COURSE: L
aw
DIARY
What will my first year of university be like?
Will I get support with my assignments? What kind of teaching can I How much independent study will I have to do?
expect?
NEW COPY FOR THIS SPREAD
Whether or not you’re moving away from home, going to university is a significant milestone in your life. It can seem like a big step up from sixth form or college, so naturally you’ll have a lot of questions about life as a university student. We’ve put together a snapshot of what your first year as a Law student at the University of Salford might look like. As well as taking a detailed look at the modules you’ll study, we’ve enlisted Leo, a current student to take you through an average day on campus. Our Law course is delivered predominantly on the Peel Park campus. If you have joined us at an Open Day or Applicant Visit Day, you might have already had chance to explore. However, there are plenty of hidden gems, places to eat and useful facilities to be aware of if you’re joining us in September. We’ve listed a few for you to learn more about below.
Welcome to Salford Before getting stuck into your studies, you’ll have the chance to get a taste of all the amazing activities and clubs you can get involved with during Welcome Week. University isn’t just about what happens in the lecture theatre and Welcome Week means you can experience everything the university has to offer. Packed full of events, socials and parties, your first week on campus is a great opportunity to make new friends and seek out new experiences. If you’re still feeling a little lost on campus, or in the city, there are tours and trips every day to help you get your bearings. Keep up to date with the latest info, events and any changes to activities by following us on Twitter and Facebook. @UoS_Students
@salfordsu
What will I study in my first year? In your first year of our Law course you’ll study the following modules:
- Contrac t
Law
- Legal Sy stems and Digital Le gal Skills - Legal W riting and Analytical Skills - Crimina l Law - Law of Tort - Principle s of Acco unting
But what do I actually study in those modules? As part of your degree you’ll have the chance to take part in a mini pupillage with Kenworthy’s Chambers and even spend the day shadowing a Judge. Outside of the syllabus your opportunities continue: the University’s active Law Society, Mooting team and CLOCK Scheme allow you to put your knowledge into practice, learn essential skills and improve your employability. In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits, so each of these modules are worth 20 credits each. Academic years are divided into two semesters and for the most part you’ll study three 20 credit modules in each. In this section, we are going to give you a bit more information on each of those modules, so you have a better understanding of not just what you will study, but how and the assessments involved. The amount of time you spend in lectures and seminars can vary throughout the year, you are expected to do assignments, reading and independent study as well as your scheduled activities. All your activities should add up to about 35 - 40 hours a week (the same as a full-time job).
MODULE: Contract Law Contract Law is an essential aspect of any legal education. In this module, you will identify and evaluate the central principles of contract law using case law and statutory interpretation. Through Contract Law, you will develop a detailed knowledge of the life cycle of a contract and learn to apply contractual principles to a range of problem scenarios. The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Each lecture will provide an overview of a topic, the themes of which will be explored further in the seminars that follow.
Aims and objectives of the module: Develop an understanding of the general principles of the law of contract Link the theoretical framework of the law of contract to its practice and enforcement as introduced in English Legal Process Consider the interface between the rules of contract and tort Critically review the economic and social impact of contract upon individuals and commercial bodies
What will the assessments be like? Assessment for Contract Law will consist of one formative assessment comprised of two elements: coursework and an end of module examination.
Coursework
50%
End of module examination
50%
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Legal Systems and Digital Legal Skills Legal Systems and Digital Legal Skills is designed to give you an introduction to the English Legal System, its main processes and its role within society. Over the course of the module, you will learn how law interacts with society and gain a demonstratable understanding of the principal mechanisms of the English Legal System. You will also develop your legal research and interpretation skills. This module looks at the importance of good digital skills within the law and you will be supported and assessed through an eLearning legal training course. You will be encouraged to sign up for and complete the following online courses after the end of the module to develop your digital legal skills further: / The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) working towards your bronze award. iDEA is an interactive programme that improves digital, enterprise and employability skills /
Westlaw and Lexis Library Legal Research Basic Certificates.
The module is delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars and legal eLearning courses designed to develop legal study, legal research and digital legal skills.
Aims and objectives of the module: Give you a broad understanding of how the core legal subjects are interrelated in the legal landscape Explain the importance of legal principles, concepts, structures, citations and practices within English Law Develop the key skills of interpreting primary and secondary sources of law Explain the purposes of legal research through the application of appropriate digital legal skills
What will the assessments be like? Legal Systems and Digital Legal Skills is assessed through an eLearning legal training course.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Legal Writing and Analytical Skills A level of analytical and writing skill is required to ensure that a piece of legal writing is successful. In this module, you will develop your ability to apply effective legal research and planning to answer problem questions and legal essays. You will also gain an appreciation of the importance of language, grammar, punctuation and structure when producing a legal argument. As well as helping you in your academic studies, the skills and knowledge developed in this module are essential in professional legal practice. Legal Writing and Analytical Skills will be delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars, and guided study designed to develop legal writing and analytical skills.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce you to legal writing and analytical skills Explain the importance of identifying the legal issues that need to be resolved through legal writing Give you a broad understanding of how to use primary and secondary sources of law in the legal writing process to support legal arguments Develop the key legal writing skills of planning, grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structures to produce a polished piece of legal writing
What will the assessments be like? You will produce a portfolio of work to be assessed at the end of the module.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Criminal Law In Criminal Law you will examine punishment by the state of offenders and the general principles of criminal liability, along with an examination of principal offences and defences. Through a combination of lectures and seminars, you will develop a practical understanding of the role of criminal law within the justice system and society more generally. You will also explore the key principles of criminal law through case law and learn to apply them to a range of specific offenses.
Aims and objectives of the module: Develop an understanding of the general principles of criminal law Study specific criminal offences and defences Link the theoretical framework of criminal law to its practice and enforcement Evaluate the present law in the context of its historical, moral and social framework, and to identify examples of actual and desirable reform
What will the assessments be like? Assessment for Criminal Law will consist of one formative assessment comprised of two elements: coursework and an end of module examination.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Law of Tort Tort is the branch of law that imposes civil liability for breach of obligations imposed by law. Put simply, torts are wrongdoings that are done by one party against another. In Law of Tort you will explore a range of specific torts and develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the role of the law of tort within the legal system. On completion of the module you will have a demonstratable understanding of the key principles of this area of law and the ability to apply your knowledge to a variety of scenarios. Law of Tort is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars over year one of LLB Law.
Aims and objectives of the module: Develop a critical understanding of the general principles of the law of tort Study an in-depth range of specific torts and show an understanding of the theoretical and procedural linkages between them Develop an understanding of the link between the theoretical framework of the law of tort and its practice and enforcement Explore and question the interface between the rules of contract and tort
What will the assessments be like? Assessment for Law of Tort will consist of one formative assessment comprised of two elements: coursework and an end of module examination.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Principles of Accounting As with all courses at the University of Salford, LLB Law is designed to prepare you for the world of work. Modules like Principles of Accounting complement your legal studies by introducing you to essential business concepts. In this module, you will receive an introduction to accounting and its role in the management of an organisation. Through Principles of Accounting you will develop an understanding of accounting theory and learn to appreciate the implications of financial planning, control and decision-making within a business. The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. All lectures will be followed by a tutorial at which you will solve problems and tackle exercises on topics covered in the lecture.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce you to the main financial statements produced by organisations for external bodies Introduce the issues associated with presenting and interpreting financial statements Introduce the role of budgeting, costing and the management of working capital within organisations Introduce the concept of financial planning, control and decisionmaking within business organisations
What will the assessments be like? Principles of Accounting is assessed through a multiple-choice mid-semester exam taken at week 7 and a final exam at the end of the semester.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
How does my week look? Don’t put these in your calendar just yet, timetables change each year and you will get your actual timetable during your induction week!
9 Mon
Tue
MORNING 10 11 12
Contract Law 9-11
AFTERNOON 2 3 4
1
Contrac
t
Law
5
Principles of Accounting
11-12
1-3 Legal Writing and Analytical Skills Principles of 1-3 Accounting
Principles of Accounting 11-12
3-5
Wed
Study Day
Law soc iety meet-up 2-4
Thu
Law of Tort 11-1
Bandioke night!
Law of Tort 1-2
Fri
Legal Writing and Analytical Skills 11-1
Sat Sun
Law of Tort 3-5
Meet friends for coffee before lectur e
Lectures
Seminars
Day in the life
eo Meet L
udent
ar Law st
t ye wardy, firs
Leo Suhar
How does your typical day start? Usually my day starts at around 8 and going into uni is obviously dependent on my timetable. Since I live on University campus, my journey into uni is a short one. I also tend to spend most of my morning speaking with flatmates or course mates, as well as making sure I’m on top of any relevant assignments – and as of right now staying abreast with part-time job listings. Having a coffee before lectures is typical, and occasionally doing some exercise to start the day. When lectures are later in the day – any opportunity for a lie-in is fully exploited!
What lecture/seminar does your day start with? As of my second semester, my Mondays start with a criminology seminar, and Tuesdays kick off with a Principles of Marketing lecture. Criminology is of particular interest, as it addresses the inner workings of the law system that is often the source of much interest by members of the general public. As for Principles of Marketing, it is of notable interest to me personally, as it sheds light on a more business-minded environment, as it is relevant to the area of law which I am most interested in working in when I pursue a professional career.
Lunch time Living so close to campus allows for the opportunity to go back to my flat and eat lunch in the company of my flatmates. With my flatmates we often continue discussing anything from the previous night or earlier that morning. It’s not uncommon to spend lunch working on anything not finished in the lectures or seminars beforehand. If not the previous two, watching Netflix is the most likely option! With regards to places to eat on campus, the Subway is the ideal place! Failing that, the student store adjacent to the library is a worthwhile alternative – especially if in a rush.
Afternoon lectures/seminars Throughout the week, afternoon classes consist of criminology lectures, and Principles of Marketing and English Legal Processes and Research Skills (ELPRS) seminars. ELPRS is challenging in its own right as it needs to be fully understood to an extensive degree, as it underpins the entirety of the legal system, i.e. all the other law modules in the course. But knowing the fundamentals of law is interesting as it is something that can be easily overlooked and lends itself to making people aware of so many previously unknown areas of the law and where they originate from.
Campus life full of activities .
After university Outside of uni, watching Netflix is always a good way to relax – but needing to spend sufficient time on personal studies outside of classes is a common use of time too. Spending time with my flatmates and doing things like playing pool, table tennis and Monopoly are all things we have started to get into the habit of doing together. Being part of the Mooting and Law Society is also part of my law work outside of normal classes. As captain of the University Swimming Team, always going to training, socialising with my fellow swimmers in training and socials is a great way to spend time – as well as needing to get race ready for the competitions throughout the year.
Peel Park campus Our main campus, Peel Park, offers you the best of both worlds: state-of-the-art learning facilities within minutes of a world-class city, set against beautiful green spaces to relax and socialise in. As well as being home to the ornate Peel Park Building which opened in 1896, the Maxwell, Lady Hale and Chapman Buildings, where most of your classes will take place, are all on campus. With student shops, cafés, study spaces and computer labs, the Peel Park campus is a great environment for study and downtime.
Here are a few places to look out for:
rary The Lib
Clifford Whitworth Library We’ve given our main library a £6.2million refurbishment to bring you the ‘library in the park’ – a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, laptops available to loan, bookable work rooms and café. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can study at a time that suits you. You’ll also find study spaces across the University, so a quiet place to study is never far away.
Peel Park Peel Park was the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription. Created in 1846, it was free to use and brought all Salford residents together. Benefiting from a recent £1.6 million transformation, the park provides a beautiful green space to relax outside of lessons.
Peel Park
Student Union
Atmosphere Kitchen and Bar The central social hub of your Students’ Union! Atmosphere is open every day until late serving up amazing food and drink right in the heart of campus. Atmosphere is the place to go to get some tasty food or your favourite beverage, all at student friendly prices. Grab the best coffee on campus or head to the café for a quick bite to eat and chill after a day of studying.
Want to see more? Take a whistle stop tour of Peel Park Campus here: vimeo.com/312989861
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Law at the University of Salford now! Remember, this is just a sample of the information you’ll receive in your induction week so some of the information may change a little, especially the timetable!
What Happens Next? Learn about your next steps at: beta.salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/ applied-what-next