Introductory description

Contract and Tort Law will give students a foundation-level insight into Contract Law and Tort Law, concentrating on core concepts of the formation and life of a contract, and the tort of negligence. Students will develop skills in legal research, critical analysis and application of legal knowledge to a variety of different situations.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Contract and Tort Law offers an introduction to these two key areas of civil law. In Contract Law, students will be introduced to the legal obligations arising from contractual agreements, exploring the nature of contracts and the rules that a court applies to determine whether a contract is valid or not. Tort Law offers students the opportunity to explore the basis and extent of legal liability arising from negligent (careless) conduct and its impact on others.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Explain the fundamental aspects of Contract Law, including the formation and validity of contracts.
• Explain the main aspects of the tort of Negligence - duty of care, breach of duty and causation of damage.
• Apply decision-making to gain an insight into the options facing lawyers, the choices they make and the consequences of those choices.
• Construct and present arguments through appropriate and effective legal reasoning, thereby enabling understanding of real-world problems.
• Exhibit a range of key competences including critical analysis, communication and presentation skills, and research skills (including information retrieval, interpretation of laws and citation).

Indicative reading list

Contract Law by Tracey Hough and Ewan Kirk
Law of Contract by Paul Richards

Tort Law by Kirsty Horsey and Erika Rackley
Law of Tort by John Cooke
Street on Torts by Christian Whitting

Subject specific skills

Develop detailed understanding of the necessary elements to establish liability in areas of Contract and Tort Law. Identify Contract and Tort Law issues, formulate questions and conduct investigatory research. To appreciate differences between establishing liability in different areas of the law. Apply Contract and Tort Law concepts and principles competently to analyse specific questions or issues. Articulate reasoned arguments in a clearly-structured format in response to the Contract and Tort Law issues that arise. Draw upon appropriate sources of law to support reasoning. Employ tools of legal analysis to construct persuasive arguments and justified conclusions. Develop skills in OSCOLA referencing.

Transferable skills

Analytical skills; Commercial awareness; Communication skills; Confidence; Creative problem solving; Critical thinking; Ethical awareness; Flexibility; Independent working; Initiative; Planning and organisation; Professionalism; Research skills; Self awareness; Team working; Time management; Use / Application of knowledge.