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Level 5 Higher Diploma in Law Studies

Subject code: L5LS

Syllabus and Unit Specification:

Level 5 Higher Diploma in: Law Studies

Credit value: 120, contributing to the Higher Education (HE) Diploma outlined below

Rational

The purpose of this subject syllabus is to provide such part time and full time learners with an opportunity to study the principles and applications of Law Studies at an advanced higher educational level (Level 5), with sufficient focus and detail to achieve transferrable skills, knowledge, understanding and application, necessary for progression towards related programmes at Level 6.

The subject is unitised in order to provide flexibility of operation and study. Satisfactory completion of all four units within this syllabus results in the award of 120 credits at Level 5.

Each unit may be undertaken separately, and each will be assessed independently, however, it is a key requirement of the subject that all fours units attached to the syllabus be completed at a satisfactory level in order to achieve the diploma.

Target group

HE diplomas should be targeted at those learners who have the ability to benefit from the course and progress to Level 6. They should also have success at level 3. This is a prerequisite to undertaking the course, as is sufficient skills in English, Maths and ICT.

Intended progression

• Bachelor of Arts
• Law accredited professions
• Humanities
• Vocational applications

Membership of Ascentis

This subject may only be operated in a member institution of Ascentis or a centre approved specifically for its operation by Ascentis. Membership and approval criteria can be found within the HE diploma handbook.

The Level 5 subject

This Level 5 subject is made up of a set of four units, which may be delivered and assessed independently. All units are assessed by coursework activities, and the compilation of an e-portfolio. The Level 5 subject requires successful completion of all four units. Learners are able to complete units at a pace appropriate to their resources, commitments and study plans.

It is expected that a full set of subject units will be completed within 2 academic years of initial enrolment.

Credit is awarded for successful completion of each unit. Any units which are not successfully completed may be repeated but this is subject to the college’s discretion and criteria. All the learning outcomes attached to each unit must be met in order for credit to be awarded. Each unit attracts a total of 30 credits. Coursework is subject to marking criteria which will be outlines within each unit.

Moderation and Assessment Responsibilities

See: HE diploma handbook and Ascentis Handbook for Learners

This course is delivered entirely via the distance learning route and therefore there is no face to face element or requirement for centre based assessment.

Aims of the course

1 To provide students with opportunities to develop academic skills in Law Studies appropriate for a range of progression options.

2 To enable students to develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject area

3 To encourage the learner to apply theoretical understanding and evaluation to complex content

4 To encourage students to apply terms and concepts appropriately

5 To enable students to apply a range of transferrable skills to subject related topics, issues and situations.

6 To facilitate and foster the development of a range of presentation skills relevant

and appropriate to the discipline and level of study.

Course Objectives

1 To encourage direct and indirect independent learning and the development of key skills in an effective and academic context for the purposes of personal development and progression.

2 To develop an appreciation of the value and problems of interpretation of core concepts in Law Studies, together with related and relevant practices, methodologies and theories.

3 To build an understanding of the core concepts within Law Studies in different situations and contexts

4 To encourage students to apply their experience, knowledge and understanding, and skills to a range of course-related topics.

5 To encourage students to develop study autonomy and be able to demonstrate planning, judgement and organisational skills.

6 To advance the development of presentation skills appropriate to the discipline, level of study and delivery method.

7 To encourage development of transferrable evaluative and analytical skills relevant to Law Studies

What the student needs to know

In order to undertake this course the student will require:

• Prior knowledge and understanding commensurate with enrolment criteria
• Access to computer system with internet access and capabilities to download and upload files
• Word processing ability and access to word processing package compatible with college requirements
• Good organisational skills in order to plan studies, manage workload and study time

Unit 1: What is law?

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• ICT methods, tools and strategies
• The use of ICT in higher education
• Reflective writing and the use of this for skills enhancement
• The ePortfolio
• The history of law in the UK
• The UK court structure

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• History of law in the United Kingdom and the relevant legislation that has emerged commensurate with the historical timelines.
• Case study which underpins the historical timeline
• Law enforcement and court structure within the UK.
• Comparison of UK court structure with European court structure.
• Exploration of legal personnel roles and their responsibilities within law enforcement and court structure

Unit 2: Introduction to law practices

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• Basis of contract law
• Basis of property law
• Basis of criminal law
• Basis of consumer law
• Law of torte
• All above relevant to UK law

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Understanding of criminal law within the UK, together with key legislation
• Discussion of law enforcement within the criminal justice system and identification of various sociological contributing factors for considerations such as demography, culture, behaviour, education etc.
• Exploration of the UK property laws including conveyance, land registry, lease and freehold perspectives.
• Interpretations of property law.
• Exploration of consumer rights from various perspectives. Identification of key consumer legislation and how this is interpreted within different context
• Explanation of the Law of Torte and evaluation of it within different contexts

Unit 3: Employment law

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• UK employment law
• Contract of employment
• Discrimination
• European perspectives

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• UK employment law will be explored
• The relationship between the UK legal system and employment law and also compare these structures with European practices
• The contract of employment will be explained in detail and issues of redundancy, working hours, remuneration and discrimination discussed

Unit 4: Health and safety law

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• UK health and safety legislation
• Human resource perspectives
• Consumer perspectives
• European perspectives

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• UK health and safety legislation
• Consumer perspectives; key legislation and responsibilities explained
• Civil liability and vicarious liability
• Human resource
• Training and implementation of protocols and management responsibilities

All four units are presented in learning outcome format, with specified assessment criteria

Online Enrolment