Law

Core modules:

Understanding Law and Legal Systems

This module is one of the first taught on the MA (Law) programme and is designed to achieve a number of different objectives. In essence, its main role is to introduce students to the topic of law, and to encourage them to think creatively about the purpose of law. In addition, students will be taught basic legal skills and given an introduction into the legal systems and materials that they will be dealing with throughout the remainder of the degree.

Legal Research & Writing Skills

This module introduces students to the basic skills of legal research and legal writing, both essays and problem solving. The module includes lectures by academic staff, library staff and on-line specialists, hands-on workshops and structured seminars. The modules also covers referencing and the use of unfair means. Students are given formative feedback on essays. Students are introduced to the skills necessary to give effective oral presentations. Time will also be given to self-reflect on future employment opportunities.

Constitutional Law

This module comprises three sections. In the first theoretical ideas as to the ideal design of constitutions are developed. This is followed in the second section by coverage of the constitutional arrangements of the UK and of the EU, as well as the constitutional relationship between them. In the remainder of the module some of the more significant and controversial aspects of the constitution are studied in more detail, leading to a discussion of the general principles of administrative law.

Contract Law

The module examines which agreements the law recognises as legally binding, how such agreements are formed, how their terms are determined and how they may be varied, the consequences of impropriety, such as improper pressure by one party during negotiations, and what happens when one party is in breach of their obligations under the contract. The module examines some current initiatives to harmonise contract laws within Europe and around the world. Contract is a core module for professional legal purposes; it underpins a number of other legal subjects, and provides an opportunity to study a prime example of judge-made rules. 

Administrative Law

Administrative law builds upon the themes dealt with in constitutional law, although the focus is somewhat different as much of the module centres around judicial review. However, care is taken to ensure that administrative law principles are seen within their political and social context, and that due weight is attached to the other means of resolving grievances against the state. In addition, we will be considering how far legal techniques are actually used in the development and implementation of governmental policy and to what extent this allows for democratic participation in decision-making and accountability after decisions are taken.

Law of Crime

The Law of Crime is a foundational module for professional purposes. It is concerned with the principles which govern the circumstances in which a person can be found guilty of a criminal act or omission. In doing this, the module provides an analysis of some of the most important criminal offences. It also considers when a person can escape liability by pleading defences, among others, insanity, diminished responsibility and intoxication. The module aims to comply with the pedagogic aims of the Masters degree and to inculcate an appreciation of the general principles of and a selection of offences in criminal law.

Law of Torts

This module will examine the tort of negligence, concentrating on the principles of duty of care and breach of duty, focusing on the tensions raised by issues such as liability for economic loss and psychiatric injury, and also on the complex problems of proving causation. It will also look at the place of torts law within the law of obligations. It will consider the effectiveness of the torts system in light of the concept of vicarious liability, the available defences, the law of damages, and the policy considerations involved. Torts to be studied will vary each semester and could include occupiers' liability, nuisance, products liability, trespass and defamation.

Equity and Trusts

This module develops the student's understanding of the nature of equitable rights, doctrines, processes, and remedies in domestic law. Particular attention is devoted to the creation of trusts, both private and charitable, to variation of trusts, and to the administrative powers of trustees and their personal liability for breach of trust. The relationship between constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel is considered, as is the relationship between equitable principles and the law of restitution. Amongst equitable remedies considered are specific performance and injunctions. The process of tracing (including a comparison with tracing at common law) is also analysed.

Law of Property

This module introduces the student to the general concepts of the law of property and develops these with particular reference to land law. The unit examines the nature of property rights, their creation and transfer, the distinction between legal estates and legal and equitable interests, the creation and protection of the rights of third parties, both of a commercial nature (including easements and restrictive covenants) and of a family nature (such as rights arising under a trust). The module considers both unregistered and registered systems of titles to land, and co-ownership of land. Leases, commonhold, and mortgages are also analysed.

Dissertation

Students must complete a 10,000 word dissertation on a legal topic of their choice. The dissertation gives the student the opportunity to explore an area of their interest in some depth. To achieve a masters standard the student is required to demonstrate an up-to-date critical analysis of the topic chosen for discussion. Students cannot achieve a masters degree unless they successfully complete the dissertation

Optional modules - example modules:

Advanced EU Law

This module is one of the core/optional foundation subjects of the Qualifying Law Degree programmes offered by Sheffield Law School. Building on 'Public Law in the UK and the EU', it explores the institutional structure and legal framework of the EU, as well as its substantive law. The module offers a distinct perspective on the dynamics of the EU, focusing on fundamental rights, the internal market and citizenship. Students will engage with Treaty provisions, EU legislation and cases, and practise a range of legal skills in applying EU law to concrete situations, thereby developing their employability.

20 credits

Punishment and Penal Policy

This module is concerned with the sentencing and punishment of offenders. It considers, in historical context: the philosophical underpinnings of punishment; sentencing policy and practice; and the forms that punishment takes (including custodial and non-custodial options). It also considers what we know about public attitudes toward punishment. A key issue addressed by this module is the rapid growth of the prison population since the mid-1990s: how can we explain this state of affairs, and can/should this trend be reversed?

20 credits

Commercial Law

This module aims to familiarise students with the basic doctrines and concepts in English commercial law, the skills to apply these concepts to novel factual scenarios, and the ability to critically evaluate them from a doctrinal and theoretical perspective. The module will teach students the main concepts and principles of commercial law and how they are used to structure and facilitate a range of common commercial transactions.  Transactions/ issues considered could include, for example, the interpretation of contractual terms, the laws of agency, secured transactions, and the laws on assignment.  It will also examine legal doctrines critically and equip students with the ability to evaluate and critique commercial law concepts from a variety of perspectives.

20 credits

Consumer Law

This module introduces students to the legal and policy frameworks for consumer protection in English law. The module is designed to answer two key questions: (1) Why should consumers be protected? and (2) How are consumers protected? 

To answer these questions, the module aims to enable students to understand and critically evaluate certain lines of enquiry. First, the module considers the competing theoretical rationales and policy justifications for consumer protection. Second, it examines the institutions, instruments and techniques adopted to protect consumers. Third, the module analyses key statutory provisions aimed at protecting the economic interests of consumers in contractual relationships and the substantive conduct requirements imposed on traders they transact with. Fourth, the module considers how consumer protection laws are enforced in England. 

Finally, the module aims to provide students with an opportunity to conduct independent research and to communicate their findings and arguments on relevant issues in consumer law.

Overall, the module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to critically engage with the law's role in championing specific policy priorities where traditional private law mechanisms are limited or inadequate.  

20 credits

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is increasingly being adopted by countries around the world to deal with offending and to respond to victims of criminal offences. This module explores the development of restorative justice in theory and practice and seeks to understand the contemporary popularity of restorative justice. It considers the appeal of restorative justice to a variety of stakeholders (including offenders, victims and the wide community) and in a variety of jurisdictions, including England and Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as mainland Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and America. It looks at whether restorative justice can and should be used for more serious offences and for adult offenders. It also examines the effectiveness of restorative justice interventions and how this has been assessed by researchers.

20 credits

Foundations of Company Law

This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the legislative, contractual and equitable aspects of company law. The main focus of the module will be on the legal principles governing the establishment, operation and management of companies, including: the effects of the separate legal entity status of companies; the role of the board of directors; the rights and responsibilities of shareholders; creditor rights; and remedies.

20 credits