Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

BA (Hons) Legal Studies

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BA (Hons) Legal Studies	Programme code	UFA3LAWLAW01
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2021/2
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	Programme start date	09/2018
NQF Level	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

A BA in Legal Studies at the University of Exeter offers a unique blend of academic rigour; including critical, theoretical and reflective dimensions from one of the top global universities that is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group; with the excitement of experiencing the law in action.

This programme seeks to provide a liberal legal education that exposes students to the study of law in context. The School challenges its undergraduate law students to maximise their potential by becoming critical independent learners, researchers and scholars. Students can elect to study the core legal subjects that lead to a qualifying law degree, although there is no requirement to do so. The degree is not a qualifying law degree for the purposes of legal practice.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

To provide you with a thorough knowledge of English law and to give you the opportunity to acquire and develop essential analytical skills;
To enable you to identify, locate and critically appraise legal materials;
To enable you to apply the principles of law and legal rules to solve and analyse legal questions;
To enable you to understand some of the theoretical foundations of law and to evaluate them;
To enable you to understand law and its operation in its social, political, economic and legal contexts;
To teach you how to reason logically, supporting the process with legal authority, academic commentary and by reference to other relevant materials;
To provide you with a comprehensive and integrated legal education through study on individual modules and through the complementary interaction of modules across the programme;
To provide you with the necessary personal and key skills to enable you to develop as an independent, autonomous and reflective individual.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Your BA in Legal Studies programme is a 3 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

You may take Elective Modules outside of the programme in each stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

Stage 1

You will study modules worth 120 credits at Level 4.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
LAW1036	Legal Foundations	30	Yes

Optional Modules

Please take two of the following Law optional modules.

Plus an additional 30 credits from modules available at level 4.

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
LAW1003	Criminal Law	30	No
LAW1004	The Law of Contract	30	No
LAW1035	Constitutional and Administrative Law	30	No

Total Credits for Stage 1

Stage 2

You will study modules worth 120 credits at Level 5. You may choose to study both Law and non-Law modules. You must study a minimum of 270 credits of Law modules across the course of the programme and at least 30 credits of Law modules in each stage. The study of non-Law modules is subject to availability, timetable constraints and prior approval.

Total Credits for Stage 2

Stage 3

You will study modules worth 120 credits at Level 6. You may choose to study both Law and non-Law modules. You must study a minimum of 270 credits of Law modules across the course of the programme and at least 30 credits of Law modules in each stage. The study of non-Law modules is subject to availability, timetable constraints and prior approval. Please note that you will not be permitted to select level 4 modules in the final year of your programme.

Total Credits for Stage 3

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the essential theoretical, conceptual and practical features of the English legal system, its institutions and procedures; 2. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the fundamental rules, theories, principles and conceptual framework of the seven foundation subjects of English and EU law, and of those optional legal subjects selected for study, as well as related academic opinion; 3. Follow and understand current developments in English law in the subjects of study; 4. Research a legal question and demonstrate competence in applying legal knowledge in order to formulate and evaluate a response to it; 5. Demonstrate detailed and accurate understanding of some of the relevant legal practice, social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural contexts within which the law operates	Subject knowledge and skills are acquired through lectures, student syndicate meetings and tutor led seminars, library tuition, essays, legal skills workshops, formative work and reflective learning.	Unseen or seen examinations 1-5: for example, some compulsory modules involve an unseen examination; some optional modules involve a seen examination – see optional module details; Open/closed note examinations 1-5: for example, for example some stage one compulsory modules involve a closed note examination; some stage three optional modules involve an open note examination – see optional module details; Assessed essays 1-5: Several modules involve assessed essays; Dissertation 1-5: writing a dissertation is an option in stage three; there is also a shorter Research Paper option; Assessment of legal skills 1-5: this runs through all Law modules, but is especially emphasised in the stage one compulsory Legal Foundations module.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
6. Identify, locate, retrieve and evaluate efficiently legal and other relevant information in paper, electronic and online form, with minimum guidance. 7. Use the theoretical legal knowledge to provide practical advice and imaginative solutions to particular problems, independently and effectively 8. Work independently to synthesise information from a number of primary and secondary legal and other sources; appreciate their relative value; and separate the relevant from the peripheral. 9. Make an independent and effective critical judgement about the merits of particular arguments and make reasoned choices between alternative solutions or arguments. 10. Communicate technical legal information and argument effectively and concisely, orally and in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline and in task-specific ways.	Essays; lectures; syndicate meetings, seminars, legal skills workshops and formative work.	Essays / coursework 6 -10: Several modules involve assessed essays; Legal skills 6 -10: developing legal skills runs through all Law modules, but this is especially emphasised in the stage one compulsory Legal Foundations module; Oral presentations require you to put across your arguments clearly and concisely 6 -10: all syndicate meetings, seminars and other workshops, as well as assessed presentations, require you to do this – particular examples include the assessed presentations in Legal Foundations and all compulsory module seminars to which students are expected to contribute; Examinations often contain a large element aimed at testing ability to separate the relevant from the irrelevant. 6 -10: this applies to all modules assessed by examination – see above.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
11. Manage time effectively, plan activity and prioritise tasks by working to strict deadlines and demonstrating an ability to work under pressure. 12. Work and interact effectively and proactively in a group, share information and ideas, and manage related practical matters. 13. Work independently, managing your time and learning resources efficiently, and developing appropriate task-specific strategies 14. Communicate clear and reasoned arguments, accurately and effectively, in both oral and written form. 15. Reflect on, evaluate and assess own learning and ability autonomously, and where necessary proactively seek and make effective use of advice and feedback. 16. Identify, retrieve and use, independently and efficiently, a range of library-based and electronic resources with minimum guidance 17. Apply appropriate strategies for solving conceptual and practical problems, making critical judgements and choosing autonomously between alternative solutions and arguments.	Key skills are an integral part of the degree programme. Particular aspects of the programme focus on personal and key skills development. Syndicate meetings and seminars encourage you to work independently and in groups with the aim of presenting and criticising materials in interesting and varied forms (ILOs 11- 17). Essays particularly encourage ILOs 11, 13-17); lectures (ILOs 11, 13, 14, 15, 17); legal skills seminars (e.g. advocacy and negotiation) (ILOs 11-17). Personal Development Planning and Personal Tutor meetings focus upon your development of all key skills and your ability to reflect upon this and in particular ILO 15.	Examination skills 11,13-15, 17: this applies to all modules assessed by examination – see above. Assessed essay skills 11,13-17: this applies to all modules assessed by essay – see above. Oral presentations 11,13-17: this applies to all modules involving oral contributions and assessed presentations – see above.

7. Programme Regulations

University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Assessment and Awards

For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services

A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Student Support Services

The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Legal Studies

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits	360	ECTS credits	180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Law

23. Dates

Origin Date	06/09/2017	Date of last revision	15/03/2018