Law

aBeRDeen BUSineSS SChOOL

UndeRgRadUate CoURSe gUIde 2013

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G O L e h t iCe O h C w a L w - La and w - La

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Law What and when: course overview …and course detail

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Law and Management What and when: course overview …and course detail

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How will I be taught?

Key facts What next?

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Choosing a course isn’t straightforward.

There’s lots of detail you need to know. Where will I study?

What topics are covered?

How will I be assessed?

You also want to gain a ‘feel’ for things – directly from some current students and graduates.

In this brochure we’ve combined hard facts about the degree with real views of students and graduates. We have also kept things short and clear, so you don’t get more information than you need.

Our aim is to give you a quick, genuine and useful insight into our courses. If there’s anything more you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Law LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

w a l e e r th s he n i g e : S b e ti i n U t R O P P O

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overview this course combines thorough academic study with the practical aspects of law, providing you with a grounding in the general transferable skills needed for all professional roles.

We have a focused, friendly department, with smaller class sizes than some other institutions, regular class contact and a balance between academic and practical input.

Corrina Mathers Ba (HonS) Law and management

“My experience over the last year within RGU has been brilliant. I have found all teaching staff friendly, helpful and approachable and a credit to RGU. I was a direct entrant (from Aberdeen College) and have been made to feel very welcome by my peers which made the transition easy. Overall I have loved my experience at RGU and would highly recommend both the course and the staff at RGU.”

“There’s a huge range of interesting modules, especially at honours level where you have choice. For example, I’m taking UK Oil and Gas Law this semester – particularly topical as RGU is in Aberdeen.”

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Law LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

PROSPeCtS:

SPeCiaLiSe FOR SUCCeSS

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Career options

Kirsten thomson

a Law degree from RgU opens the door to the legal profession – plus opportunities within the financial sector, civil service, banking, corporate consultancy, global business management, local government, charitable organisations and trade unions, to name just a few.

LLB (HonS)

If you intend to become a solicitor, you can also currently complete the one year Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at RGU. Our previous LLB graduates, many of whom have also taken the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice with us, have an excellent record for securing quality employment in the legal profession, locally and nationally. We expect this trend to continue.

“I am so privileged to be undergoing my legal training with the sole prosecuting authority in Scotland. It will give me a great insight into the criminal prosecution service and if I go into criminal defence it will help me to read the prosecutor’s mind in court!“

“The student-to-lecturer ratio is great. You don’t feel crammed into a tiny dingy lecture hall with no communication with the lecturer. At RGU it’s more interactive, with more possibilities to speak one-on-one and seek clarification.”

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Law LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

what & when: COURSE overview…

CORE AREAS & SKILLS

During this course you will gain a thorough understanding of the Scottish, UK and EU legal systems; explore the concept and reality of human rights and justice; and examine and critically assess diverse and key legal subjects including: >> >> >> >> >>

Criminal Law Constitutional Law Contract Law Commercial Law Family Law

In addition to this legal training, you develop key transferable skills such as communication, planning and organising, team working and problem-solving.

You also acquire specialist skills in legal research, analysis and legal reasoning.

The first three years of the course are designed to provide you with the law subjects required by the Law Society of Scotland for entry into the legal profession.

In year 3 you also have the opportunity to study non law subjects and to choose from a list of honours subjects.

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CHOOSE YOUR SPECIALISMS In year 4 of the course (Honours year – optional) you will choose the subjects that appeal to you. This means you can tailor your subject profile to suit your intended career path, whether in the public or private sector.

The subjects available are diverse and, in some cases, highly vocational, such as Criminal Justice, Oil and Gas Law, Media Law, Information Technology Law, International Human Rights Law and Intellectual Property Law.

TEACHING STYLES

Our teaching methods enable you to develop professional skills such as communication and problem-solving.

This ensures your degree is valuable whatever career you’re considering.

Throughout the course, you’re taught by staff who are experienced in a wide range of legal subjects.

In addition, we ensure you graduate ready for today’s professional world. We value the advice and input of our close contacts in the legal profession, who continuously keep us appraised of the latest professional trends. This in turn informs our curriculum and teaching style.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES In year 3 of the course you have the opportunity to spend a 12 week semester abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe.

During the course you also have the opportunity to take part in an internal mooting competition (mooting involves conducting a mock legal debate) or in an international mooting competition, the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

There are several key advantages to the way we teach this course: >> You’ll have regular class contact both in tutorials (seminars) and lectures >> Our Student Law Society offers events and more liaison with staff >> The strong research culture among departmental staff feeds into their teaching expertise >> You can choose to take part in regular mooting exercises (legal debating), giving you additional practical experience >> We give regular and detailed feedback on your academic performance

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Law LLB (Hons) UCAS M114

…& COURSE detail YEAR 1

Please note that the course structure is reviewed each year and may be subject to change.

Honours Level modules will run subject to student demand and staff availability so may be subject to change.

Semester One >> >> >> >>

Criminal Law Law of Contract Legal Methods Law of Evidence Succession

Semester Two >> >> >> >>

Commercial Law Constitutional Law Human Rights Property Law

If you left now, you’d have…

Certificate of Higher Education Law

YEAR 2 Semester One >> >> >> >>

Delict Family Law Law of Evidence Law of Succession

Direct Entry students >> Criminal Law >> Law of Contract Semester Two >> >> >> >>

Company Law European Union Law Legal Theory Property Rights in Land

Direct Entry Students >> >> >> >>

Commercial Law Constitutional Law Human Rights Property Law

If you left now, you’d have…

Diploma of Higher Education Law

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YEAR 3

Semester One

YEAR 4 Semester One

Semester Two

>> Tax Law

>> Dissertation

>> Dissertation

Choose one from the following:

Plus THREE elective modules from a list currently containing:

Plus THREE elective modules from a list currently containing:

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >>

>>

>> >>

Fundamentals of Employment Law Forensic Practice IT for Managers

Plus two honours level modules (see list in Year 4) Or study abroad at a partner European or US University Semester Two >> Practical Legal skills Choose one from the following: >> Forensic Psychology >> Management Studies for Law >> Managing the Public Sector Plus two honours level modules (see list in Year 4) Or study abroad at a partner European or US University

Child Care Law Comparative Company Law Criminal Justice Criminal Responsibility Employment Law Environmental Law European Union Law International and Comparative Tax Law International Trade Law Judicial Review and Public Administration Legal Issues in Construction Media Law Property Law (Honours) Public International Law Regional Human Rights Systems Roman Law Sports Law Tax Law

Comparative Law Consumer Law and Policy Criminal Law: Specific Crimes Criminology Dispute Resolution Equality Law Evidence: Law and Psychology Information Technology Law Intellectual Property Law International and Comparative Family Law International Private Law Legal History Medical Ethics Medical Law UK Oil and Gas Law

If you left now, you’d have…

LLB (Hons) Law

If you left now, you’d have…

LLB Law

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Law anD ManaGeMent BA (Hons) UCAS M990

PROSPeCtS:

“I was really impressed at the diversity of the course, and the fact it opened the door to a lot of career opportunities in a variety of industries.”

Sarah adams Ba (HonS) Law and management

this course will equip you with a sound grounding in law, as well as key business skills and knowledge.

Career options The course will expose you to a range of career paths and opportunities. For example, it can be a pathway to becoming a Qualified Conveyancer or Executry Practitioner. (You can gain Diplomas in Conveyancing and Executry Services, or Executry Services, as additional qualifications in year 4.)

Other options are with oil companies (locally and overseas), banks and businesses, civil service, corporate consultancy firms and the police.

Placements You will have the opportunity to complete a placement in your third year.

What you do is up to you – and we’ll help you arrange it.

You could concentrate on the legal side of your studies. In the past, students have worked in Sheriff Clerks’ Offices, legal firms, local government and councils plus public and private sector organisations.

Or you can explore the management component in a corporate placement. Many students choose Contracts and Procurement departments, while others work in Finance, HR and Marketing.

Recent placements have included Grampian Police, Scottish Court Service, Aker Kvaerner and Halliburton.

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“Commencing a university course was daunting as I went directly into third year of the BA (Hons) Law and Management after a long gap in studying.

I have enjoyed meeting new people ... some of whom I now consider lifelong friends. I have gained the confidence to work and research independently and also as part of a team, and to present confidently in a room full of people.”

FO CU SO n

U F R U O Y

e R tU 11

Law anD ManaGeMent BA (Hons) UCAS M990

PLaCeMentS:

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R U O Y e S aLi

“ABS allowed me to reach my full potential. The opportunities are endless: I set up and headed a new student Law Society during my time here, and participated in an international Law Moot Court Competition.”

Yul thomson dIReCtoR, metHod InVentoRIeS LImIted

L a i t n POte

“Overall the addition of the students to the business has been very successful, they are intelligent, motivated and have a good attitude to their work.

They have assisted us through a significant growth period in the business and we are delighted that they are both still working for the company a year on.”

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law and management BA (Hons) UCAS M990

what & when: COURSE overview…

KEY AREAS

The high level of flexibility in this course allows you to shape your degree to specialise in the areas you develop an interest in.

As well as studying core law subjects, you will: >> Develop knowledge of the management perspectives and principles that underpin the effective operation of a business >> Gain an understanding of economic principles and concepts >> Learn effective people management practices This course will equip you with a comprehensive set of skills in: >> Communication, including report and essay writing >> Creating professional presentations and information handling >> Research, including critical appraisal and referencing >> Project management >> Time management techniques >> Team working >> Information technology including managing files and using computers for word processing, spreadsheets and databases

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CORE SKILLS/SPECIALISMS In each year of the course you study a range of law and management subjects including Contract Law, Commercial Law and Consumer Law, as well as Economics, Accounting and Management.

In your final year you can specialise further in either law, or management, or a combination – whatever interests you most.

Optional subjects include Family Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law, European Law, Human Resource Management and Management of Change.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

In year 3 you have the opportunity to gain practical experience, equipping you for the working world.

Placements are highly regarded by employers as preparation for employment and are an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and establish links with potential employers.

You have the option to undertake a placement with a small, medium-sized or multinational organisation situated locally, nationally or internationally.

The placement helps you to acquire skills and knowledge that can otherwise be difďŹ cult to gain in an academic setting.

This is one of the reasons why we assess your progress and contribution during your placement as part of your degree award.

TEACHING STYLE There are several key advantages to the way we teach this course: >> Our small class sizes allow for more intensive, individual support and enable you to explore ideas and solutions >> You’ll have regular class contact both in tutorials (seminars) and lectures >> Our Student Law Society offers events and further liaison with staff >> The strong research culture among departmental staff feeds into their teaching expertise

ADDING LLB (HONS) LAW

It is possible to add LLB (Hons) Law to this degree. If you enter the degree in year 1, and successfully complete the first three years to graduate with a BA in Law and Management, you can then apply to enter year 3 of the LLB (Hons) course.

Degree Link students who enter the degree in year 2 or 3, and successfully graduate with a BA in Law and Management on completing year 3 can then apply to enter year 1 or 2 of the LLB (Hons) course.

>> You can choose to take part in regular mooting exercises (legal debating), giving you additional practical experience >> We give regular and detailed feedback on your academic performance

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law and management BA (Hons) UCAS M990

YEAR 1 Semester One >> >> >> >>

Business Ethics Legal Methods Legal Systems Management Concepts

Semester Two >> >> >> >>

Constitutional Law Introductory Economics People Management Property Law

If you left now, you’d have…

Certificate of Higher Education Law and Management

…& COURSE detail YEAR 2

Semester One >> Criminal Law >> Globalisation >> Law of Contract Plus ONE option from: >> European Union >> Organisational Behaviour >> The Financial Environment Semester Two >> Commercial Law >> Company Law >> Human Rights Plus ONE option from: >> Business Economics >> Governing the UK >> Marketing If you left now, you’d have…

Diploma of Higher Education Law and Management

YEAR 3 Taught Route Only Semester One >> Delict >> Fundamentals of Employment Law Plus TWO options from: >> Ethics and the Consumer >> Family Law >> Organisational Marketing Or study abroad at a partner European or US University Semester Two >>

>> >>

Business Start Up (may be dropped if placement is secured) Management Studies for Law Property Rights in Land

Plus ONE option from: >> Legal Theory* >> Practical Legal Skills If you left now, you’d have…

BA Law and Management

Please note that the course structure is reviewed each year and may be subject to change.

Honours Level modules will run subject to student demand.

* In Year 3, students must choose Legal Theory if they wish to transfer into the LLB. Students progressing to honours must choose Practical Legal Skills.

Direct Entry Route Semester One >> Delict >> Legal Methods

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YEAR 4 Placement Route Semester One >> Delict >> Fundamentals of Employment Law Plus TWO options from: >> Ethics and the Consumer >> Family Law >> Organisational Marketing Or study abroad at a partner European or US University Semester Two >>

>> >> >>

Business Start Up (may be dropped if placement is secured) Management Studies for Law Placement Property Rights in Land

Plus ONE option from: >> Legal Theory* >> Practical Legal Skills If you left now, you’d have…

BA Law and Management

Plus TWO options from: >> Ethics and the Consumer >> Family Law >> Organisational Marketing Or study abroad at a partner European or US University

Semester One

Semester Two

>> Dissertation

>> Dissertation

Plus THREE elective modules from a list currently containing:

Plus THREE elective modules from a list currently containing:

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>>

>> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

>> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Child Care Law Comparative Company Law Criminal Justice Criminal Responsibility Employment Law Environmental Law European Union Law International and Comparative Tax Law International Human Resource Management International Organisations International Trade Law Judicial Review and Public Administration Legal Issues in Construction Media Law Property Law (Honours) Public International Law Regional Human Rights Systems Roman Law Sports Law Tax Law The Business of Economics

Semester Two >>

>> >> >>

Business Start Up (may be dropped if placement is secured) Management Studies for Law Placement Property Rights in Land

Comparative Law Consumer Law and Policy Corporate Ethics Criminal Law: Specific Crimes Criminology Dispute Resolution Employee Relations and Reward Entrepreneurial Studies Equality Law Information Technology Law Intellectual Property Law International and Comparative Family Law International Private Law Labour Market Economics Legal History Medical Ethics Medical Law Strategic Marketing Management UK Oil and Gas Law

If you left now, you’d have…

BA (Hons) Law and Management

Plus ONE option from: >> Legal Theory* >> Practical Legal Skills If you left now, you’d have…

BA Law and Management

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SPReaD YOUR winGS enJOY new hORiZOnS

BYe, aU RevOiR, CiaO anD See YOU SOOn

what could possibly be better than studying at Robert gordon University? good question!

How about studying here – but also getting a chance to spend some time studying abroad!

Going abroad to study or work could be one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of your course. The experience, new friends, a different country, climate, culture and language: these, and many other factors, make it an unforgettable time – wherever you go!

Well that’s entirely possible.

Most undergraduate programmes at Aberdeen Business School include the opportunity for a period of study abroad with one of our carefully chosen international partners – both in Europe and beyond.

Our Study Abroad programmes offer additional educational and cultural experiences – but all as part of your accredited qualification with RGU. Many employers like to have graduates with some international experience, so it’s your chance to enhance your CV and widen your employment opportunities.

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And where you go – will depend on the course you study. Each participating course has its own partner institutions in different countries. Most of the courses have more than one partner institution, so you can choose which institution or country is most suitable for you.

So if we say that you might need a phrase book and sunglasses when you come to Aberdeen, we are being serious!

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Go N

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H, B

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thinGS aRe LOOKinG UP, UP nORth

Scotland at its best. aye, that’s right!

A great Scottish location and brilliant career opportunities; Robert Gordon University gives you lots to smile about...

Aberdeen is pretty unique in the UK with its cosmopolitan culture, rich heritage and fantastic scenery. It’s got everything you’d expect from a major city – pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and art galleries – but there’s lots more than that!

Consistently named “best modern university in the UK” by leading University Guides and “top in the UK for graduate employment” (HESA, 2012), Robert Gordon University is the ideal place to start your career.

What’s more, Aberdeen was recently named the “sunniest city in Scotland” (Bank of Scotland Quality of Life League, 2011). So it’s time to get yourself up north, where things will be good for you too!

Like the miles of beach boulevard – loved by skaters and surfers – and the wild mountains right on the doorstep: Aberdeen is home to three superb ski and snowboarding slopes, plus some of the best hillwalking in Scotland and loads of great places for canoeing, kayaking and sailing!

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? t h g u a t e ow will i b

h Through varied class sizes, diverse lecturing styles and a range of assessment techniques.

These degrees are all taught in two semesters. Each semester has a block of 12 weeks of teaching.

In the classroom

Assessment

You’ll take four modules per semester. Each module involves around 2–3 hours of class teaching per week. While this differs from module to module, most have:

We use a mixture of assessments.

> Two hours of lectures delivered to the whole class > A further one hour tutorial taught to a small group of about 20 students Outside the classroom In addition to lectures and tutorials, you‘ll have to spend approximately 20 hours a week outside class time working on your own. For example doing the prescribed reading, preparing answers to the tutorial assignments, or researching and writing up coursework.

Most modules are assessed by a two hour exam at the end of the semester, and by coursework submitted during the semester.

Staff experience Some of our teaching staff have professional legal experience.

Similarly those on the Law and Management course have professional legal and management experience. This means that subjects are taught with a highly practical edge.

In addition, almost all law staff teach subjects in which they’re engaged in research activity (such as writing books, academic journal papers, delivering conference papers) – meaning you learn from experts.

Enterprise Skills: The Charles P Skene Enterprise Programme Enterprise skills are critical in every 21st century career; they not only boost your employability, but can also be the key to survival when selfemployed. Which is why, at RGU, we now offer all our students real-life experience and tuition in entrepreneurial skills.

The Enterprise Programme introduces all students to enterprise skills through a series of lectures, workshops and master-classes. In addition, it provides access to many other exciting activities including a unique business incubator designed to help students transform embryonic ideas into fully fledged business opportunities.

To find out more visit www.rgu.ac.uk/business-incubator

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KeY FaCtS Law

Law anD ManaGeMent

Alternative qualifications

Alternative qualifications

Equivalent overseas qualifications and some access programmes will be considered.

Equivalent overseas qualifications and some access programmes will be considered.

Study options

Degree Link Programme

Full-time: 4 years

Entry to year 3 of the course may be possible if you have completed an HND in Legal Services or an equivalent HND programme from another FE College.

Part-time: 8 years Full-time: 2 years for holders of a BA Law and Management from ABS Professional accreditation The courses are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, a key factor for those seeking to enter the legal profession in Scotland. They are also recognised by the Faculty of Advocates.

Study options Full-time: 4 years Part-time: 8 years Placement An optional placement in year 3.

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what neXt? The next thing to do is talk to us.

We can answer any questions you may have. Simply call us on 01224 262728 or email UGOďŹƒce@rgu.ac.uk We also provide a range of opportunities for you to visit us – so you can see what we can offer you first hand.

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This course guide is intended as a guide for applicants for courses delivered by Robert Gordon University.

In compiling it the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible, and the information in this course guide is correct at the time of going to print, but the course guide must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The University undertakes to make every reasonable effort to provide the teaching and academic facilities necessary for applicants’ programmes of study. However the University reserves the right, if such action is considered to be necessary, to make variations to fees and/or to vary the content or delivery method of any course at any time. In addition, the University may, at its sole discretion, discontinue or amalgamate any course(s). In these rare cases the University will notify applicants as soon as possible and reasonable steps will be taken to provide a suitable alternative to a discontinued course.

Open Day

Applicants’ Day

We organise two annual open days in October and November each year. It’s a perfect opportunity to visit us, meet the academic staff, experience the first-class facilities and talk to current students.

When you apply for any course at ABS, you’ll be invited to one of our course-specific Applicants’ Days.

For full details of dates and times, and to see a full programme please see www.rgu.ac.uk/openday. open days 3 October 2012 3 November 2012 applicants’ days 2 March 2013 20 March 2013

We realise there’s a lot involved in making your final choice, so we hope to give you all the insight and information you need.

For full details of dates and times, and to see a full programme please see www.rgu.ac.uk/ absapplicantsday.

Visit Afternoons We hold monthly Visit Afternoons.

The visit includes a talk by an Education Liaison Officer, a tour of the facilities and a chance to speak to a lecturer about the course you’re interested in.

Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University Garthdee Road Aberdeen AB10 7QE Talk to us.

We can answer any questions or queries you may have.

Simply call us on 01224 262728, email UGOffice@rgu.ac.uk or visit us at rgu.ac.uk Laura Sharp Course Leader, Law Email: l.a.sharp@rgu.ac.uk Tel: 01224 263414

Lisa Gibbons-Wood Course Leader, Law and Management Email: l.gibbons-wood@rgu.ac.uk Tel: 01224 263427

www.facebook.com/AberdeenBSchool

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www.rgu.ac.uk/undergraduatelaw

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