Navigating the complex and dynamic field of law requires a solid foundation built on comprehensive understanding and practical skills. The MLaw programme offers a comprehensive legal education designed to prepare aspiring lawyers for the complexities of legal practice. With each module meticulously tailored to provide a deep understanding of fundamental legal principles and practical application, the MLaw programme prepares students to navigate the complexities of legal practice with confidence and competence.
This module explores the intricate legal framework surrounding the formation, management, and dissolution of companies. Students delve into various corporate structures, including private and public companies, and examine the rights and responsibilities of shareholders and directors. They also study corporate governance principles, such as fiduciary duties and board responsibilities, as well as the legal regulations governing mergers, acquisitions, and insolvency procedures.
This module delves into the rules and principles governing legally binding agreements between parties. Students explore the formation of contracts, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations. They also examine contractual terms, performance, breach, and remedies for breach, gaining a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles essential for drafting contracts and resolving disputes.
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the procedural rules and processes involved in civil and criminal litigation. In civil procedure, students learn about the stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, trial procedure, and appeals. In criminal procedure, students study the rules governing the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of criminal offences, including the rights of the accused and the role of legal professionals in the criminal justice system.
This module focuses on offences against the state and individuals, exploring the elements of criminal liability, defences, and the principles of punishment and sentencing. Students study a wide range of criminal offences, including homicide, assault, theft, and fraud, and analyse landmark cases to understand the application of legal principles in real-world scenarios. They also examine procedural aspects of criminal law, such as arrest, bail, trial procedure, and sentencing guidelines.
This module offers an overview of the structure, institutions, and operation of the legal system in England and Wales. Students explore the roles and functions of key legal institutions, including the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches, as well as the sources of law and principles of legal reasoning. They also examine the court system, legal professions, and dispute resolution mechanisms, gaining insights into the foundational elements of the English legal system.
This module examines the legal framework of the European Union and its impact on domestic law and legal practice. Students explore the principles of EU law, including the supremacy of EU law, the principles of direct effect and supremacy, and the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital. They also study EU competition law, environmental law, and human rights law, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles and institutions of the European Union.
This module delves into the rules and principles governing the admissibility, presentation, and evaluation of evidence in legal proceedings. Students explore types of evidence, including witness testimony, documentary evidence, and expert opinion, as well as rules governing hearsay, character evidence, and privilege. They also learn about the burden of proof, standards of proof, and the role of the judge and jury in evaluating evidence, gaining insights into the principles and practices of evidence law essential for litigation and advocacy.
This module explores the legal principles governing the ownership, use, and transfer of real and personal property. Students study concepts such as estates and interests in land, leases, mortgages, and land-use regulations, as well as the legal requirements for creating, transferring, and enforcing property rights. They also examine the legal implications of property transactions, including property disputes, boundary issues, and landlord-tenant relationships, gaining a comprehensive understanding of property law principles essential for advising clients and drafting legal documents.
This module examines the relationship between individuals and the state, including constitutional principles, administrative law, and human rights law. Students explore the powers and limitations of governmental institutions, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, as well as the legal mechanisms for holding public authorities accountable. They also study principles of judicial review, the protection of individual rights, and the role of international law in domestic legal systems, gaining insights into the principles and practices of public law essential for protecting civil liberties and promoting the rule of law.
This module focuses on civil wrongs and liabilities arising from wrongful acts or omissions. Students study principles of negligence, trespass, nuisance, and strict liability, as well as legal remedies available to injured parties, including damages and injunctions. They also examine the legal principles governing liability for personal injury, property damage, and economic loss, as well as the defences available to tortfeasors, gaining insights into the principles and practices of tort law essential for advising clients and resolving disputes.
This module delves into the legal principles governing trusts, including their creation, administration, and termination. Students explore the requirements for creating a valid trust, including the settlor's intention, the trust property, and the beneficiaries' interests. They also study the duties and powers of trustees, as well as the legal mechanisms for protecting beneficiaries' interests and enforcing trust obligations. Additionally, students examine the role of trusts in estate planning, asset protection, and charitable giving, gaining insights into the principles and practices of trusts law essential for advising clients and drafting trust instruments.
Wills and Administration of Estates
This module provides students with an understanding of the legal requirements for creating a valid will and administering estates. Students learn about the formalities of will execution, including testamentary capacity, undue influence, and fraud, as well as the role of executors and administrators in estate administration. They also study the legal procedures for probate, estate distribution, and resolving estate disputes, gaining insights into the principles and practices of wills and estates law essential for advising clients and drafting testamentary documents.
In summary, the MLaw programme offers a comprehensive and integrated legal education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in legal practice. Through rigorous exploration of each module, students gain a deep understanding of fundamental legal principles and practical skills, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of a career as a solicitor.
