What will I learn on this module?
On completion of this module you should, in the context of domestic or commercial transactions or both, and in relation to freehold and leasehold property:
1. Be able to appreciate the nature of a property transaction;
2. Be able to identify and perform the critical steps in a transaction;
3. Be aware of conflicts of interest that may arise when acting for more than one party in a property transaction;
4. Understand the requirements of lenders and the need to consider money laundering issues; and
5. Have a sufficient grasp of the tax aspects of a property transaction.
The module will cover the pre-contract stage of a property transaction including taking instructions, identifying the steps needed to raise and the issues arising from pre-contract enquiries and pre-contract searches, deduce and investigate title, report to the client, decide on what action is to be taken and analyse and draft a contract. The binding contract stage will also be covered including advising the client on finance and exchanging contracts. And how to deal with deposits, undertakings, drafting documentation and preparing for completion. Following exchange the module will cover preparing for completion, drafting relevant documents, completing a transaction, post completion steps, and dealing with a mortgage. The module will be taught through case studies which follow the steps of a property transaction.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures recorded on Panopto (available in advance) and workshops. The lectures 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. TurningPoint will also be used to develop your factual analysis and problem solving skills. The workshops will utilise an experiential teaching and learning strategy through using practical scenarios to expand on the material covered in the lectures. The workshops will be interactive sessions in which you will need to consider the law surrounding property law and practice in a practical context.
In addition you will carry out independent learning to build on the areas covered in the lectures and workshops. You will also have directed learning to prepare for tasks in the workshops.
You will be supported in the module through formative self test and multiple choice questions through the dedicated online learning system, the eLP.
Importantly, you will also learn at work, through reflecting on your experiences and applying your knowledge to your practice in the workplace. The seminars and lectures will introduce you to theories and concepts and allow you to discuss with the tutors and your peers how these relate to your own work based experiences and practice.
You will be building a portfolio of evidence that illustrates your development as a solicitor throughout the programme. This portfolio will enable you to demonstrate how you have applied your learning from across all modules into your workplace practice.
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 lectures, workshops and through the eLP. The Module has a dedicated eLP site which includes 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.
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 Programme Administration and Student Liaison teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the Module, such as receiving your completed assignment, returning your marked assignment and recording your marks.
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:
On completion of this module you will:
• Demonstrate an in depth knowledge and understanding of property law and the nature of a property transaction and be able to apply your knowledge to the critical steps involved in a property transaction.
• Understand the requirements of lenders and issues relating to money lending and professional conduct.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
On completion of this module you will:
• Understand how to systematically apply a range of source material which may include primary, secondary, and other materials, to address how to approach a property law problem and be able to prepare the relevant documentation.
• Be able to systematically apply your in depth knowledge and understanding to the practice involved in the steps of a property transaction and advise the client accordingly.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
At the end of the Module you will have:
• Developed an ability to exercise initiative and self-mange; and an ability to plan and implement tasks such as being able to independently advise clients on the procedure and practice of property transactions and prepare relevant documents whilst considering professional conduct issues.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment will be provided by oral feedback in Workshops on the formative tasks that are required for effective Workshop participation. You will also be provided with feedback through the tasks you carry out through the eLP.
Summative assessment will be through a 1 hour closed book multiple choice question paper and a 3 hour open book written paper. The written paper will be based on advance materials and will be practical in nature.
Assessment criteria are 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 written feedback on your final assessment in accordance with the Law School’s Undergraduate feedback policy.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module facilitates the study of property law and practice in the context of realistic ‘case study’ scenarios and, where possible, simulated clinical and experiential learning, to provide you with exposure to problem based learning and knowledge of the type of routine property work experienced in practice. You will learn how to identify and perform the critical steps in a domestic or commercial transaction or both, and in relation to freehold and leasehold property as well as the requirements of lenders and the need to consider professional conduct issues. In addition, you will have an understanding of the tax aspects of a property transaction. The pre-contract, binding contract, pre-completion and post completion stages of a property transaction will all be covered in the module.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 6 years Part Time
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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