What will I learn on this module?
You will acquire knowledge and understanding of an aspect of Trusts and Land law.
The module is delivered through Problem Based Learning which develops your ability to work independently and collaboratively and to reflect on your learning. It is a type of experiential learning which is a method of learning that allows you to learn by hands-on experience and reflecting on that experience. Thus you will develop skills in reflective learning, preparing you for the Student Law Office at level 6.
The module develops your professional skills and abilities in relation to interviewing skills, your written communication skills including your ability to organise your written material in a logical and coherent manner and your legal research skills. In addition, it develops key employability skills around group work and the ability to work effectively in a team.
The module develops your personal value attributes of intellectual independence by creating opportunities for you to be able to ask and answer cogent questions about aspects of trusts and land law, identify gaps in your knowledge and acquire new knowledge. In addition, the module develops your independent thinking skills and curiosity.
How will I learn on this module?
This module is delivered through Problem Based Learning (PBL), a type of experiential learning, in which you engage in a simulated interview with an actor client (known as a standardised client) followed by supervised studio sessions (working in group guided sessions in collaborative working spaces) and small group sessions (workshops). In the latter two, you work collaboratively in small groups, facilitated by a tutor, to identify the legal problem concerned. You will carry out independent and collaborative research to identify and understand the relevant substantive law and, through a series of workshops in which you orally present your findings for tutor feedback, you will tease out the solution to your client’s problem culminating in a written research report.
There will be online teaching delivery to support the development of skills relevant to the module such as the nature of problem based learning, practical legal research skills and interviewing skills.
You will have the opportunity for formative oral feedback from tutors in workshops and on your group oral presentations. You will also receive formative feedback on your interviewing skills from your peers (your partner in the interviews) as well as from the standardised client.
Your summative assessment in this module will consist of one piece of coursework. This will comprise two elements:
(a) a research report on relevant substantive law (90%)
(b) an evaluation of the contribution to work you do in groups in preparation for the coursework. (10%)
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported academically in a number of ways including:
• Online teaching delivery to support the development of skills relevant to the module such as the nature of problem based learning, practical legal research skills and interviewing skills
• Oral feedback from tutors in workshops and on group presentations
• Materials on the module elp site, for example, an exemplar of a PBL research report
• Peer feedback on your interviewing skills
• Feedback from the standardised client on your interviewing skills
• Peer feedback on research within your group
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Apply and interpret substantive and procedural law in the wider context of a hypothetical legal case
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Effectively organise and communicate information in writing to a specialist and/or non-specialist audience
Personal Value Attributes
• Develop intellectual independence by being able to ask and answer cogent questions about law, identify gaps in your knowledge and acquire new knowledge
• Develop independent thinking skills and curiosity
How will I be assessed?
You will have the opportunity for formative oral feedback from tutors in workshops and on your group oral presentations.
You will also receive formative feedback on your interviewing skills from your peers (your partner in the interviews) as well as from the standardised client.
Your summative assessment in this module will consist of one piece of coursework. This will comprise two elements:-
(a) a research report on relevant substantive law (90%)
(b) an evaluation of the contribution to work you do in groups in preparation for the coursework. (10%)
This assessment will address all four module learning outcomes. Marking criteria will be provided from the start of the module to enable you to understand what is expected and how you will be judged on your performance. You will receive written feedback on your coursework using the standard School of Law feedback sheet which includes feed forward comments to improve your performance in future assessments.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module uses Problem Based Learning which allows you to take charge of your own learning and to independently research an area of trusts and land law through the use of a face to face simulated experience. By interviewing a standardised client you will be introduced to a hypothetical ‘real life’ scenario allowing you to identify the legal issues at stake. You will then use a variety of research techniques and sources to independently and collaboratively research the problem and understand the legal and practical issues. You will strive to come to a solution to the problem and communicate this to both a specialist (solicitor supervisor) and non-specialist (client) audience. In this module law is studied in its real context, breaking down barriers between the substantive legal subjects so you can take a holistic approach to the practical and theoretical elements of your client’s problem preparing you for life as a practising lawyer.
Course info
UCAS Code M102
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria Law School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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