What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about the whole lifecycle of a business from start-up to dissolution/insolvency. You will learn about the main types of business media - sole traders, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), partnerships and companies – as well as their advantages and disadvantages and key considerations relevant for choice of legal structure. You will understand the procedures for setting up each type of business media, and you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the ongoing interests, rights, obligations and powers of the various stakeholders within each business structure. You will be able to advise on the legal aspects of common business transactions, entering into contracts and the basics of finance and lending. In relation to companies, you will learn to appreciate the importance of a company’s constitution and the Companies Act 2006 in relation to: the ongoing operations of the company; the appointment and removal of officers; alterations to the constitution; transactions with directors; and the allotment, issue and transfer of shares. You will be able to draft routine documentation required to effect common transactions and advise on the taxation of business profits. You will understand the implications of insolvency for a business and individuals and be able to advise on any claims arising and potential liabilities. You will cover the basic principles of business accounting and you will learn how to interpret business accounts to ensure clients are appropriately advised. Finally, professional conduct scenarios will be employed so that you learn the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct and other professional obligations, including in relation to anti-money laundering and financial services regulation.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be taught through a combination of workshops, podcasts, multiple choice questions and formative assessment. The podcasts will be used to introduce you to the major principles of each topic as well as placing the principles in context by considering them against factual scenarios. The practice multiple choice questions will be used to develop and test your knowledge, factual analysis and problem solving skills and support you in preparing for the Business Law and Practice elements of the SQE 1 assessments. The workshops will utilise an experiential teaching and learning strategy through using practical scenarios to expand on the material covered in the podcasts. The workshops will be interactive sessions in which you will need to consider the law surrounding business law and practice in a practical context.
In addition, you will carry out independent learning to build on the areas covered in the podcasts and workshops. You will also have directed learning to prepare for tasks in the workshops.
You will be supported in the module through formative multiple choice questions and revision materials through the dedicated online learning system, Blackboard Ultra.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The University will support you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line databases and resources and appropriate software.
This Module is designed by, and will be managed by, the Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the Module. Material will be provided to you by podcasts and through the eLP. The Module has a dedicated eLP site which includes podcasts, multiple choice questions, workshop instruction briefs, PowerPoint slides and links to resources, such as documentaries, and newly published articles. This is in addition to the electronic reading list.
The teaching team comprises the Module Tutor, the Workshop Tutors and the Lecturers recording the podcasts. You will also be supported by the Programme Leader. Should you have queries you may speak to any of the teaching team, including the Programme Leader or e-mail your query to any of them. Support will include oral feedback from Tutors during small group Workshop sessions. Your Workshop Tutor will also be available to answer queries by e mail or in person, provided an appointment has been arranged. You are encouraged to make contact with your Tutor if you encounter any difficulties relating to any aspect of the Module.
The Academic Programme Support Teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the Module, such as recording the marks from your assessment, maintaining student records and dealing with programme-specific student enquiries.
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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
At the end of the module you will have:
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the legal, practical, and taxation implications of setting up and running different types of business and of typical transactions and developments arising during the life and development of a business.
Developed an understanding of legal principles and the place of law in its social, ethical, economic, and business context as well as an awareness and understanding of the commercial and business environment
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Interpret and apply primary source materials, constitutional documents and other relevant agreements as well as identifying conduct and regulation issues.
Draft documentation and prepare forms and filings that are relevant to business law and practice
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
At the end of the module you will have:
Developed intellectual independence by being able to advise clients on the critical elements of business law and practice and identified gaps in your knowledge and acquired new knowledge.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment?will be achieved by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and non-assessed exercises. Individual and group feedback will be given to students in workshop sessions on their performance after undertaking workshop tasks and/or?practice assignments?? A series of multiple choice questions will be made available throughout the module for individual students to test knowledge and understanding on an ongoing basis.
Summative Assessment will be undertaken on an individual basis by way of assignment, which constitutes 100% of the marks for this module. The assignment will aim to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues relating to business law and practice presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning.? This will assist you in your preparation for the SQE 1 assessment. The module will be assessed by coursework with a maximum word limit of 3,000 words. The assessment will take the form of one or more case studies or problem-based scenarios which will be designed to facilitate examination of specific aspects of business law and practice.? Where appropriate, assessment criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module will give you a good grounding in the essentials needed for legal practice and provide you with an opportunity to develop your practical legal skills. By the end of this module, you will have a good understanding of the most common types of business media solicitors work with in practice and how to progress basic business transactions bearing in mind legal, commercial and taxation implications. Exposure to realistic business scenarios and simulations will enhance your business and commercial awareness, as well as your understanding of a solicitor’s ethical and regulatory obligations, thereby helping you to prepare for practice. The module learning outcomes will be achieved through the use of a variety of learning technologies and simulated case studies to introduce you to the world of business law and practice.
This module is designed to support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment in the Business Law and Practice elements.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year full-time
Department Northumbria Law School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024
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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