International Foundation Programme – Law Online

Semester 1

English Language and Study Skills

This module teaches the academic skills needed for law students in their university studies; academic writing for assignments, oral presentation skills for speaking, reading general, academic, and legal texts, and listening skills for comprehension and effective participation in seminars. It will introduce you to these foundation skills needed by students of law and legal professionals and introduce you to Legal English and teach you how to use the OSCOLA referencing system, as used in law studies and publications.

Practical Numeracy Skills

This module aims to increase your confidence with applying mathematical and statistical concepts to practical business and law contexts. You will learn about equations, algebra, probability to use basic data and statistics in your subject areas. Students are also expected to reflect on key issues surrounding numeracy and will be required to deliver a short presentation demonstrating how a given mathematical concept is applied to a real-life situation. Topics in this course will helps students build a solid mathematical foundation to support their academic journey as well as their future career.

Introduction to Legal Concepts and Skills

This module introduces you to the meaning of law, its purpose and the philosophies and theories that inform its practice. This will enable you to understand the place of law in society. You will consider different sources of the law of England and Wales, European Union Law, and international law, developing your understanding of how laws are made in the UK. To put theory into practice, you will compare the practices and roles of institutions in English and international legal systems and learn more about how human rights law is applied in practice by exploring how the UK Supreme Court operates.

Semester 2

English Language 2

Following on from ELSS Module 1, this module teaches those critical thinking and writing skills needed by students of law and legal practitioners. It aims to increase your confidence in using the academic and professional Englis skills practiced in Module 1 and to help you prepare for university and professional life. It will include reading complex texts and acquiring more advanced vocabulary, and writing longer essays informed by reliable sources. You will listen to lecturers, online talks and podcasts, and you will develop your seminar skills, debating skills and discussion techniques. Overall, you will learn to build more sophisticated arguments, both verbally and in writing.

Legal Concepts 2

This module examines the important role of case law in England and Wales and the circumstances in which individual judgements may become binding legal precedents. You will explore the court system of England and Wales and consider the themes that underpin its operation, including the role places by the doctrine of precedent, the difference between civil and criminal courts and the role of alternative dispute resolution. It introduces you to the roles played by legal institutions and legal professionals, providing an opportunity to look at the ways in which market forces have influenced the legal system over the years.

Research Project

This module is premeditated to assist students in their academic disciplines and to strengthen their confidence in key skills areas (academic writing, research, integrity, and reflective practices). This module is part-taught and part self-directed. The taught components of the module will help students to become effective undergraduate researchers, focusing on skills such as data collection and analysis, drafting/ editing and structuring a report. Whereas self-directed elements of the module will give the opportunity to students to plan and write an authentic research report in their discipline area and present findings via an oral presentation.