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Graduate LLB

Programme Handbook 2017

Graduate LLB Introduction to Programme

• Foreword – Welcome by the Dean Index
• Welcome by the Programme Leader
• Introduction to the Programme
• Programme Structure
• Programme Team
• Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes
• Table of Outcomes leading to Award
• Learning and Teaching Strategy
• Graduate LLB Module Outlines
  • Company Law
  • Research Module
• Programme Assessment
• Marking Criteria
• Marking Guide
• Programme Regulations
• Programme Aggregate Weightings
• Programme Credits
• Curriculum Maps

Graduate LLB Introduction to Programme

Welcome by Graduate LLB Programme Leader

I am delighted that you have chosen to extend your studies on the GDL to convert your award to the Graduate LLB with BPP Law School.

At BPP Law School we have designed and developed our LLB Law degrees to:

• Provide you with essential knowledge and skills to equip you for the vocational stage of training, and ultimately for practice as a legal professional.
• Provide the most flexible learning environment you will ever have experienced, through a flexible teaching and learning strategy fully supported by electronic and online media, accessible from anywhere in the world.
• Prepare you for our rigorous assessment programme through first class teaching supported by the latest cutting edge technology.
• Introduce you to legal theory in a practical, commercial context, so that whether you end up in practice as a solicitor or barrister, or working in a different sector outside the law, your LLB Law degree will further your vocational goals and prospects.

In addition, the programme is supported by an award-winning Pro Bono Centre, a specialist Careers Service and a pastoral tutoring system.

The LLB Law programmes are constantly evolving in consultation with many law firms and leading academics.

The tutors and support staff are committed to offering you a friendly and professional service and look forward to welcoming you to BPP Law School.

I wish you luck with your LLB studies and hope that you enjoy your time with us.

With best wishes,

Jessica Twombley Graduate LLB Programme Leader

Graduate LLB Introduction to Programme

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAMME

Details

Programme Titles Graduate LLB

Qualification(s) Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Awarding Body BPP University College of Professional Studies

Overview of Programme

The Graduate LLB is an extension award which entitles students to achieve the status of an LLB (Honours) qualification using the Graduate Diploma in Law as a base.

The programme has been designed to allow a high degree of flexibility in both the mode of study and the pace of the course. The two compulsory modules which allow you to achieve the Graduate LLB award (see paragraph below) can be studied entirely through independent study online, with tutors available to assist with your queries while studying.

Stages 2 and 3 of the programme are studied at level 6 (i.e. the level 6 standard set by the National Qualification Framework (NQF)). The programme is comprised of your undergraduate degree (or equivalent accredited experiential prior learning), as Accredited Prior Learning worth 120 credits (Stage 1), the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) worth 180 credits (Stage 2), plus the two additional compulsory modules worth a total of 60 credits (Stage 3). Each of the additional modules is worth 30 credits. The notional number of study hours needed to successfully complete the module is 300 notional study hours.

The Graduate LLB programme has been specifically designed to provide both a solid grounding in the academic study of law, as well as the development of legal skills students may require in practice. The overarching philosophy of the LLB Team is the desire to intertwine the study of law as a discipline with a vocational and applied context. Essentially, our students do not just know; they can do. Enhancing the employability of students is the course raison d’être.

Graduate LLB Introduction to Programme

Student records EMAIL: studentrecords@bpp.com

Student Finance EMAIL: studentfinance@bpp.com

Exams EMAIL: examinations@bpp.com

Overseas Exams EMAIL examinations@bpp.com

Student Visas EMAIL: studentvisas@bpp.com

Graduate LLB Introduction to Programme

GRADUATE LLB PROGRAMME AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Programme Aims

The aim of the Graduate LLB is to develop students’ cognitive skills and knowledge in the context of an academically rigorous programme of legal education, in preparation for entry onto the Vocational Stage of legal training and, ultimately, for practice as a legal professional. In essence, the Graduate LLB aims to build a sound foundation for the development of legal knowledge and competencies required for subsequent legal practice onto cognitive capabilities previously acquired at undergraduate level, with an emphasis on the ability to work autonomously and communicate the fruits of practical research competently, both verbally and on paper.

In particular, the Graduate LLB aims to develop in our students:

• an understanding of the workings (i.e. the main institutions and procedures) of the English legal system and a knowledge of its sources and development;
• an understanding of the Foundations of Legal Knowledge (as set out in Schedule Two of the Joint Statement issued by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar on the Completion of the Academic Stage of Training) and the ability to apply that knowledge to multi-disciplinary problems faced in practice;
• an understanding of areas of law outside the Foundations of Legal Knowledge obtained through autonomous research, using both paper and electronic; and primary and secondary sources;
• an understanding of the relevant social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural contexts in which law operates and an ability to draw relevant comparisons with other legal jurisdictions;
• a range of cognitive skills, acquired through prior learning, which facilitate study of the Foundations of Legal Knowledge at an advanced pace;
• the ability to analyse primary sources of law independently and derive appropriate conclusions in the context of solving practical problems;
• the ability to think critically about the law and the merits of particular arguments advanced as solutions to practical legal problems;
• the ability to work with, and recognise the potential of, information technology in the context of the law and legal study;
• the ability to undertake independent research in areas of law which have not previously been studied, using online materials to guide progress through autonomous study.

Graduate LLB Introduction to Programme

On successful completion of this programme students will be able to:

• deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry using primary and secondary sources including informed exercise of information technology systems
• apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to initiate and carry out projects
• apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding
• make informed decisions and judgements in complex and unpredictable contexts

Cognitive skills

On successful completion of this programme students will be able to:

• critically evaluate argument, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to make judgements and frame appropriate questions to identify a solution or range of solutions to a problem in the light of the relevant legal issues raised;
• communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non- specialist audiences
• describe and comment upon particular aspects of current legal research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline

Graduate LLB Modules

TABLE OF OUTCOMES LEADING TO AWARD OF GRADUATE LLB

Graduate LLB

[360 Credits] (of which 120 APL/APEL)

Stage 2 (the GDL)

Module Credit Rating Work for Assessment Requirement for Award

English Legal System 15 Credits [Level 6]

Formative

1. Practice MCT Summative
2. MCT [required for progression on GDL]
3. Case Analysis Test [Single Unit of Assessment]
4. Statute Analysis Test [Single Unit of Assessment]

Compulsory

Tort Law 20 Credits [Level 6]

Formative

1. Practice Written Assessment
2. Practice MCT Summative
3. Written Examination [100% of Module Grade]

Compulsory

Contract Law 20 Credits [Level 6]

Formative

1. Practice Written Assessment
2. Practice MCT Summative
3. Written Examination [100% of Module Grade]

Compulsory

Land Law 20 Credits

[Level 6]

Formative

1. Practice Written Assessment
2. Practice MCT Summative
3. Written Examination [100% of Module Grade]

Compulsory

Criminal Law 20 Credits

[Level 6]

Formative 1.Practice Written Assessment 2.Practice MCT Summative 1.Written Examination [100% of Module Grade]

Compulsory

Equity & Trusts 20 Credits [Level 6]

Formative 1.Practice Written Assessment 2.Practice MCT

Compulsory

Graduate LLB Modules

This section also provides a short description of the assessment and feedback on the Programme. Should you have any further queries about assessment or feedback (following reading the entire programme handbook), please contact the appropriate module or programme tutor.

Modules

The Programme is composed of two modules. These modules are linked to different levels of the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications set by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. This document provides an outline for each module undertaken during the Programme. To identify when modules are taken please see the Diagram of Outcomes Leading to Award.

Each module will consist of aims, learning outcomes and modes of assessment. These components relate to how you will receive from and give feedback to the Programme team during your degree.

Aims

The Graduate LLB has explicit aims. Aims are the learning intention of each module, section or entire programme – knowledge, understandings and skills that we intend to cover in delivering the programme. You will be given opportunities to feedback on how the Programme team delivers this content.

Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome is a statement of what you are expected to know, understand or be able to do at the end of the module, section or entire programme.

Modes of Assessment

As BPP’s programmes are specifically student-centred and professionally oriented, we seek to accommodate a variety of learning styles and prior educational experiences through the selection assessment strategy, focusing on:

Criterion-referenced Assessment, where your performance is assessed against some fixed, set, or ‘objective’ standard which is not affected by the number of people who reach it. Criterion-referencing is particularly important in subjects which involve vocational competence.

Norm-referenced Assessment, where your performance is assessed by creating a comparison to others in your peer group employing a range of assessment tools, producing for example a rank order (first, second, third, etc.) regardless of the absolute level you have achieved. Norm-referencing is particularly important in subjects involving complex activities or performance.

Self-referenced Assessment, where your progress and achievement is assessed against your past performance (e.g. progress made, value-added) or some estimate of future potential (e.g. could do better/reached your ceiling). Self-referencing is particularly important in subjects which promote the notion of the critical reflective practitioner (such as personal and professional development planning).

Graduate LLB Modules

In practice, the Programme and its modules typically involve a mixture of the above modes of assessment. After each assessment (except for final examinations), you can expect to receive feedback on your performance.

Specific Learning and Teaching Strategy

The learning and teaching strategy of the degree programme will address the paradigm shift within Higher Education away from content-based towards skills-based methodologies where practically possible.

The key skills of application, research methodology and problem solving will be emphasised throughout the course, with specific emphasis on these areas in the various modules where they are taught and/ or applied.

The programme provides you with a thorough grounding in law prior to further development of this through more intellectually demanding and integrated modules.

This opportunity to organise your learning is intended to develop attainment of the professional and transferable skills which are expected of graduates, for example, time management, group work and individual scholarship.

Graduate LLB Modules

Graduate LLB

Company Law Module Outline

Aims

The aims of this module are as follows:

• to develop a knowledge and understanding of the general principles of Company Law;
• to develop an appreciation of the role the ‘company’ plays (as a business vehicle) in our economic system and of the social, political and economic forces that affect how companies operate and are regulated;
• to develop a knowledge and understanding of the sources of Company Law (e.g. statute, common law / equity and regulation) on a domestic level and an appreciation of the importance and increasing impact of EU Law;
• to develop a knowledge and understanding of: the legal nature of a registered company and limited liability; of the establishment and management of a registered company ; and of other types of business vehicle;
• to develop a knowledge and understanding, both legally and practically, of the relationship between the managers and shareholders of a company, and of the legal and regulatory mechanisms that control and regulate that relationship;
• to develop a knowledge and understanding of share capital, raising debt finance, and shareholdings;
• to develop a knowledge and understanding of Corporate Governance, Corporate Rescue and Liquidations;
• to develop an ability to apply the principles of Company Law to factual scenarios through the study of specific legal duties and obligations and present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions to problems raised within these scenarios;
• to develop an ability to critically analyse Company Law principles and policy, as well as proposed reforms of Company Law, and make a judgment on the merits of particular arguments.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, students should have developed:

• a knowledge and understanding of the general principles of Company Law and an ability to apply that knowledge and understanding to factual problems of limited complexity to provide arguable solutions to those problems;
• an understanding of the formalities in company formation;

Graduate LLB Modules

• an understanding of the use of share capital;
• an understanding, both legally and practically, of the relationship between the managers and shareholders of a company, and of the legal and regulatory mechanisms that control and regulate that relationship;
• an understanding of Corporate Governance, Corporate Rescue and Liquidations;
• an ability to apply the principles of Company Law to factual scenarios through the study of specific legal duties and obligations, and to present an argument based upon that application in a way which is comprehensible to others;
• an ability to critically analyse company law principles and policy, and proposed reforms of Company Law, as discussed in relevant primary and secondary legal source materials.

Learning Chronology

The module is divided into six parts. Each part will comprise:

• Independent Reading;
• Lectures;
• Online Tutorials;
• Live Seminars;
• Introductory MCTs;
• Advanced MCTs.

The following table provides a breakdown of how the module will be delivered

Study Week

Lectures / Tutorials Activity/teaching methods

1. Corporate Personality,

Students view Lecture 1 online ‘Corporate Personality’ and complete reading for Topic 1.

2. Lifting the Veil of Incorporation

Students view Lecture 2 online ‘Lifting the Veil of Incorporation’, complete associated reading, an Introductory Test, Topic 2 Tutorial and Advanced Test online.

3. The Company's Constitution

Students view Lecture 3 online (The Company’s Constitution), complete associated reading, an Introductory Test, Topic 3 Tutorial and Advanced Test.

Graduate LLB Modules

13. Insider Dealing

Students view Lecture 13 online (Insider Dealing), complete associated Introductory Test, Topic 13 Tutorial and Advanced Test.

14. Debt Finance

Students View Lecture 14 online (Debt Finance), complete associated Introductory Test, Topic 14 Tutorial and Advanced Test.

15. Corporate Insolvency I

Students view Lecture 15 online (Corporate Insolvency I), complete associated Introductory Test, Topic 15 Tutorial and Advanced Test.

16. Corporate Insolvency II

Students view Lecture 16 online (Corporate Insolvency II), complete associated Introductory Test, Topic 16 Tutorial and Advanced Test. (also incorporating Topic 15)

17. Vulnerable Transactions in Insolvency

Students view Lecture 17 online (Vulnerable Transactions in Insolvency).

18.Corporate Governance View Lecture 18 online (Corporate Governance) and complete Consolidating Test Seminar Week

During the summer programme only.

Assessment Week

Students view Lecture 10 online (Managing a trade mark portfolio), complete associated Introductory Test, Topic 10 Tutorial and Advanced Test

Formative Assessments

Students will have the opportunity to submit a formative assessment during the module. This formative assessment will be similar to the coursework assessments and tutor marks with feedback.

Summative Assessments

2 x CBT Assessments covering the entire module. 2 x Written Assessments due in (1 x problem question and 1 x essay question).

Detail of Syllabus

Part One: Introduction and Formalities

Graduate LLB Modules

• Introduces the structure of the module
• Discusses the various business organisations together with the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation
• Introduces the legal theory underpinning the area tracking the historical development
• Deals with specific issues relating to a company’s incorporation including limited liability and piercing the veil
• Deals with the registration of a company
• Discusses the constitution of the company and its historical routes (the difference between the articles of association and the memorandum of association)
• Considers promoters and pre-incorporation contracts
• Introduces company insiders and the contract of membership
• Deals with how a company can alter its constitution and the statutory effects of shareholder agreements
• Discusses the historical importance of company outsiders and the ultra vires doctrine

Part Two: Shareholders

• Introduce the shareholders and their historical importance in the development of

Company Law

• Explain the legal nature of shares and the complex issues surround class rights.
• Discuss the recent developments in the area of minority shareholder actions including the statutory inclusion of derivative actions to the Companies Act 2006.
• Consideration of other statutory remedies including unfair prejudice under the new section 994 and just and equitable winding up.

Part Three: Directors and the Board

• Deals with the appointment of directors and the structure of the board including the ways in which the board can make decisions
• Considers the historical development of directors’ duties up to the present day inclusion of these duties in the Companies Act 2006
• Discusses the ramifications of breach of duty and the options available post breach including the ratification of directors’ actions and the removal of directors from office

Part Four: Corporate Finance

• Introduction of the basic principles associated with the raising of capital and the differences between debt and equity finance
• Discussing the different approaches to raising finance by private and public companies
• Consideration of the companies listing regulations
• Consideration of the law in relation to insider dealing
• Introduction to fixed and floating charges

Part Five: Corporate Recovery

• Introduction to vulnerable transactions in insolvency
• Introduction to the move towards a rescue culture in relation to corporate recovery through the introduction of the company voluntary arrangement and the administration order.