of life in Scotland” (Bank of Scotland Quality of Life League, 2012). So it’s time to get yourself up north, where things will be good for you too!

, THE LOCATION We consider our riverside campus, based on the banks of the beautiful River Dee, to be one of the most attractive campuses in the UK and one of Europe’s finest. The river itself is home to otters, heron, salmon and other wildlife. Our campus has beautiful woodland walkways and parkland, connecting our modern, stylish buildings.

97.7% Gra

SUNNY SCOTL

SKI CENTRAL

RGU

BEST UK UNIVERSITY FOR EMPLOYMENT

Mountaineering mecca

raduate employment

Y LAND

Scotland at its best. Aye, that’s right! Aberdeen is pretty unique in the UK with its cosmopolitan culture, rich heritage and fantastic scenery. It’s got everything you’d expect from a major city – pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and art galleries – but there’s lots more than that! Like the miles of beach boulevard – loved by skaters and surfers – and the wild mountains right on the doorstep: Aberdeen is a great location for skiing and snowboarding with dry ski slopes nearby the campus and during the winter Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray takes on a whole new lease of life with many challenging ski runs, plus some of the best hillwalking in Scotland and loads of great places for canoeing, kayaking and sailing!

HOW WI LL I BE TAUGHT ?

Through varied class sizes, diverse lecturing styles and a range of assessment techniques. These degrees are all taught in two semesters. Each semester has a block of 12 weeks of teaching.

IN THE CLASSROOM

ASSESSMENT

You’ll take four modules per semester. Each module involves around 2–3 hours of class teaching per week. While this differs from module to module, most have:

We use a mixture of assessments. Most modules are assessed by a two hour exam at the end of the semester, and by coursework submitted during the semester.

>> Two hours of lectures delivered to the whole class >> A further one hour tutorial taught to a small group of about 20 students You’ll also be encouraged to reﬂect critically on your learning, and to establish a view of your own progress and development, which may form the basis of tutorial guidance with staff.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM In addition to lectures and tutorials, you‘ll have to spend approximately 20 hours a week outside class time working on your own. For example doing the prescribed reading, preparing answers to the tutorial assignments, or researching and writing up coursework.

STAFF EXPERIENCE Some of our teaching staff have professional legal experience. Similarly those on the Law and Management course have professional legal and management experience. This means that subjects are taught with a highly practical edge. In addition, almost all law staff teach subjects in which they’re engaged in research activity (such as writing books, academic journal papers, delivering conference papers) – meaning you learn from experts.

KEY FACTS

LAW Alternative qualifications

LAW AND MANAGEMENT Alternative qualifications

Equivalent overseas qualifications and some access courses will be considered.

Study options

Degree link programme

Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years Full-time: 2 years for holders of a BA Law and Management from ABS

Entry to year 3 of the course may be possible if you have completed an HND in Legal Services or an equivalent HND programme from another FE College.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

Study options

The courses are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, a key factor for those seeking to enter the legal profession in Scotland. They are also recognised by the Faculty of Advocates.

Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years

Placement An optional placement in year 3.

what

nex t ?

This course guide is intended as a guide for applicants for courses delivered by Robert Gordon University. In compiling it the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible, and the information in this course guide is correct at the time of going to print, but the course guide must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The University undertakes to make every reasonable effort to provide the teaching and academic facilities necessary for applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programmes of study. However the University reserves the right, if such action is considered to be necessary, to make variations to fees and/or to vary the content or delivery method of any course at any time. In addition, the University may, at its sole discretion, discontinue or amalgamate any course(s). In these rare cases the University will notify applicants as soon as possible and reasonable steps will be taken to provide a suitable alternative to a discontinued course.

The next thing to do is talk to us. We can answer any questions you may have. Simply call us on 01224 262728 or email UGOffice@rgu.ac.uk We also provide a range of opportunities for you to visit us – so you can see what we can offer you ﬁrst hand. Open Day

Applicants’ Day

We organise two annual open days in October and November each year. It’s a perfect opportunity to visit us, meet the academic staff, experience the first-class facilities and talk to current students.

When you apply for any course at ABS, you’ll be invited to one of our course-speciﬁc Applicants’ Days.

For full details of dates and times, and to see a full programme please see www.rgu.ac.uk/openday Open Days 2 October 2013 2 November 2013

We realise there’s a lot involved in making your final choice, so we hope to give you all the insight and information you need. For full details of dates and times, and to see a full programme please see www.rgu.ac.uk/absapplicantsday Visit Afternoons We hold monthly Visit Afternoons. The visit includes a talk by an Education Liaison Officer, a tour of the facilities and a chance to speak to a lecturer about the course you’re interested in. www.rgu.ac.uk/visitafternoons

Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University Garthdee Road Aberdeen AB10 7QE Talk to us. We can answer any questions or queries you may have. Simply call us on 01224 262728, email UGOffice@rgu.ac.uk or visit us at www.rgu.ac.uk Laura Sharp Course Leader, Law Email: l.a.sharp@rgu.ac.uk Tel: 01224 263414

Lisa Gibbons-Wood Course Leader, Law and Management Email: l.gibbons-wood@rgu.ac.uk Tel: 01224 263427

www.facebook.com/AberdeenBSchool

www.twitter.com/AberdeenBSchool

www.rgu.ac.uk/undergraduatelaw

tbp! | bebetter.co.uk