Law of Contract introduces principles that regulate legally binding agreements. The module examines when the law recognises agreements as binding and how such agreements are formed. You will look at the means and pretexts by which contracting parties may seek to escape from the obligations they have undertaken and different remedies that the law makes available when such obligations are breached.

Law of Torts introduces you to the law of civil liabilities, examining the objectives of the system as well as the main areas such as negligence, trespass, occupiers’ and employers’ liability, vicarious liability, defamation and privacy. The subject is largely based on case law.

Lawyers’ Skills lays the foundations for the development of a number of skills and competences related to working in the legal professions. The module introduces you to a number of aspects of the practical curriculum delivered on a Legal Practice Course and a Bar Professional Training Course.

Introduction to Political Concepts and Theory explores the foundations of political analysis and the concepts, approaches and methods through which we understand the subject. The module will critically examine the core ideas central to the study of politics.

Introduction to Political Systems and Institutions immerses you in political institutions and systems, focusing mainly on the UK but also using examples from the US. The module is designed to give you an introduction to, and understanding of, how politics works in practice in terms of institutions, systems, personnel and campaigns.  Focusing mainly on the UK, teaching will also draw on some examples from the US.

Legal Methods and Systems examines the sources of English law, and explains the processes and the role and functions of the institutions and personnel involved in the English legal system. The module provides a foundation of legal knowledge, and introduces you to legal reasoning, legal analysis and legal study skills which you can apply in your subsequent legal study.

TLC1010 Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated element of your degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Comparative European Politics examines the government and politics of France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland on a comparative basis. The module will explore in a systematic manner through the application of a number of theoretical models the nature of the systems of government and politics in the three states.

Criminal Law explores the substantive criminal law in England and Wales. The module combines the basic notions and framework of criminal liability with a detailed consideration of a range of specific criminal offences.

Land Law will provide you with an understanding of the key principles of property law which underpin the day-to-day management and control of land ownership, use and transaction, and enable you to place those dealings within the social context.

Public Law 1 introduces you to the fundamental constitutional principles of public law and demonstrates how these principles are realised in the UK and how an evaluation may be made of the UK’s adherence to these principles. The module also examines some of the unique or unusual characteristics of the UK constitution.

Public Law 2 introduces you to administrative law as it operates in the UK. It examines the operation of judicial review and the ways in which judicial review attempts to realise and comply with the principles of the rule of law and separation of powers. The module also examines the rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights and how these rights are given effect in the UK via the Human Rights Act 1998.

Public Law in Practice equips you with a good understanding of the process involved in bringing a claim for judicial review. Judicial review is a way of challenging how an organisation carries out a public function. It is a specialised type of legal proceeding. Unlike private law which involves a dispute over a person’s rights and obligations, judicial review has a wider public importance because it is about ensuring the state does not exceed the powers given to it by law. This difference means that special rules apply to judicial review. The court’s role is to look at whether a decision was lawfully available to the body which made it.  Exploring the three stages of judicial review, from pre-action protocol to the permission and substantive stages, this module will enable you to develop the skills of locating learning resources and engaging in case and statute analysis, legal reasoning, criticism, and oral presentation and argument.

Broken Britain explores issues around class, culture and conflict in contemporary British society. You will examine a variety of sociological perspectives and case-studies to engage critically with questions such as whether British society is ‘broken’ or if the claim is a case of ‘moral panic’? If it is broken, why? Who broke it? What role has globalisation played? Is modernity itself broken? Can society be mended? What is the ‘Big Society’? What is the Good Society? Case studies may include ‘affluenza’ and consumption, family breakdown and the ‘parenting deficit’, the ‘underclass’ debate, the hollowing out of representative democracy, and the rise of ‘radicalisation’ and ‘violent extremism’.

Contemporary US Politics looks at politics in the US today and in the recent past.  It focuses on major trends and key developments while exploring in some detail the key institutions relevant to US politics. Focusing on the US politics from the Reagan presidency onwards, the aim is to equip you with an understanding of one of the major ‘theatres of politics’. You will explore key aspects of recent presidencies, the development of the role of Vice President, the US candidate selection system, the funding of political campaigns, the operation of Congress and State Houses, legislative processes, trends in party management and development, as well as any emerging news stories.

Elections and Voting Systems looks at elections and voting systems across a range of countries. Anyone wanting to work in a political environment needs an understanding of how elections work and the significance of any changes.  It was, for example, a system change in the Labour Party, as part of the Collins Review in 2014, that made it possible for Jeremy Corbyn to be elected. The module analyses the importance of each system and focuses on the many pressures for change in terms of who votes and when.  The countries will be chosen in a way which provides a good range of systems and makes use of current events.

Policy Making considers the complexities of making policy in the modern public sector. Public policy makers do not operate in a vacuum and their policy-making autonomy is bounded by a number of considerations including knowledge, law, power, resources and public opinion. The module seeks to demystify policy-making by systematically introducing you to the key policy-making stages, theories, methods and key debates, locating them in practical real-world contexts. Policy is of course often justified by reference to research. The module will therefore also focus on key research methods, enabling you to understand the research needs of policy makers as well as to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to conduct some of your own research.

Political Ideologies explores the principle ideas, significance and impact of the major political ideologies in contemporary political life. The module first considers the nature of political ideology and then proceeds to examine and critique each system of ideas and consider the context that shaped their birth, development and evolution. You will also examine the ways in which political ideologies influence or determine political choices in contemporary societies.

Preparing for Work in Politics looks at the various activities which make up the world of work (both paid and unpaid) in politics.  It will enable you to begin thinking about your potential place in this vast area.  Focus will be placed on current examples of particular pieces of political work, for example party management, internal reform, selection campaigns, conference organisation, and motion and policy writing. You will also examine a variety of roles, from elected representatives to MPs’ assistants, think tank researchers, civil service staff, political bloggers, party activists and campaigners. The aim is to help you better understand a variety of areas of politics and identify those in which you have an interest and may wish to explore further.

The Politics of Migration acknowledges that migration is one of the key paradigms of the 21st century. To understand many of the trends and events in the world today, it is necessary to understand what migration is, how it is represented and ‘managed’, and how it is experienced, whether directly or indirectly. The module will introduce you to a range of theoretical traditions of migration, as well as a variety of case studies from both the UK and overseas, to enable you to understand and analyse a phenomenon that is highly relevant in contemporary politics.

TLC2000 Language 2 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC1010 Language 1. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

Equity and Trusts examines the fundamental principles of the law relating to trusts and equitable ownership of property. It also considers the role and responsibilities of trustees and other fiduciaries.

European Union Constitutional Law examines the Constitutional Law of the European Union and the nature of the relationship with national legal orders. The module explores the nature and effects of the legal relationship and examines in particular the doctrines, principles, legal instruments, competences, institutions and rights recognised and conferred by EU Law and the law making process in the European Union.

European Union Substantive Law examines some of the core areas of the substantive law of the European Union. The module focuses on the law relating to the four freedoms and competition law in the context of the regulatory development of the EU Internal Market.

Strategic Political Communications looks in depth at political communication and how it is used by various players in the political arena. It is impossible to understand modern day politics without understanding how politicians and campaign groups communicate.  This module builds on your understanding of political systems and practices and analyses pieces of communication in a critical way.

Alternative Dispute Resolution recognises the importance of an understanding of the legal principles, processes and procedures of alternative dispute resolution. This module will consider arbitration, mediation and negotiation as alternative methods of dispute resolution. It will provide an understanding of the law and practice of arbitration in England and Wales generally. It will also explain the fundamental principles of arbitration, mediation and negotiation, consider the Arbitration Act 1996 and contemplate the role of the courts in the arbitral process  A case study of an arbitration process will be included.

Company Law concentrates on the key features of the company as a legal institution and covers a selection of topics addressing some of the main policy issues relating to companies and business activity.

Counter Terrorism examines key legislation, terminology and concepts around counter terrorism, from radicalisation and extremism to home grown terrorism, interventions, and the Government’s Prevent and CONTEST strategies. The module will assess the organisational structures and inter relationships that exist within counter terrorism policing such as the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Branch. You will also consider the links between counter terrorism and other forms of criminality and the importance of information and intelligence within this evolving area of policing.

Criminal Law in Practice equips you with a good understanding of the vital service provided by duty solicitors. The Criminal Justice system in the UK controls the behaviour of citizens and helps citizens understand the effects of their actions through punishment and rehabilitation of those who violate the laws. This area of law is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Rules and legislation including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. PACE regulates the power of police and sets out rules regarding the detention and interrogation of suspects. The role of a criminal defence duty solicitor is to help suspects when detained at the police station. The duty solicitor is an advocate who ensures that the offender’s legal rights are observed and that proper legal advice is given. The duty solicitor explains what is likely to happen in the case, discuss the evidence that the police have, the strengths of the evidence and whether the evidence is strong enough for the suspect to be charged. The duty solicitor advises the suspect at the police interview and provides the suspect with legal advice. This module will guide you in how to conduct interviews and to request disclosure from police. You will also learn PACE rules that regulate police interviews and applications for bail, as well as about criminal procedure rules.

Digital Policing and Cybercrime equips you with an understanding of the complexities of digital policing and digitally facilitated crimes. You will be introduced to key terminology associated with digital technology and gain an insight into how technology can be used in everyday policing and criminal investigations. Legislation and regulations relevant to the use of technology within digital policing and digitally facilitated crimes will be examined and applied to offences such as hate crime, sexting, revenge porn, bullying, harassment, child grooming and fraud. The module also explores how digitally facilitated crimes are reported to the police and assesses the impact that these crimes have on individuals and their families. You will investigate how criminals engage in complex digital crimes such as hacking, malware attacks, denial of service and data manipulation and consider the impact this can have on individuals and businesses.

Dissertation is designed to allow you to carry out a substantial piece of self-directed legal research. The topic of your research may draw on the practical experience of the law gained in an appropriate work placement.

Employment Law deals with an important business resource, namely its employees and one of the most important forms of exchange between business and clients, namely contracts for the sale and exchange of goods.

Family Law examines the main areas of substantive law and social policy pertaining to the family. The focus is on the ‘family’ and the rights and obligations of the adults within it.

Human Rights introduces you to the assessment of the nature of human rights claims and their translation into law and legal institutions. It charts the emergence of human rights arguments through legal, social and political theory, and examines how these discourses have informed the creation of national and international law.

International Business Law examines some of the legal aspects governing the organisation and regulation of private international business, especially multi-national corporations.

International Criminal Law analyses the key principles of international criminal law. It examines legislation and prosecution of international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.

International Peace and Security examines the international legal aspects of the international community’s efforts to maintain international peace and security. The module explores the ‘law before war’ known as jus ad bellum, including the prohibition of force, the principle of non-intervention, and the powers and role of the relevant United Nations organs in settling or responding to international disputes and situations. It will also give you an insight into rights of states in self-defence, and the international community’s roles and responsibilities in responding to mass atrocity crimes under the ‘Responsibility to Protect’.

Intellectual Property Law critically examines the key principles of intellectual property (IP) law, the nature and scope of IP rights, procedures, national, regional and international, for the granting and recognition of the rights, mechanisms for enforcement, as well as defences against the enforcement.

International Sports Law examines the complex pattern of international regulatory frameworks affecting sport. It explores the role of sport in society and assesses the claims that sport should be self-regulating.

Law Clinic Experience Module provides you with the opportunity to further develop and apply a number of the practical aspects of being employed in the legal professions.

Law of Evidence examines the procedural framework which regulates the conduct of the adversarial trial. The main focus are the main rules of evidence which govern the conduct of a criminal trial and the extent to which the rules are an expression of the relationship between the interests of the state and the rights of the individual within the criminal justice system.

Media Law examines current laws governing libel, social media, privacy, malicious communications and contempt of court. It explores these rules within the context of areas such as press regulation, the regulation of the internet and the regulation of media broadcasting.

Mediation introduces you to the skills of a mediator and the principles of conflict resolution. The civil justice system in England and Wales provides a forum for resolving civil disputes, however this is adversarial, promotes a ‘winner takes all’ philosophy, and can be costly and time consuming. Increasingly, alternative dispute resolution methods, of which mediation is one, are being used to resolve disputes instead of court proceedings.  The Civil Justice Council in its report of June 2021 recommended the introduction of compulsory mediation for civil disputes before a dispute is brought to court. Legal and judicial initiatives point to an increased use of mediation as part of the civil justice process in the future. This module will introduce you to the skills of a mediator and the principles of conflict resolution. It will provide you with an understanding of the role and practice of a mediator and the service that the mediator provides to parties who are in dispute. It will guide you through the process of preparation for a mediation, introduce the communication skills required to facilitate a negotiation between the parties, guide you in how to manage a mediation process, and provide an understanding of a mediator’s ethical obligations and practice.

Property Law in Practice introduces you to conveyancing, the process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. Conveyancing is a generic term that describes property transactions whether they are in respect of residential or commercial property. The basic rules and principles of conveyancing apply regardless of the nature of the property. This module will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge of the rules and principles required to complete a residential property transaction. You will develop this knowledge so that you will be able to provide advice and assistance to a client in relation to each of the critical stages of a property transaction.

Public International Law examines the law governing relations between states. It is concerned with questions such as the settlement of disputes, title to territory, diplomatic relations, human rights, the law of the sea, legal restraints on the use of force, and the law governing international commercial/trade agreements.

Refugee Law analyses the legal obligations nation states owe to refugees and migrants. It examines the pertinent International and European Union legislation with attention to both the legal norms and the actual practice.

Sports Law examines the claims that the volume of sports related case law and statute combined with the development of discrete legal doctrines unique to sport has contributed to the emergence of a new legal area – sports law.

Tax Law provides you with a solid grounding in the law and principles relating to taxation, including the taxation of business. It provides you with a general understanding of the operation of the tax system, to enable you to analyse accurately the tax consequences of a given set of facts, and to make critical assessments of the law covered in the module.

A Is For Activism equips you with knowledge of global politics and in particular the role that mediated activism has to play in it. After defining activism and exploring both public and digital public spheres, the module will critically evaluate the successes and failures of new, online forms of activism and assess their role in transforming political structures and systems. You will discover how to communicate information and concepts effectively, develop reasoned and informed critiques, and source and explain arguments emanating from primary and secondary sources.

Advanced Parliamentary Studies equips you with a thorough and deep understanding of the workings of the UK Parliament and Parliamentary systems. The module explores the history, culture and potential future of Parliament, examines aspects of Parliamentary process in-depth, and considers related issues such as regulation and ethics. You will have the opportunity to interact with practitioners from the workforce in the Houses of Parliament.

Politics Work Placement gives you the opportunity to identify, apply for and take part in a work placement in a political or politically related field.  The process is supported by politics tutors and a dedicated work placement team. You will also attend preparation and reflection sessions which will focus on themes such as job searches, time management and workplace disciplines, and the specific needs of particular employers.

The Think Tank looks at the role that think tanks play in politics and influencing policy-making and change. The tasks carried out by think tanks are relevant across a wide range of political, media and other practice. This module provides you with an in-depth understanding of the work of think tanks, as well as practical experience in carrying out that work and producing a product. You will take a policy area, research it in depth, produce policy ideas, identify outlets for pursing those ideas, and produce a product online.

TLC3000 Language 3 further enhances your language skills in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish and introduces you to a new culture and way of life. It is suitable if you have studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC2000 Language 2. You will develop language skills to a level of proficiency that will enable you to spend time living or working abroad. Classes will be conducted as much as possible in the target language. They will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

LAW3222 Criminal Law in Practice (20 credits), LAW3221 International Peace and Security (20 credits), LAW3057 Property Law in Practice (20 credits) and LAW3058 Mediation (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3.

LAW3032 Child Law (20 credits), LAW3034 Consumer Law (20 credits) and LAW3043 Jurisprudence (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3.

LAW2008 Public Law 2 (20 credits) changes from compulsory to optional in Year 2. LAW2028 Public Law in Practice (20 credits), POL2003 Political Ideologies (20 credits), POL2006 Elections and Voting Systems (20 credits) and POL2007 Preparing for Work in Politics (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2. HIS2030 Identity and Diversity: Contemporary France from 1968 to the Present (20 credits), MED2080 Psychology of Persuasion (20 credits) and MED2289 Crisis Management (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 2.

PLN3003 Digital Policing and Cybercrime (20 credits), PLN3006 Counter Terrorism (20 credits), POL3004 Politics Work Placement (20 credits) and POL3007 A is for Activism (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3. HIS3021 Black Life and Black Protest in the United States since 1945 (20 credits), HIS3036 The Special Relationship: Britain and the USA (20 credits), POL3003 Working in Politics (20 credits), SPY3110 Critical Terrorism Studies (20 credits) and SPY3111 Social, Cultural and Political Ideas (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3.