Programme Specification for the 2022/3 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 | 2022/3 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
Programme start date | |
| NQF Level | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme seeks to provide a liberal legal education that exposes you to the study of law in context. The Law School challenges its undergraduate law students to maximise their potential by becoming critical independent learners, researchers and scholars. You can elect to study the foundational legal subjects that underpin later professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister, although there is no requirement to study all the foundational legal subjects within the programme.
As well as instilling a deep and wide knowledge and understanding of the law, the programme aims to offer you as many activities as possible to help broaden your career development and equip you with the skills employers find most valuable. These include activities and skills developed through learning and teaching, such as group work, research and analysis, communication in different forms, problem-solving and argumentation, time management and independent study; as well as extra-curricular activities, including, for example, employer talks, mooting, pro bono activities, student law clinic, and employability support (such as writing CVs and applications). Overall, the programme aims to provide many opportunities to gain transferable skills, and to meet and interact with other students, staff, and potential employers.
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
The BA (Hons) in Legal Studies is a three-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into three ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
The programme is further 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 will take modules adding up to 120 credits each year. You may choose to study both Law School and non-Law School modules, subject to availability, approval, appropriate level, and the completion of any pre-requisites. You may only choose modules that you have not already studied at undergraduate level or above in the same or substantially equivalent form. You must study a minimum of 270 credits of Law School modules across the course of the programme, and at least 30 credits of Law School modules in each Stage.
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.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College website: https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/currentstudents/undergraduatemodules/.
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes — this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows, the module is at the appropriate level for the Stage, and you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
Stage 1: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules
In addition to the compulsory module, you will study two of the three optional Law School modules listed below, plus an additional 30 credits from modules available at Level 4 (XXX1xxx). Please note that you are not permitted to select Level 5 (XXX2xxx) or Level 6 (XXX3xxx) modules at this Stage. See https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/currentstudents/undergraduatemodules/ for optional Law School modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAW1036 | Legal Foundations | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| 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
Stage 2: 120 credits of optional modules
You will study 120 credits of optional modules at Level 5 (XXX2xxx) and/or Level 4 (XXX1xxx), with a maximum of 30 credits at Level 4. Over the duration of your programme, you may take a maximum of 150 credits at Level 4. Please note that you are not permitted to select Level 6 (XXX3xxx) modules at this Stage. See https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/currentstudents/undergraduatemodules/ for optional Law School modules.
| Total Credits for Stage 2 |
|---|
Stage 3
Stage 3: 120 credits of optional modules
You will study 120 credits of optional modules at Level 6 (XXX3xxx) and/or Level 5 (XXX2xxx), with a maximum of 30 credits at Level 5. Over the duration of your programme, you must take a minimum of 90 credits at Level 6. Please note that you are not permitted to select Level 4 (XXX1xxx) modules at this Stage. See https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/law/currentstudents/undergraduatemodules/ for optional Law School modules.
| Total Credits for Stage 3 |
|---|
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
| 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. | Specialised subject skills and knowledge are acquired through classes (which may include lectures, seminars, workshops or other teaching activities, depending on the module), guided independent learning and reflection, library tuition and research support, formative assessment and summative assessment. | Unseen or seen examinations 1-5: for example, some compulsory and optional modules involve an examination, either seen or unseen – see individual module details. Open/closed note examinations 1-5: for example, some compulsory and optional modules involve an examination, usually open note – see individual module details. Assessed essays or other coursework 1-5: for example, several modules involve an assessed essay or other coursework (such as a problem question or other written work) – see individual module details. Dissertation 1-5: writing a dissertation is an option at Stage 3; a shorter research paper option is also commonly offered. Assessment of legal skills 1-5: this runs through all Law modules, but is especially emphasised in the modules studied at Stage 1. |
| 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. | Academic discipline core skills and knowledge are acquired through classes (which may include lectures, seminars, workshops or other teaching activities, depending on the module), guided independent learning and reflection, library tuition and research support, formative assessment and summative assessment. | Essays / coursework 6-10: for example, many modules involve an assessed essay or other coursework (such as a problem question or other written work) – see individual module details. Legal skills 6-10: developing legal skills runs through all Law modules, but this is especially emphasised in the modules studied at Stage 1. Oral presentations or equivalent communication 6-10: presenting thoughts clearly and concisely is part of work in classes as well as out of class, such as in peer study groups or tutor meetings. Oral presentation skills may be assessed in some modules either formatively or summatively – see individual module details. Examinations 6-10: for example, many modules include an examination, which test, inter alia, the ability to separate the relevant from the irrelevant, and to demonstrate judgement – see individual module details. |
| 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 demonstrate an ability to work under pressure. | Key skills are an integral part of the degree programme. Particular aspects of the programme focus on personal and key skills development. For example, classes (lectures, seminars, workshops and other classes and skills activities) encourage working independently and in groups, as well as presenting and critiquing ideas and materials in interesting and varied forms (skills 11-17). Essays and other written work particularly encourage skills development (skills 11, 13-17). Personal tutor meetings and related activities encourage focus upon development of all key skills and the ability to reflect upon these (particularly skills 13 and 15). | Examination skills 11, 13-15, 17: this applies to all modules assessed by examination – see individual module details. Assessed essay and other coursework skills 11-17: this applies to all modules assessed by essay or other forms of coursework – see individual module details. Oral presentation skills 11-17: this applies to all modules involving oral contributions, whether assessed or unassessed – see individual module details. |
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
0
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 | 08/08/2022 |
|---|