Graduate Diploma in Law

This will introduce you to modern English contract law as part of the wider law of obligations. The module examines formation of a binding contract through agreement, the scope of both positive and negative contractual obligations, factors which affect an otherwise enforceable contract, and remedies available for breach of contract. In addition, the module considers special rules applying to particular types of contract.

You will develop your understanding of criminal liability, and be able to analyse criminal law, as well as appreciating its nature, scope and purpose. The module covers the general principles of criminal law, including the definition of a crime, elements of criminal liability, defences, inchoate offences, and complicity. You will also focus on a number of specific offences, including fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, theft and criminal damage.

You will consider the historical development of equity and the concept of the trust, and the rules on creation of express trusts. The module compares public and private trusts, and trusts for non-profit making associations. It also focuses on the principles of resulting and constructive trusts, trustees' powers and duties, and issues relating to liability for breach of trust. Equitable remedies are examined and, where appropriate, compared with common law remedies. The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 is also considered.

This subject opens with an introduction to land ownership, before considering three main areas of land acquisition – adverse possession, the formalities associated with s.2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, and an outline of the conveyancing process. You will also look at the landlord and tenant relationship, lease/ licence distinctions and leasehold covenants. Other areas covered include the rules relating to notice in registered and unregistered land, overriding interests, freehold covenants, easements and profits, and co-ownership. The module concludes by studying licences and estoppel, and mortgages.

You will develop your understanding of the legislative and judicial structure and functioning of EU institutions, the fundamental characteristics of EU law, its methods and procedures, and its relationship to national law. You will then apply this knowledge to substantive areas of law, such as the economic and social law of the internal market, social policy and competition law. The module shows how EU law has been influenced by its historical, political, economic and social contexts.

This module looks at the structure and principal characteristics of the constitution of the UK, comparing it with other constitutions, and analysing how it affects the exercise of governmental power and the protection of fundamental rights. You will gain a greater understanding of the role of the organs of government and their relations with each other, and the doctrine of Parliamentary supremacy. You will also examine the impact of membership of the European Community on the UK's constitution, the extent of prerogative powers, mechanisms for the protection of fundamental rights, and the role of judicial review and its relationship with the rule of law.

You will consider the key areas in the modern law of tort such as negligence, defamation and trespass and discuss the legal rules, concepts and policies involved in relevant case law and statute. The course also examines the wider social and economic issues raised by particular areas of tort, and the operation of the tort system.

Students are required to undertake research into a further area of law, leading to the submission of a 4,000-word essay. The title is chosen from a designated list set by the Module Leader. Past options have included Commercial Law, Employment Law, Family Law, Evidence, Media Law, Human Rights Law. Students receive initial guidance on the subject and advice on how to conduct legal research. 

This module provides students with the opportunity to gain credit for reflecting on work experience that has relevance to their GDL studies, and that has been pre-approved by the module leader. The module is assessed by the submission of a short portfolio containing reflection on aspects of their work, accompanied by a 3,000-word essay communicating what they have learned. Students must also produce a certificate from their employer stating that they have completed a sufficient number of hours in the workplace.