Foundation Degree in Law
All applications must be made through www.ucas.com
The Foundation Degree in Law is a 2 year full time programme delivered two full days per week with an emphasis on flexibility in order to meet the employment needs of students. The programme offers students the opportunity to specialise in a field related to their work or interest and provides for a number of progression opportunities. The Foundation Degree has been designed with accessibility in mind. The programme is open to applicants UCAS points or applicants with limited academic experience but who have engaged with relevant work experience. The programme will also suit applicants seeking to obtain a qualification to assist in their current employment.
Where will I study?
The Foundation Degree in Law is delivered at Hartlepool Sixth Form College Campus on behalf of the University of Sunderland. The law department within the college is recognised as a Grade 1 department with a record of producing outstanding student results. Indeed in 2007/08 the A level Law results were amongst the top 10% in the country. Students will also have access to library facilities at the University of Sunderland and will have numerous additional learning opportunities with the emphasis on employer engagement throughout the programme.
Why choose a Foundation Degree in Law?
The features of a foundation degree operate to provide a distinctive higher education qualification which is both academically rigorous and employment related. Such a degree integrates academic and work related learning and as such, is particularly attractive to employers. The Foundation Degree in Law integrates features such as employer involvement; work related learning, accessibility, flexibility, and articulation and progression opportunities. Students who complete the programme will not only have a Foundation Degree in Law, but they will have the following additional opportunities:
* Students who successfully pass the first year of the foundation will automatically qualify for exemptions for ILEX level 3 and in the second year will be eligible to sit the ILEX level 6 examinations (Institute for Legal Executives) with no further study. This is a particularly attractive vocational qualification for future employment.
* Students can ‘top up’ their Foundation Degree by gaining direct entry onto level 2 of the LL.B at Sunderland University
* OR Students can ‘top up’ their Foundation Degree by gaining direct entry onto level 3 of BA Business Law Programme*
Course Structure
Level One
* Legal Institutions and Method
An understanding of the English Legal System in relation to its procedures and practices is an essential requirement for all students undertaking a study of English Law. It provides an understanding of the framework in which all other aspects of substantive law operates.
* Contract Law
The law of contract is part of the foundation of legal knowledge. All law students need a sound knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the law of contract. It also provides a basis for understanding other areas of law, for example employment law and the law relating to the sale of goods.
* Practical Legal Skills
Within this module, students will be introduced to client care skills and legal research skills. Students will understand the professional requirements of a client care interview and the relevant professional requirements of client care communications.
* Criminal and Civil Litigation in Practice
Students will appreciate the difference between civil and criminal litigation as well as an understanding and knowledge of the legal advice standards in relations to criminal law advice and casework and personal injury legal advice.
* Law in Practice
This module provides students with practical legal skills and mirrors application in a work environment. The duty of care principle will be considered along with how to establish a breach of that duty and locate the consequential damage. In addition to this, the module introduces students to land law transactions and to wills and succession and the rules of intestacy.
Level Two
* Constitutional and Administrative Law
This module covers the requirements of public law as a foundation subject for the purposes of satisfying that part of the academic stage of training for the profession. It is not only essential for the profession it is regarded as essential to any law degree. Students will look at the social cultural and political influences which have affected the development of the English Constitution. Students look at the sources and nature of the constitution, EU law and its relationship and impact on
* Criminal Law
This module will consider the criminal trial process and examine how a criminal offence is constructed. The external elements of a crime, automatism, liability for failing to act and proof of causation will be examined. Additionally, transferred malice, the notion of strict liability, defences and offences against the person and property will be considered.
* European Method
This module considers the historic evolution and the present position of the EU in a practical and work related sphere. A review of the institutional structures EU together with its sources and legislative processes will form the background for considering its activities.
PLUS 1 option combination:
* Family Law + Family Practice and Procedure
Within this option combination, the law on marriage, cohabitation, civil partnerships, divorce, nullity and financial provisions will be considered. The practice and procedure element to this module will ensure that students have a practical insight into family law procedures.
* Advanced Tort Law + Advanced Civil Litigation
Advanced Tort Law will revisit the tortuous principles studied in level one but students will study them at a more advanced level. The advanced civil litigation part of the unit will enable candidates in an entirely practical way to deal with the litigation problems of individuals who may consult them, whether claimants or defendants.
* Employment Practice
This option combination will enable students to understand the practical scope of employment law in practice. Students will understand the practical implications of recruiting and understand the essential practical statutory principles governing the employment contract. Contractual terms and policies which define employment relationships and issues such as right to flexible working, maternity and paternity leave and pay will also be considered. Students will study dismissals, redundancies and employment tribunal proceedings. The additional study of the Employment Law in Practice module will complement the Employment Law module.
* Validated by the law society
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a minimum of one of the following:
* One full ‘A Level’
* BTEC National Certificate / Diploma
* An Advanced Modern Apprenticeship which includes level 3 qualifications
* An advanced AVCE, NVQ or other level 3 vocational qualification
All entrants need to have a GCSE grade C, or its equivalent, in English and Maths. In the absence of formal learning qualifications, applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity.
Course Enquiries
Sue Houchen, Head of Law, Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Hartlepool, TS25 5PF.
Tel: 01429 294444
Email: sue.houchen@hpoolsfc.ac.uk
