Introductory description

This is an elective module available for WBS and non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

This module provides some of the essential legal knowledge required by a potential entrepreneur in the UK and beyond. The module is divided into two broad themes relating to the regulation of businesses and regulation of the employment relationship. A wide-ranging insight into business law is included with topics covering key areas such as protection of intellectual property, data protection, contract terms, debt recovery options, health and safety, anti-discrimination law and employment law. The focus is on applied law (how the law operates in practice) and the object of the module is to provide students with sufficient knowledge to avoid potential legal problems in a business start-up situation. Although students may choose this module to build on knowledge gained in other law modules at WBS, no previous study of law is required as the topics can be understood in their own right.

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.

The module includes the following:

Law regulating business:
Intellectual property with reference to patents, designs, trademarks and copyright. Sales of Goods Act 1979, Consumer Protection Act 2015, Consumer Contract Regulations 2013, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003, Computer Misuse Act 1990. Commercial and consumer contracting including standard terms and unfair contract terms. Debt recovery and the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

Law regulating employment:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, penalties and legal enforcement, Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Employment Rights Act 1996. Employees and other workers, employment contract and written particulars, itemised pay, protection from discrimination in employment under The Equality Act 2010. Terminating employment including unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, compulsory early conciliation via ACAS and remedies at the Employment Tribunal.

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on copyright and intellectual property.
• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on consumer transactions, sale of goods and distance selling.
• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on data protection.
• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on standard terms for customers and suppliers.
• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on debt recovery and late payment of commercial debts.
• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on Health & Safety and the environment.
• Understand the basic legal principles underlying UK law on employing others lawfully.
• Analyse texts and oral presentations.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Test and refine hypothesis.

Indicative reading list

There is no textbook available which covers all of topics relating to law for entrepreneurs. To overcome this, relevant sections from suitable text books will be copied (with permission of the publishers) and provided to students. Relevant text book sources could include the following:

Introduction to Business Law 5th Ed, Lucy Jones, Oxford University Press.
Business Law, 6th Ed, James Marson and Katy Ferris, Oxford University Press.

Subject specific skills

Analyse legal problems.
Conduct research using official sources of legislation and relevant case law.
Prepare and present legal arguments for both sides in a legal dispute.
Critically evaluate current law and make proposals for reform.

Transferable skills

Conduct independent research of legal issues using library and electronic sources.
Present reasoned arguments orally and in writing.
Critically reflect on personal learning.
Supporting legal arguments by reference to appropriate sources.