UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: Final Awards: Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: UCAS Codes: QAA Subject Benchmarks: JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: LLB (Hons) Fast Track Staffordshire University Staffordshire University LLB (Hons) Cert He in Legal Studies Dip He in Legal Studies Full time (2 Years) M101 Law M101 Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) & Bar Standards Board (BSB) Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Entry Year: 2017/18 If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us. 1
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME General Aims: Introduce students to the foundations of legal knowledge and allow students to select individual modules to develop specialist knowledge. Allow students to engage in critical debates about contemporary issues within law. Develop and enhance research, analytical and critical thinking skills. Develop independent study and communication skills. Encourage students to engage in reflective practices and develop selfevaluation skills for professional life and lifelong learning. Explore with students global issues and what impact they have in a legal context. Enhance graduate employability. Specific Aims: Develop academic and practical skills so as to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding of legal principles and doctrine in relation to society, the world of employment and the community. Encourage students to engage with authentic learning experiences related to the legal sector, for example, conferences, networking, meetings, interviewing and negotiation. To provide an accelerated progression route for students to obtain an LLB(Hons) qualifying law degree. What is distinctive about this programme? Our LLB (Hons) Fast Track award is one of a few accelerated two year degree programmes offered in the UK. It has the advantage of being a qualifying law degree recognised by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Bar Standards Board (BSB) and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) as well as offering innovative and exciting challenges for the student to engage with. The 2 Year Fast Track award is a popular choice by students wishing to change career and also students from overseas jurisdictions, both groups wishing to complete the UK academic stage of training more quickly than a traditional 3 or 4 year law award. This has many advantages and the hallmark of this award are the intensive accelerated learning stages which take place during the summer terms meaning students complete their studies in a shorter period of time. During the first two teaching blocks of Level 4, students follow the same schedule of study as all students on the first year of any of our undergraduate law awards. Students then study a foundation of legal knowledge subject (e.g. Criminal Law or 2
Land Law) and the Legal Principles module during an intensive accelerated learning stage which incorporates a mixture of 2 weeks of face to face learning supplemented by some distance learning activities and discussions so as to accelerate your progression throughout the third teaching block during the summer. The hallmark of the award is the accelerated learning periods which also provide students with the opportunity to network with employers and develop key graduate employability skills. Following on from the first year of study students move on to complete their study of the foundations of legal knowledge at which point students can study a number of specialist subjects such as Family Law, Criminology, Intellectual Property Law, Information Technology Law, Environmental Law, Company and Commercial Law. The award is completed with a further period of accelerated learning in which students research for a dissertation and take the module Human Rights as well as completing a work experience and employability module to enhance graduate skills. Highly rated by employers, completion of a Fast Track award opens up an array of opportunities within law related employment. Many past students now occupy a range of high level graduate positions ranging from health service management, human resource management, retail management as well as the more traditional employment such as solicitor or barrister. Some have gone on to study post-graduate and doctoral study. Upon graduation, students can continue their legal education onto our highly regarded vocational Legal Practice Course or progress onto one of our specialised Masters awards which would allow them to further focus on areas such as HRM and Employment Law, Family Law & Society. The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. This award instils the Staffordshire Graduate attributes through a variety of mediums. They are specifically emphasized at both Level 4 and 5, whilst also being pervasive throughout all core and option modules. At Level 4 the concept and qualities of the Staffordshire graduate are introduced and explored during the English Legal System and Legal Skills module. This exploration is then built upon in depth at Level 5 during Legal Principles modules. All modules highlight the importance of these attributes, especially showcasing the strong relationship Global Citizen has to all legal subjects within today s global marketplace. Students are guaranteed work experience by the University and this is organised by the Central Careers Network in conjunction with the Law Department via Law 3
Fairs and Careers events. Students also, at Levels 5 and 6, have the opportunity to volunteer in the Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic. 4
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of key aspects of law, including coherent knowledge of some areas of current development and change. Learning Carry out inquiry based learning, critical analysis and creative thinking and demonstrate an understanding of the uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in the study of law. Enquiry Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and critical enquiry. Analysis Critically analyse arguments, concepts and data in order to make appropriate judgments Problem Solving Demonstrate a range of approaches to the analysis of law related problems, and identify possible solutions to more abstract problems. Communication Communicate complex ideas, problems and solutions clearly and succinctly through a variety of media. Application Use problem-solving skills developed at earlier levels of study to address more complex issues and problems Reflection Demonstrate a high level of competence as independent learners by selecting appropriate strategies for study and assessments, and taking full responsibility for determining and achieving personal goals. Engage in informed critical reflections of your own practice throughout the course. 5
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS LLB (Hons) Two-Year Fast-Track Award Structure Year 1 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 English Legal System and Legal Skills (30 credits) Contract and Problem Solving (30 credits) Tort Law and Civil Remedies (30 credits) Law and Society (15 Credits ) Constitutional Law (15 Credits ) N.B. Any student who does not have the required number of credits at this stage will have to transfer to the 3 year LLB (Hons) award programme. Exit award: Certificate in Higher Education in Legal Studies (requires a total of 120 credits) Teaching Block 3 Accelerated Learning Stage Level 5 Foundation of Legal Knowledge (Criminal Law OR Property Law and Application) (30 credits) Level 5 Option (30 Credits)* Year 2 Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 Law Option (Level 6 - choose 30 credits) Advice Clinic with Client Interviewing (30) Criminology (30) Criminal Justice and Punishment (30) Commercial Transactions (30) Company Law (30) Intellectual Property Law (30) Information Technology Law (30) Environmental Law (30) Family Law (30) Sports Law (30) Healthcare Law and Ethics (30) Employment and Equality Law (30) Mooting (30) Social Welfare Law and Practice (15) Rules of Criminal Evidence (15) Foundation of Legal Knowledge (Criminal Law or Property Law and Application) (Level 5 30 credits) Law of Trusts and Equitable Remedies (Level 6 30 credits) Administrative Law and Human Rights (Level 5 15 credits) European Union Law (Level 5 (15 credits) * Availability of option modules will be dependent on student numbers. The numbers are set by the award team each year and students are informed of this prior to module enrolment 6
Exit Award: Diploma in Higher Education in Legal Studies (requires a total of 240 credits, of which at least 120 must be at Level 5.) Teaching Block 3 Dissertation (30 credits) Level 6 Option (30 Credits)* Final Award: LLB (Hons) Degree requires a total of 360 credits, of which at least 120 must be at Level 6 and 120 at Level 5. *Level 5 Option in Teaching Block 3 (Year 1) and Level 6 Option in Teaching Block 3 (Year 2) to be decided by teaching teams in line with capacity. Level 6 30 credit option module delivery in Teaching Block 2 in Year 2 will be taken from the list of Year 2 Teaching Block 1 and/or2 Level 6 Options. Students will be informed in advance of option availability so they can choose alternatives in their 30 credit Level 6 Teaching Block 1 and 2 option. HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning The learning strategy for this award is based around problem-based and authentic learning experiences to enhance graduate skills for future employability and lifelong learning. Class contact will include a mixture of whole group and small group sessions, many taking place in a workshop setting to recreate problembased and authentic learning scenarios and events. Students will be able to practise and develop oral and written communication skills, networking, conferencing and presentations, case-based scenarios as well as consideration of theoretical and critical perspectives to enhance knowledge and understanding. The accelerated learning stages of this award involve a two week period of concentrated face to face teaching sessions which are supplemented by a series of online discussions and activities leading to assessment in the summer assessment period. The two week accelerated teaching period normally takes place in June and the assessments follow in the normal summer assessment week. Please note: It is advisable for students to check for specific dates for their particular academic year with tutors before booking holidays or arranging summer jobs of placements. The aim of this award is to foster an academic community which promotes lifelong learning and is supported by research and practice informed teaching with learning strategies and technologies to support the student experience. A particular feature of this award is the accelerated learning stages which take place during the summer teaching block and incorporate a blended learning approach combining face to face sessions with distance learning. Learning will be organised into a series of small group sessions where students will 7
be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying both theory and practical skills to the subject matter and issue to be considered. Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and principles of law can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints. The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require team work and online discussion. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors. Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary issues relevant to the field of law and although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter. Assessment Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process, and to improve their ability to meet the learning outcomes to a high standard. Assessment will be an integral part of the module. There will be three assessment points and tutorials focused on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable. Earlier tasks will be shorter and more succinct, enabling fast feedback from the tutors so that students can learn and improve for later assessment tasks. Assessments will not only take the form of assignments and examinations but there will also be points of active assessments such as a poster presentation, verbal presentation, group activity or similar. Formative feedback will be provided wherever possible. Please refer to Assessment Matrix at the end of this document for further information. Entry Requirements ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Overseas students would normally be required to demonstrate English Language competency with achievement of IELTS Level 6 or equivalent. What qualifications would I need to join this programme? For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/ 8
Access Qualifications Pass at the required QAA recognised standard Applications to the award are welcome from students with a wide variety of qualifications, skills and experiences. In addition to the requirements outlined above, the University s normal minimum entry requirements for undergraduate programmes include 5 GCSE s, including Mathematics and English, or equivalent. Applicants with non-standard qualifications are encouraged to apply. Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION See award handbook, module study guides and virtual learning environment for further information about specific award aspects. Specific Law Assessment Regulations: There is no compensation between modules due to professional body standards and requirements. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 9
THE STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21 st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed: AWARD TITLE: LLB (Hons) Staffordshire Graduate Attribute Work-ready and employable Award Module(s) including level and number of credits Level 4 ELS and Legal Skills (30 credits) Method of Assessment A portfolio whereby students complete an assessed presentation, short written piece and reflection on work-related experience and employability skills. Level 5 Options (30 credits): - Business Law and Commercial Awareness OR - Urban Criminological Concepts Extended research assignment and reflection on work-related experience Level 6 Work Experience (15 credits) (OPTION) Work-based Portfolio Level 6 Advice Clinic with Client Interviewing (30 credits) (OPTION) Reflective Portfolio Level 6 Client Interviewing & Negotiation (30 Credits) (OPTION) Client Interviewing and Client Negotiation exercise 10
Discipline Expertise All Modules at all Levels emphasis on business-related modules at Level 6 Variety of assessment methods including poster presentations, portfolios, reflective and assessed workshops, MCTs, essays, extended research, unseen and pre-seen examinations. Global Citizenship L4 Law and Society (15 Credits) Poster Presentation Level 5 Options (30 credits): - Business Law and Commercial Awareness - Urban Criminological Concepts - Legal Principles Extended research assignment and reflection on work-related experience L6 Environmental Law (30 Credits) Portfolio: Poster and conference, reflective log and case study L5 EU Law (15 Credits) Examination Communication skills L4 Contract and Problem Solving (30 Credits) L4 English Legal System and Legal Skills (30 Credits) L6 Employment and Equality Law (15 Credits) Examination with pre-seen element A portfolio whereby students complete an assessed presentation, short written piece and reflection on work-related experience and employability skills. Assessed class participation and assignment 11
Presentation skills L4 Law and Society (15 credits) Poster Presentation The ability to interact confidently with colleagues L6 Environmental Law (30 credits) All modules at all levels include team working and group based exercises and discussion Portfolio: Poster and conference, reflective log and case study Variety of assessment methods including poster presentations, portfolios, reflective and assessed workshops, MCTs, essays, extended research, unseen and pre-seen examinations. Independence of thought Level 5 Options (30 credits): - Business Law and Commercial Awareness - Urban Criminological Concepts - Legal Principles Extended research assignment and reflection on work-related experience L6 Dissertation (30 Credits) Thesis Skills of team working All modules at all levels include team working and group based exercises and discussion Various Ability to carry out inquiry based learning and critical analysis L4 Law and Society L5 Business Law and Commercial Awareness (30 Credits) Poster Presentation Extended research assignment and reflection on work-related experience L6 Dissertation Thesis 12
Skills of problem solving and creation of opportunities L4 Tort Law and Civil Remedies (30 Credit) MCT Exam & Case Study L4 Contract and Problem Solving (30 Credit) Pre-seen exam L5 Property Law and Application (30 Credit) Reflection and Problem-Based Assessment Technologically, digitally and information literate All modules at all levels Variety of assessment methods including poster presentations, portfolios, reflective and assessed workshops, MCTs, essays, extended research, unseen and pre-seen examinations. Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning L4 English Legal System and Legal Skills (30 Credits) Level 5 Options (30 credits): - Business Law and Commercial Awareness - Urban Criminological Concepts - Legal Principles A weighted portfolio, students complete an assessed presentation and short written piece and a reflection The Law of Evidence (15 Credits) Extended research assignment and reflection on work-related experience Notes: Award Modules Assessment Indicate which module(s) within the award Indicate how achievement of the develop this characteristic characteristic is assessed 13
Assessment Matrix per Level of Study: LLB (Hons) Fast Track Assessment Profile Level 4 Module: Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 Overall Assessment Profile Tort Law and Civil Remedies Contract and Problem Solving 1 x multiple choice test (after Christmas) (50%) pre-seen case study sat under unseen examination 1.5 hours (50%) unseen examination (70%) 4 x Examinations 1 x Portfolio 1 x Presentation English Legal System and Legal Skills exam conditions (30%) 1 x Assignment Total Assessments = 7 Law and Society (15 credits) poster presentation (100%) Constitutional Law (15 Credits) A weighted portfolio comprising of: written essay 1000 words (30%) presentation (30%) reflection and personal statement (40%) written assignment 2000 words (100%) Assessment Profile Level 5 Module: Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 Overall Assessment Profile Property Law and Application assessed tutorials (25%) 1750 word assignment (25%) unseen 2 hours examination (50%) 2 x Assessed Tutorials 1 x Timed assessment Criminal Law assessed Tutorials (30%) timed written assessment (70%) 2 x Examination 2 x Assignment Administrative Law and 3000 word assignment (100%) 1 x Research Piece Human Rights (15 Credits) European Union Law (15 2 hour examination (100%) 1 x Reflective Log Total Assessments = 9 Credits) Option Module 3500 word research project (70%) 1500 words reflective log on work-related experience (30%) 14
Law of Trusts and Equitable Remedies Assessment Profile Level 6 Module: Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 Overall Assessment Profile Pre-seen Examination 2 hours Assignment 3000 words (50%0 (50%) At Level 6 Equity is the only core the rest of the assessments will depend on student module choices. 15