What will I learn on this module?
The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:
Analysis of merits of claim or defence.
Arbitration, mediation and litigation as an appropriate mechanism to resolve a dispute.
Pre-action considerations and steps.
Commencing, responding to or progressing a claim.
Case management and any interim applications relevant to a claim.
The evidence needed and disclosure steps required in commencing, responding to, progressing or defending a claim.
Preparation of a case for a trial, the trial and any post trial steps.
Procedures and processes relevant to costs involved in dispute resolution.
On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the area of civil dispute resolution. These areas will be considered using contract and tort legal knowledge and principles, you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim or defending an action.
The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.
This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment in dispute resolution.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be taught through a combination of online webcast lectures and face to face workshops. The webcasts will be used to introduce you to the main points of each topic, providing detailed coverage of all the principles and starting to place them in context. The workshops will utilise an experiential teaching and learning strategy using a realistic case study to contextualise the areas of legal and practical knowledge. The workshops will be interactive sessions in which you will need to consider the law of tort and contract as well as the practice of dispute resolution in a practical context.
In addition you will carry out independent learning to build on the areas covered online and in class as well as completing multiple choice questions through our dedicated online learning system on dispute resolution to prepare you for the SQE 1 assessment. You will also have access to podcasts, Sway packages and online learning materials through our support packages supporting your learning of the foundation legal knowledge areas such as contract and tort.
You will be supported in the module by your workshop tutor who will provide feedback during the workshop sessions enabling you to constantly see where and how you can improve.
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 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 through webcasts, workshops and bespoke material on our online learning system. The module has a dedicated online teaching platform, Blackboard Ultra, which will include links to resources – such as documentaries and newly published articles – as well as providing you with a central location where you can easily access all the materials for the module as well as links to the legal knowledge that you may need on contract and tort.
As well as contact with the Module Tutor you will also be taught by your Workshop Tutor. Should you have queries you may speak to the Module Tutor or your Workshop Tutor or e-mail your query to either member of staff. Support will include oral feedback from Tutors during small group Workshops. 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:
On completion of this module you will:
Demonstrate an in depth and systematic knowledge and understanding of dispute resolution in contract and tort cases and you will be able to apply your knowledge to the professional practice of dispute resolution cases
Understand the areas covered by the Solicitors Qualifying Exam Part 1
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
On completion of this module you will:
Understand how to systematically apply your in depth knowledge and understanding of dispute resolution practice to a range of professional contexts and advise accordingly.
Be able to use a range of sources and data to address how to approach a case of dispute resolution and be able to identify where gaps or issues in the information exist and advise a client accordingly
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 independently advise clients on the procedure and practice of dispute resolution and prepare relevant documents and advise a client whilst considering professional conduct issues.
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 (MLO 1 & 3)?? 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 (MLO 2). ?
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 dispute resolution, contract law and tort law (MLO 2) presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning.? The module will be assessed by coursework (MLO 1, 3 & 4) with a maximum word limit of 3,000 words. The assessment will take the form of a case and matter analysis advising a client based on a scenario (MLO 5).? 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.
You will be provided with appropriate electronic written feedback through Turnitin on your assessment in accordance with the Law School’s feedback policy.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module facilitates the study of dispute resolution matters in the context of realistic ‘case study’ scenarios, and where possible, simulated clinical and experiential learning to provide you not only with the practical information you need to run a dispute resolution matter but also provides exposure to problem based learning and knowledge as you would experience in practice. You will learn the procedure of bringing and defending dispute resolution matters in the context of contract and tort claims in a contextual way which underpins the learning. The module outcomes will be achieved through the use of a variety of learning technologies and simulated case studies introducing you to the world of dispute resolution. The module will also guide you through the requirements of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam Part 1 for dispute resolution, learning these elements in context will provide for engaging and enhanced learning.
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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