To provide an introduction to the functions of the law of torts within the legal system;
To provide a structured outline of a range of actionable torts, and commentary on contentious issues and recent developments therein;
To consider how the legal principles can be applied to a variety of hypothetical facts.

(LO1) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of the law of tort.

(LO2) Demonstrate basic understanding of the social and economic context in which the law of tort functions, its aims and objectives and its underlying policy issues.

(LO3) Identify and correctly apply the law to a set of hypothetical facts.

(LO4) Adopt a critical perspective to existing legal rules and identify constructive suggestions for reform.

(LO5) Undertake independent research, with appropriate guidance.

(LO6) Construct coherent legal arguments, orally and in writing.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

The module syllabus will include a selection of the following topics:
• Negligence (Semester 1)
o Duty of care
o Breach of duty
o Causation in fact and law
o Defences
o Damages and death
• Discrete torts (Semester 2)
o Occupiers’ liability
o Nuisance (public and private) and the rule in Rylands v Fletcher
o Trespass to the person
o Vicarious liability
o Liability for defective products
o Defamation (libel and slander)

Learning and teaching on this module will be structured in accordance with the principles of Hybrid Active Learning with asynchronous materials and synchronous seminar sessions. Asynchronous recordings provide material previously addressed in physical lectures, suitably broken down (‘chunking’) and augmented (e.g. quizzes; blogs etc) so as to enhance student engagement. Synchronous sessions will run on a fortnightly pattern across the semesters (i.e. 12 in total) and will each have a duration of 2 hours.

In Line with L5 Delivery the module will be by way of Hybrid Active Learning - a combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions for all UG modules.

The module’s general pattern will be:

• Students engage with set reading, diverse online materials and recorded materials.
• Students will attend 2-hour seminars which focus learning on core areas of tort ultimately designed to support attainment in all assessments. < br/>• Students will engage with a variety of online learning materials including videos, reading materials, weekly MCQ’s and discussion boards linking to core areas of Tort to help develop and test their understanding.
• Students will have one opportunity per semester to attend Teams/Zoom Q&A sessions with tort experts to help in understanding/learning of tort .
• Students will have x2 Formative Moc Assessments (one per term) which will be supported by recorded support sessions for feedback and development.
• All Canvas materials designed to allow for student lead learning by way of pre-requisite release. The aim of which is to foster/embed a student journey which is as supportive as the students are engaged. All materials are designed to be link released requiring the student to follow a purposely designed building of materials and support tailored to each area of study.
• Further additions of purely formative weekly MCQ’s also designed to support for more personalised development opportunities by way of MCQ signposting of development materials based on students scores therein. Students will be informed in intro recording and in handbook of their nature and use in their learning and clarity on how best to benefit from them.