This module aims to:

Give students the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and consider critically, the emerging decisions and processes necessary to effect the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

Give students an opportunity to further develop and refine their skills of critical reasoning, project and time management, and legal writing.

Provide a flexible, engaging environment in which students can develop their own research into Brexit.

(LO1) At the end of the module, you will be able to conduct research into complex concepts at the intersection of Public Law and European Law.

(LO2) At the end of the module, you will be able to review and abstract relevant materials in carrying out research on a set topic

(LO3) At the end of the module, you will be able to make reasoned and evidence-based judgements in a complex and uncertain area of law

(LO4) At the end of the module, you will be able to describe, and critically analyse, some of the challenges posed by the UK leaving the EU

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

Indicative syllabus is as follows:

A) Introduction

Background to the 2016 UK Referendum and 2017 Notification of Withdrawal
Overview of key issues arising from UK withdrawal from the EU

B) Relations between the UK and the EU

The Legal Framework for Withdrawal under Article 50 TEU
The Post-Withdrawal Transitional Regime
Separation Issues – with a focus, e.g. on Citizens Rights; the Irish border; Governance
Future Relations between the UK and the EU

C) The UK Out with the EU: The Impact of Withdrawal upon the UK Legal Order

Short Term Preparations for Withdrawal: the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and associated legislation
Longer Term Implications of Withdrawal: “De-Europeanising” the UK Legal System
The Constitutional Legacy of Withdrawal?

D) The EU Without the UK: The Impact of Withdrawal upon the EU Legal Order

UK Withdrawal in the Wider Context of EU Reform
The Future Relevance of the UK’s February 2016 Deal?
The Impact of UK Departure upon EU Institutions and Policies?

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures will explore the key issues and signpost your independent research around the area.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Teaching Method 2 - Drop In Workshops
Description: Workshops will offer a space to engage critically, in a large group setting, the developing legal response to the UK's withdrawal from the EU. The workshops will run on a fortnightly basis from week 2 and will be shaped partly around set reading and partly around students' independent research.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: There will be five workshops each of 60 minutes duration.