COURSE TITLES AND CODES FOR UNDERGRADUATE HONOURS SUBJECT: LAW. Director Jordanstown 5140 LLB Single Honours Law (P/T) 5 years K Sinclair

Transcription

1 COURSE TITLES AND CODES FOR UNDERGRADUATE HONOURS SUBJECT: LAW LLB SINGLE HONOURS LAW Course Code Course Title Duration Subject/Course Director Jordanstown 51 LLB Single Honours Law 3 years 5140 LLB Single Honours Law (P/T) 5 years K Sinclair Magee 511 LLB Single Honours Law 3 years A Diver 510 LLB Single Honours Law (P/T) 5 years LLB HONOURS: Modular Law Course Code Course Title Duration Subject/Course Director Jordanstown 970 LLB Law with Criminology 3 years 38 LLB Law with Criminology (P/T) 5 years K Sinclair 977 LLB Law with Politics 3 years 399 LLB Law with Politics (P/T) 5 years Magee 910 LLB Law with American Studies 3 years LLB Law with American Studies (P/T) 5 years 13 LLB Hons Law with Accounting 3 years 849 LLB Hons Law with Accounting (P/T) 5 years 119 LLB Law with Human Res. Mgt. 3 years 84 LLB Law with Human Res. Mgt (P/T) 5 years A Diver 118 LLB Law with Marketing 3 years 847 LLB Law with Marketing (P/T) 5 years 4 LLB Law with Sociology 3 years 1187 LLB Law with Irish 3 years 44 LLB Law with Irish (P/T) 5 years 10

2 1. COURSE SPECIFICATION PLEASE NOTE. This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the learning, teaching and assessment methods of each module can be found within the Student Handbooks. 1 AWARDING INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster TEACHING INSTITUTION: University of Ulster 3 LOCATION: Jordanstown, Magee 4 ACCREDITED BY: Joint Academic Stage Board for England and Wales; Law Society and Bar Council of NI (IPLS and GSPLE). 5 FINAL AWARD: LLB Single Hons Law LLB Law (modular) (See the full list above) MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Full-time/Part Time 7 SPECIALISMS: None 8 COURSE/UCAS CODE: (See full Course Code List above) 9 DATE REVISED: Effective from 1/13 10 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE The overall aim of the course is to produce professionally focused graduates who have undertaken academically challenging and intellectually stimulating study which will successfully prepare them for their future career choice, whether this is the vocational stage of legal studies, further academic study or immediate entry to the workforce. In addition to this primary aim, through teaching on the Law Degrees the aim is to: Develop students core knowledge of the concepts, methods and techniques that underlie the study of law as an academic discipline and develop their understanding of the relevance of these concepts within a legal, economic and social environment; Cultivate the development of intellectual skills including critical evaluation, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, creative thinking and problem-solving skills that are relevant to the subject areas of law; Enable students to consider how law affects and is affected by individuals, organisations, markets, societies and other disciplines; Highlight the relevance of legal knowledge to the needs of the community whether at a local, regional, national, European or international level; 11

3 Support the development of a range of subject-specific and general practical skills (including an appreciation of professional ethical standards and conduct) and transferable skills (effective communication); Develop students' ability to analyse, interpret and communicate legal information; Develop students' interpersonal, research, numeracy, computing and communication skills; Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and decision-making In addition students have an opportunity to study for the Diploma in International Academic Studies for which they complete an intercalary year via the Erasmus programme, the Student Exchange Programme or the Study USA programme. 11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The following reference points were used to inform the development of the course and its learning outcomes: The University s Vision and Core Strategic Aims, The University Teaching and Learning strategy and University Policies ; Current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Law (07); The requirements of The Law Society and Bar Council of NI and the Joint Academic Stage Board for the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and the Bar Standards Board for England and Wales; and King s Inn Ireland. National and University qualifications and credit frameworks; The course provides opportunities for students (who successfully complete and pass the course) to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes. Successful students on all law degrees will be able to: 11.K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 K Demonstrate and apply the fundamental principles, concepts, theories which underpin the practice of law in a range of core subject areas within a legal, social and professional environment. Demonstrate a knowledge of the principle sources of law in a domestic and international context. K3 Understand and appreciate contemporary legal theories within a domestic and international context. 1

4 K4 K5 K Understand the workings of legal institutions and the process of law making. Differentiate between the different branches of law and have a knowledge of the inter-relationships between them, and with other related perspectives. Understand legal, professional and ethical issues in a legal, social and professional setting. Successful Single Honours LLB students will also be able to: K7 Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of and apply fundamental principles, concepts and theories of law in specialised areas of legal study. Learning and Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussion, case studies, moots, directed reading, independent learning, presentations, visiting speakers, experimental learning and interactive technology (Audience Response Technology (ART)) and web-based learning. Assessment Methods: Unseen/seen examination papers and various coursework assignments including: reflective logs and journals, subject-specific essays, critiques, group projects, drafting exercises, tutorial portfolio assessment, multiple choice questions, completion of worksheets, oral presentations, moots, class tests, interactive ART (Turning point) as an assessment tool, case reports and role play. 11. I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I I3 I4 I5 Critically evaluate arguments and synthesise evidence. Identify, analyse and draw reasoned conclusions from structured and unstructured problems and information including information acquired directly by the student. Develop the skills required in sourcing, recording, preparing, presenting and critically analysing legal information from primary and secondary sources (to include domestic, European and international legislation and case law, European and international law as well as academic writing) with appropriate acknowledgement and referencing of these sources. Exercise appropriate judgement in planning, selecting and presenting information. Demonstrate innovative thinking, provide reasoned and critical analysis of legal issues and present complex legal argument coherently and fluently. Successful Single Honours LLB students will also be able to: I Identify, analyse and present critical analysis of legal theory and legal research methods in specialised areas of legal study. 13

5 Learning and Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, tutor directed tutorials, practical workshops, case studies, moots, directed reading, independent learning, presentations, visiting speakers, experimental learning and interactive technology (ART); web-based learning (researching topical issues) and problem-based learning scenarios (including coursework assignments, projects and examinations). These skills are further developed through small group sessions. Assessment Methods: Unseen/seen examination papers and various coursework assignments including, subject specific essay writing, writing reports, group projects, drafting exercises, portfolio assessment, oral presentations, moots, class tests, case reports and role play. 11.P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P P3 P4 Present and summarise problems and solutions to a range of problems where law has relevance. Summarise the key points accurately and concisely from a range of complex legal and related materials, within the law subjects. Present and respond to reasoned legal arguments and opinions, both orally and in writing, using appropriate legal terminology. Relate knowledge of legal theories to practical problems in a range of subject areas. Undertake research to keep abreast of legal developments that may impact on any area of law. Successful Single Honours LLB students will also be able to: P5 Analyse, present and respond to legal theory and research practice discussions. Learning and Teaching Methods: Seminars, student-led tutorials, practical workshops, group work, group discussions and presentations, case studies, presentations, court visits, use of information technology and web-based learning (researching topical issues). Assessment Methods: Unseen examination papers and various coursework assignments including, report writing, memo writing, preparing briefing documents, business letter writing, investigative reports, group projects, portfolio assessment, oral presentations, class tests, moots, case reports. 14

6 11. T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 Demonstrate communication skills including the ability to present legal information, together with analysis, argument and commentary in a form appropriate to the intended audience. Use information technology skills, including the use of databases for research. Progress studies and, develop independent and self-managed learning including familiarity with an e-learning environment. Develop interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a group, and demonstrate good presentation skills. Demonstrate personal, organisation, problem solving, decision-making and resource management skills. Appreciate the importance of continuing professional development in support of lifelong learning. Demonstrate career planning and personal skills development. Successful Single Honours LLB students will also be able to: T8 Demonstrate the ability to identify and research information on complex legal issues. Learning and Teaching Methods: Seminars and practical sessions (particularly student-led sessions), group work, project preparation and presentations. Module coordinators are encouraged to emphasise the use of information technology within their modules. This emphasis involves the use of on-line information sources and data bases, the employment of technology as part of assessment strategies and the adoption of technology for module information and communication. Assessment Methods: Writing reports, writing memos, preparing briefing documents, writing business letters, preparing investigative reports, group projects, portfolio assessment, oral presentations, class tests, and computer based exercises, case reports, moots, role play, use of software packages, group projects, CV preparation, examination and coursework. The learning Outcomes are mapped in the subsequent Programme Learning Outcome Maps. LLB Single Honours Law (Jordanstown) (Table B1 (1)) LLB Law (Modular) (Jordanstown) (Table B1 ()) LLB Single Honours Law (Magee) (Table B1 (3)) LLB Law (Modular) (Magee) (Table B1 (4)) 15

7 Table B1 (1): Programme Learning Outcome Map (LLB Single Honours (Jordanstown)) KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MODULE TITLE CODE K1 K K3 K4 K5 K K7 I1 I I3 I4 I5 I P1 P P3 P4 P5 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 T8 Year 1/Level 4 Introduction to Law LAW11 Public Law LAW19 Legal Skills and Legal Research LAW130 Methods Criminal Law LAW131 Law of Tort TBC Law, State and society Introduction to Public International Law Year / Level 5 LAW133 TBC Contract Law LAW310 Introduction to Property Law Jurisprudence Land Law European Law TBC LAW38 LAW311 LAW313 Administrative Law TBC Intercalary Year International BEI300 Academic Studies European Legal LAW30 Studies 1

8 KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MODULE TITLE CODE K1 K K3 K4 K5 K K7 I1 I I3 I4 I5 I P1 P P3 P4 P5 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 T8 Year 3/ Level Equity and Trusts LAW504 Law of Evidence LAW50 Dissertation LAW539 Level Modules Company Law LAW519 Employment Law Human Rights Law Immigration and Refugee Law Law and Literature Law and the Family LAW515 LAW530 LAW538 LAW5 TBC Law, Film and Visual Culture LAW547 Litigating in the Public Interest LAW531 Medical Law Social Justice Street Law Surveillance and the Law Transitional Justice LAW50 LAW55 LAW59 LAW513 LAW505 17

9 Table B1 (): Programme Learning Outcome Map (Law Major (Jordanstown) KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MODULE TITLE CODE K1 K K3 K4 K5 K I1 I I3 I4 I5 P1 P P3 P4 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 Year 1/Level 4 Introduction Law Public Law to LAW11 LAW19 Criminal Law LAW131 Law of Tort TBC Year / Level 5 Contract Law LAW310 Introduction to Property Law TBC Land Law LAW311 European Law LAW313 Intercalary Year International Academic Studies BEI300 European Legal LAW30 Skills Year / Level Equity and Trusts LAW504 Law of Evidence LAW50 18

10 PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS SKILLS MODULE TITLE CODE K1 K K3 K4 K5 K I1 I I3 I4 I5 P1 P P3 P4 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 Level Modules Company Law LAW519 Dissertation LAW539 Employment Law LAW515 Human Rights Law LAW530 Immigration and Refugee Law LAW538 Law and Literature LAW5 Law and the Family TBC Law, Film and Visual Culture LAW547 Litigating in the Public Interest LAW531 Medical Law LAW50 Social Justice LAW55 Street Law LAW59 Surveillance and the Law LAW513 Transitional Justice LAW505 19

11 Table B1 (3): Programme Learning Outcome Map (LLB Single Honours (Magee)) KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS Module Title CODE K1 K K3 K4 K5 K K7 I1 I I3 I4 I5 I P1 P P3 P4 P4 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 T8 Year 1/Level 4 Introduction to Law Public Law 1 LAW107 LAW134 Legal Research Methods Criminal Law LAW114 LAW109 Introduction Property Law Public Law to LAW13 LAW13 Year /Level 5 Contract Law LAW33 European Law LAW33 Jurisprudence LAW330 Law of Tort LAW34 Land Law LAW318 Intellectual Property Law TBC Intercalary Year International Academic Studies BEI300 European Legal LAW30 Studies

12 KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MODULE TITLE Year 3/Level Modules CODE K1 K K3 K4 K5 K K7 I1 I I3 I4 I5 I P1 P P3 P4 P5 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 T8 Equity and Trusts LAW504 Law of Evidence LAW53 Human Rights Law LAW534 Dissertation LAW53 Year 3/Level Modules Company Law TBC Law of Consumer Protection and Fair Trading TBC Family Law LAW511 Health Law LAW510 Public International Law LAW51 1

13 Table B1 (4): Programme Learning Outcome Map (LLB Law Major (Magee)) Year 1/Level 4 Modules KNOWLEDGE SKILLS INTELLECTUAL SKILLS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS K1 K K3 K4 K5 K I1 I I3 I4 I5 P1 P P3 P4 T1 T T3 T4 T5 T T7 Introduction to Law Public Law 1 Criminal Law Introduction Property Law to LAW107 LAW134 LAW109 LAW13 Year /Level 5 Modules Contract Law LAW33 European Law Law of Tort LAW33 LAW34 Land Law LAW318 Intercalary Year International Academic Studies BEI300 European Legal LAW30 Studies Year 3/Level Modules Equity and Trusts LAW504 Law of Evidence LAW53 Human Rights Law LAW53 Dissertation LAW534

14 1. STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD LLB law programmes are offered on a full-time and part time basis. Credit Requirements (CATS Points)/Course Duration The course design is compatible with the University Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). It allocates CATS points to modules (exceptions within the degree include two modules of 10 CATS points at level 4 in Jordanstown (Law, State and Society and Introduction to Public International Law) and a 40 CATS point module at Magee (the Dissertation Module for Single Honours Students only). For satisfactory completion of the course students are required to accumulate passes in modules totalling 30 CATs points. For students completing a QLD with a minor subject they must complete 1 Law modules (a total of 40 CATS points: the remaining 1 CATS are completed within the minor subject). Students studying on the degree programmes part time must complete a maximum of 80 credit points in each academic year. As such students will complete (30 Cats Points) on the part time courses in a minimum of four and a half years. Part time students complete the same compulsory modules and have access to the same optional choices as students on the full time courses. To ensure comparable skills development for students, part time students are encouraged to follow the same progression pathway on the degree as full time students completing year one modules before undertaking year two or year three modules. Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) Status Requirements Ten of the modules on all Law Degree programmes, at both Jordanstown and Magee are compulsory for the purpose of meeting QLD status requirements. The foundation subjects required by the Law Society of Northern Ireland are: Contract Law, Criminal Law, Public Law, Land Law, Law of Tort, and European Law, Equity and Trusts and Law of Evidence. The foundation subjects required by the Joint Academic Stage Board include: Public Law (including Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Human Rights), European Law, Criminal Law, Obligations including Contract, Restitution and Tort, Property Law and Equity and the Law of Trusts (in addition students are expected to receive training in legal research). The modules students must register for on all degrees at both campuses in order to meet the requirements of the Professional Bodies include Introduction to Law, Public Law, Criminal Law, Introduction to Property Law, European Law, Contract Law, Land Law, Law of Tort, Law of Evidence, Equity and Trusts. 4

15 Structure/Coherence/Choice The course structure at both the Jordanstown and Magee campuses are similar in that they meet the requirement of teaching the foundation subjects, further compulsory modules are common to the Single honours (a further legal skills/research module, Public Law /Administrative Law and Jurisprudence), a common ethos and standards apply in provision of the degrees. The same external examiners have been appointed to the Degrees on both campuses and have indicated the assessment and standards on both campuses are comparable. However there are some differences in respect of the options that are available and in a few instances the level at which a module is offered. Variations reflect the best use of resources, facilitation of student choice and also research interests and expertise of staff. The course structure in respect to each campus is outlined in tables B1 (5) (8). These are further summarised here. Single Honours In Year One (Level 4) students on both campuses must complete Introduction to Law, Public Law, Criminal Law and a Legal Skills/Research module. At Jordanstown students must also complete The Law of Tort and a two 10 CATS points modules Law, State and Society and Introduction to Public International Law at level 4. At Magee students must also complete Introduction to Property Law and Public Law at Level 4. In Year Two (Level 5) all students must study European Law, Contract Law, Jurisprudence and Land Law. In Jordanstown students must also study the Introduction to Property Law module and Administrative Law modules at Level 5. (All students will have studied Introduction to Property Law at either level 4 or 5 before studying Land Law). At Magee students must study the Law of Tort module and the Intellectual Property Law module at Level 5. In the final year (Level modules) the Law of Evidence, Equity and Trusts and the Dissertation module are compulsory for the Single Honours Degree on both campuses. The Dissertation module at Jordanstown is a credit point module; at Magee the dissertation module is a 40 credit point module which runs across semester 1 and. At the Magee campus students must also study Human Rights Law while the final credit point module is chosen from a range of options. The remaining modules comprising the 0 credit points at Jordanstown are chosen from a range of optional modules. Modular Degrees In Year One (Level 4) students must study Introduction to Law, Public Law and Criminal Law. At Jordanstown students must also study the Law of Tort module at Level 4 while at Magee students must study Introduction to Property Law at Level 4. In Year Two (Level 5) students must study European Law, Contract Law, and Land Law. In Jordanstown students must also study the Introduction to Property Law at Level 5 and at Magee students must study the Law of Tort module (all students will have studied Introduction to Property Law before completing Land Law). 5

16 Compulsory modules in final Year (Level modules) at both campuses include Law of Evidence and Equity and Trusts. In the Magee programme, the Dissertation module and Human Rights Law module is also compulsory. The remaining modules comprising 40 credit points at Jordanstown are chosen from a range of optional modules. Students on the modular degree must also study two minor subject modules at Level 4, Level 5 and Level (a total of 40 CATS points in each year). Students at both campuses may elect to undertake a period of study abroad at the end of their second year of study. Those students who successfully complete the intercalary Year (via the Erasmus programme, Student Exchange or the Study USA programme) will be awarded a Diploma in International Academic Studies. For all courses the language of instruction is English. For further clarity the course structures are outlined in table form over page: LLB Single Honours Law (Jordanstown) Table B1 (5) LLB Law (Modular) (Jordanstown) Table B1 () LLB Single Honours Law (Magee) Table B1 (7) LLB Law (Modular) (Magee) Table B1 (8)

17 LLB Structures in Table Format Table B1 (5) LLB Single Honours Law (Jordanstown) (Duration: Three Years Full-Time and Four and half years Part-Time) Module Title Semester Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Year 1 Introduction to Law 1 4 Compulsory Public Law 1 4 Compulsory Legal Skills and Legal Research 1 4 Compulsory Methods Law of Tort 4 Compulsory Criminal Law 4 Compulsory Introduction to Public International 4 10 Compulsory Law Law, State and Society 4 10 Compulsory Awards Year Introduction to Property Law 1 5 Compulsory Contract Law 1 5 Compulsory Jurisprudence 1 5 Compulsory European Law 5 Compulsory Land Law 5 Compulsory Administrative Law 5 Compulsory Intercalary Year Diploma in International Academic Studies 1/ 5 1 Diploma in International European Legal Studies 1/ 5 1 Year 3 Equity and Trusts 1 Compulsory Law of Evidence Dissertation Company Law 1 Compulsory Compulsory Employment Law Human Rights Law 1 Immigration and Refugee Law Law and the Family Law and Literature Law, Film and Visual Culture Litigating in the Public Interest Medical Law Social Justice Street Law Surveillance and the Law 1 Academic Studies Transitional Justice 1 Final Award LLB Single Honours with option of DIAS 7

18 Table B1 () LLB (Modular) Law (Jordanstown) (Four law modules and two minor modules each year) (Duration: Three years Full-Time and Four and Half Years Part-Time) Module Title Semester Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Year 1 Introduction to Law 1 4 Compulsory Public Law 1 4 Compulsory Law of Tort 4 Compulsory Criminal Law 4 Compulsory Awards Year Introduction to Property Law 1 5 Compulsory Contract Law 1 5 Compulsory European Law 5 Compulsory Land Law 5 Compulsory Intercalary Year Diploma in International Academic Studies 1/ 5 1 Diploma in International European Legal Studies 1/ 5 1 Academic Studies Year 3 Equity and Trusts 1 Compulsory Law of Evidence Company Law 1 Compulsory Dissertation Employment Law Human Rights Law 1 Immigration and Refugee Law Law and the Family Law and Literature Law, Film and Visual Culture Litigating in the Public Interest Medical Law Social Justice Street Law Surveillance and the Law 1 Transitional Justice 1 Final Award LLB Major with option of DIAS 8

19 Table B1 (7) LLB Single Honours Law (Magee) (Duration: Three Years Full-Time and Four and a half years Part-Time) Module Title Semester Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Year 1 Introduction to Law 1 4 Compulsory Public Law Compulsory Legal Research Methods. 1 4 Compulsory Criminal Law 4 Compulsory Introduction to Property Law 4 Compulsory Public Law 4 Compulsory Awards Year European Law 1 5 Compulsory Contract Law 1 5 Compulsory Jurisprudence 1 5 Compulsory Law of Tort 5 Compulsory Land Law 5 Compulsory Intellectual Property Law 5 Compulsory Intercalary Year Diploma International Academic Studies 1/ 5 1 Diploma in International European Legal Studies 1/ 5 1 Academic Studies Year 3 Equity and Trusts 1 Compulsory Law of Evidence 1 Compulsory Human Rights Law Compulsory Dissertation 1/ 40 Compulsory Company Law Law of Consumer Protection and Fair Trading Family Law Health Law Public International Law Final Award LLB Single Honours Law with option of DIAS 9

20 Table B1 (8) LLB Law (Modular) (Magee) (Four Law Modules along with two minor modules) (Duration: Three years Full-Time and Four and a Half years Part-Time) Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Year 1 Introduction to Law 1 4 Compulsory Public Law Compulsory Criminal Law 4 Compulsory Introduction to Property Law 4 Compulsory Awards Year European Law 1 5 Compulsory Contract Law 1 5 Compulsory Law of Tort Land Law Intercalary Year Diploma International Academic Studies 5 5 Compulsory Compulsory 5 1 Diploma in International European Legal Studies 5 1 Academic Studies Year 3 Equity and Trusts 1 Compulsory Law of Evidence 1 Compulsory Dissertation Human Rights Law Compulsory Compulsory Final Award LLB Major Honours Law with option of DIAS 30

21 13. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: A cumulative induction process beginning in the week of registration where students receive a variety of induction supporting materials, including: a welcome address; a timetable; a course handbook; are assigned to IT induction sessions and library induction sessions; and meet their studies advisor; Students will receive a rolling induction throughout their first year. to ensure they have settled in and understand the information contained within their course handbook; When possible students will retain the same studies advisor throughout their time on the degree programme to ensure continuity of support. Students are encouraged to engage in Personal Development Planning, using the Professional and Career Enhancement tool and the online resources available; The Career Development Centre helps students to determine their future career paths and specialist advisers work with to Law students and engage with the relevant law professions regarding career opportunities. The School of Law has a dedicated Careers Liaison officer who is a member of academic staff charged specifically with career development for law students and engagement with the legal profession; Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) a programme piloted in the School of Law (Jordanstown) for the new intake of first year students. PASS is used as a co-curricular activity for the law modules in year one. PASS benefits and supports core curricular activity and assists the transition into and within higher education. PASS does not replace any form of interaction between staff and students but instead provides additional opportunity for all students to interact with their peers within the context of their discipline. Ms Amanda Zacharopoulou is a certified Trainer recognised by the National Centre at the University of Manchester (Appendix I); The Course Handbook provides students with a comprehensive reference book to help students meet and understand conditions associated with the completion of assessment and submission of coursework, as well as a wide range of information of all aspects of the course; The Course/Subject Director coordinates the strategic and operational aspects of the course experience to provide both academic and personal student support; The Course Committees at both campuses includes all academic staff teaching on the course. The Committee meets at least twice every semester and the minutes of these meetings are submitted for School and Faculty oversight; A Staff/Student Consultative Committee meets at least once a semester and a meeting can be requested by student representatives or academic staff as and when needed. The minutes of these meetings are discussed and acted upon by the Course Committees; The student is given a module handbook at the beginning of each module studied. This handbook provides information on assessment, the weekly 31

22 teaching scheme, module outcomes, reading, and information on how the module will be delivered and delivered. This enables the student to better manage and pace his/her independent learning and identify how they will meet the assessment requirements as per the University Policy on Assessment and Feedback. All academic staff place contact times and details in their module handbooks, on Blackboard Learn and on their office doors; Written feedback on assignments is provided to students within two weeks of work submission. Oral feedback on presentations or moots is given immediately after the presentation or moot. Students may also request individual feedback meetings in respect of coursework or exams (for further information on compliance with the Principles of Assessment and Feedback see B.5); The Information Services Department assists students in accessing Blackboard Learn and in obtaining an address. Module handbooks and other course materials are placed on Blackboard Learn; The Learning Resource Centre provides a dedicated Faculty Librarian to support staff and students; The Student Support Department assists students with issues such as health, personal problems and disability; The Department/School supports students with disabilities in compliance with SENDO for entry to and progress through the course; Sport and Recreation facilities are available for all students on campus; The International Office assists in supporting overseas students; The Students Union is available for all registered students and provides practical help and assistance; and A Chaplaincy service is available to counsel and advise students. 14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Applicants must satisfy the University s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry. Candidates seeking exemption(s) from any part of the programme shall be informed at the outset that, where exemption(s) is/are permitted, they shall be required to apply to the relevant professional body for individual exemption(s) from professional examination(s) in respect of those previous studies. No exemptions can be granted for law module modules on the basis of APEL. 15 EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING The quality and standard of teaching and learning are monitored, evaluated and improved through consideration of the following: QAA benchmark standards for Law (07); 3

23 The Knowledge and Transferable Skills identified in the Joint Statement issued in 1999 by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar on the completion of the initial or academic stage of training by obtaining an undergraduate degree Views of students as expressed through Staff/Student Consultative Committee and the University Student Survey on the quality of teaching and other questionnaires; Module monitoring processes and course team meetings; Views of graduates obtained through the National Student Survey; Course accreditation by the legal professional bodies. Views of the External Examiners for the course from their visits and annual reports; Student performance data and career progression; University processes for initial approval, periodic re-approval and annual monitoring; School/Department learning and teaching events and conferences; Peer review and dissemination of results; Staff appraisal in terms of identifying staff development opportunities; Staff membership of and interaction with the Higher Education Academy and the UK Centre for Legal Education (UKCLE); Staff membership of and interaction with professional bodies such as SLS Publishing and the Belfast Solicitors Association; and Staff involvement with learning and teaching research initiatives. In addition, there are University/Faculty/School/Department strategies for teaching and learning. 1 REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules Pass mark for each module is 40%. Performance levels for honours degree classifications are: Class I At least 70% Class II (division I) (IIi) At least 0% and less than 70% Class II (division ii) (IIii) At least 50% and less than 0% Class III At least 40% and less than 50% Honours classification derives 100% from Level modules. Specific Requirements for Diploma in International Academic Studies In relation to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies, the threshold for progression to the final year of the course shall be 40%. To be eligible for the award candidates must have achieved an overall mark of at least 50% in the assessment requirements for the year of study abroad and have successfully completed the associated degree. The results of 33

24 candidates shall be graded by order of merit as Pass with Commendation and Pass. The following shall be the minimum percentages used in determining the overall grading of candidates: Pass with Commendation 70% Pass 50% External Examiners There are two external examiners for the law courses. External Examiners are academic subject or professional experts who are appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of marking undertaken by internal examiners. 17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING Historical feedback from students and employers in respect of the current law courses has been positive. The status of qualifying law degree (QLD) ensures compliance with the specific requirements of the Joint Academic Stage Board for the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and Bar Standards Board for England and Wales and the Law Society and Bar Council of Northern Ireland. The JASB and the Law Society of Northern Ireland undertook a thorough review of law at Ulster and validated all existing Law provision in 0/07 as meeting the requirements of a QLD. The law provision in the context of the Joint Honours Accounting and Law Degree was also reviewed in 10 by JASB. In the most recent REF exercise (08) the School, in conjunction with the TJI, received an impressive top-twenty ranking, finishing 14th in the UK, with 90% of its research activity scored in the internationally recognised category. Results from the National Student Survey 11 survey showed that 85% of Law students at Ulster are satisfied with their course. In 10, 90% of students noted they were satisfied with one student stating that staff were approachable and helpful : One student said [t]he university, and in particular the law school with their pastoral care is second to none. All staff go out of their way to help students and are extremely approachable and friendly. Law staff provide continuing professional development for the legal profession and beyond on a regular basis. This may be in conjunction with the Law Society for NI and all courses provided attract CPD points. Examples include client care classes for solicitors and classes on consent and decision making for the School of Nursing. Many of the teaching staff of the School of Law are members of the Higher Education Academy and many hold relevant professional teaching qualifications including PGCUT/PGCHEP. Most law staff teaching on the course are research active and some have professional legal qualifications. 34