What
Substantive law: We teach five subjects during the 1-year Diploma course, each of which is designed to familiarise you with the most important aspects of the English common law system. We place great emphasis on choosing subjects with which you are most likely to come into direct contact in your professional lives, especially commercial law subjects. For further details of the various modules see below.
Legal Skills Portfolio: We teach a range of legal skills alongside the various substantive law modules. These combine to form a skills portfolio which covers areas that have been identified as being lacking or under-developed amongst young lawyers. The range of skills includes: Analysing Case Materials; Legal Writing; Oral Advocacy and Public Speaking; Negotiation and Contract Drafting.
Course Content
English law remains one of the most influential legal systems in the world. It forms the basis of many common law jurisdictions and continues to shape international commercial practice. Furthermore, as the original common law system, English law studies focus heavily on practical legal skills, without which a mere knowledge of the law is insufficient to excel in legal practice.
The Diploma in English Law & Legal Skills enables you to study important substantive law subjects while building, or improving, a range of key legal skills. This enables you to not only understand major principles of English law but also to apply them effectively in real-life contexts. This integration of knowledge and practice produces graduates who are better prepared for both academic advancement and professional success.
English Legal System
English Legal System
Learn the history, structure and idiosyncrasies of English constitutional law, public law procedure, the different types of laws applicable in the UK, and the structure and role of the different courts.
Legal Skills Component
Develop the skills of effective legal research, fact management, case analysis and oral advocacy, using realistic case scenarios.
Contract Law and Contract Drafting
Contract Law
Learn how a wide range of contracts are negotiated, concluded, implemented, interpreted and breached. Advise clients on a broad scope of contract-orientated disputes, including available remedies.
Legal Skills Component
Develop the practical skills of negotiation and drafting contracts based on English law. Improve skills involved when advising clients.
Criminal Litigation and Practice
Criminal Law
Learn about the English criminal justice system, the rules of evidence and the standard of proof for various criminal offences. Students participate in a simulated criminal trial, taking on the role of the defence/prosecution advocates and witnesses.
Legal Skills Component
The practical legal skills acquired on this module include: case and fact management; statutory interpretation; working with precedents; preparing for trial; witness handling and oral advocacy.
Tort Law
Tort Law
Learn about non-contractual civil obligations, including the nature and application of the duty of care at common law, the basis for the tort of negligence and available remedies.
Legal Skills Component
Develop the practical skills of client interviewing techniques, written advocacy, oral advocacy on non-factual issues (points of law) and analysing relevant precedents.
Trusts Law
Equity and Trusts Law
Learn about trusts and their modern commercial application and use as a civil remedy for misappropriation, and the rules governing the transfer of property interests.
Legal Skills Component
Develop the practical skills of mooting and receive practical guidance on effective CV writing and interview skills.
Substantive Law
Study the most important areas of English law, with particular focus on commercially relevant issues. Familiarise yourself with the most common choice of governing law in international contracts.
Legal Skills
We help you develop a wide-ranging skills portfolio and monitor your progress on an ongoing basis. The skills and experience you acquire will help you stay ahead of the pack in the race for employment.
Career
Learning English law and developing your skills portfolio is about making you more employable. Our entire focus is on helping you achieve your dream career, wherever and whatever it may be.