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REF 2021 7th In the UK for Research PowerWhether new to legal practice or looking to upskill, the Northumbria University Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship is for those seeking to qualify as a solicitor, by combining academic study with on-the-job experience.

Designed to meet the requirements of the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard, this apprenticeship combines theoretical academic study with practice-based and work-based learning modules.  

The Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship will encourage apprentices to develop specialist legal knowledge and gain a critical understanding of how to apply this knowledge in different settings and for specific audiences. Simultaneously, it will enable application of this knowledge within the workplace; to develop and enhance professional practice.

The Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship is a research rich, experientially focused programme, encouraging apprentices to become lifelong learners and providing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to practice as a solicitor.

There may be an opportunity for apprentices to attain the Law LLB (Hons) as part of the Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship. Tuition fees will apply.

Northumbria is at the forefront of higher and degree apprenticeships and has the knowledge and expertise to deliver this course in a way which results in both apprentice and employer satisfaction.  

Apprenticeship programmes at Northumbria University are designed to support apprentices in acquiring the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours and retain the integrity of the apprenticeship standard as defined by Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). For further details please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards webpage here.

Course Information

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
6 years Part Time

Department
Northumbria Law School

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Register your interest
Entry Requirements Modules Overview Apply Now

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Admission onto a higher or degree apprenticeship can only take place if applicants are currently employed and their employer has a training agreement in place with Northumbria University.

Applicants must be employed in a relevant role, with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts directly to their personal and professional work experience.

Potential apprentices will need:

120 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas or the International Baccalaureate.

We may also consider applicants who have successfully completed a related Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or those with non-standard qualifications, or a significant amount of relevant work-based or professional experience.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator  

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

GCSE Requirements:

It is a condition that you have GCSE grades C/4 or above in English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills English or Maths at level 2 by the End Point Assessment period of your Apprenticeship.

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules

Please note: Year 5 and Year 6 are preparation for the completion of the on-programme and end-point assessment.

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three Year four Year five Year six

Year one

HA4000 -

Criminal Law

In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of criminal law and knowledge of key offences and defences. You will consider the nature, scope and function of the criminal law and be introduced to fundamental concepts concerning the elements of criminal liability. You will study key criminal offences with key defences being introduced at appropriate points. Topics relevant to participation in crime and inchoate offences (assisting and encouraging crime, conspiracy and attempt) will also be covered. You will learn how to recognise and locate relevant criminal law cases and statutes using on-line and print resources and how to comprehend, explain and apply the information so obtained. You will develop the ability to explain and analyse the criminal law and will be able to apply its principles to the facts of given scenarios.
This module covers the following topics:
• Elements of criminal liability (actus reus and mens rea)
• Homicide (murder and manslaughter)
• Non-fatal offences against the person (e.g. assault and battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent)
• Sexual offences (e.g. rape and sexual assault)
• Offences under the Theft Act 1968 (e.g. theft, robbery and burglary)
• Criminal Damage
• Accomplice liability
• Inchoate offences (assisting and encouraging crime, conspiracy and attempt)
• Liability in criminal law for omission to act
• Defences (e.g. intoxication, automatism, duress and self-defence)

More information

HA4001 -

Approaches to Law and Lawyering Skills

In this module you will be introduced to the key skills and theories required to be a successful law undergraduate. The module focusses on supporting you in making a successful transition to undergraduate study and to develop an understanding of the key academic and legal skills that you will be required to develop.

The module will focus on several key skills including:
• Legal writing
• Practical legal research
• Critical thinking


The module is designed not only to assist you in developing these key skills but also to understand why such skills are important in the context of your wider studies and also how your own learning style can influence the way in which your skills develop. The module is designed to encourage you to consider important concepts such as the importance and value of feedback, critical debate and personal reflection. The module will require you to engage with a range of tasks designed to highlight the importance of these skills to both your undergraduate study and your future professional career and to develop your awareness of how your own learning style can ensure more effective skills development.

More information

HA4002 -

Contract Law

In this module you will develop an understanding of the law relating to the formation, operation and termination of contracts. You will, through the study of contract, be introduced to the finding, reading and use of a primary source of law, the law report. As the law of Contract is mainly a case law based subject you will be expected to read law reports and extract rules from this source of law. Such law will then be used to analyse problem and essay questions.
This module covers the following topics:
• An overview of the law of contract, its place in the common law and the operation of the doctrine of judicial precedent, and the factors affecting the development of modern contract law.
• Formation of Contract: agreement, certainty, intention to create legal relations and consideration, including promissory estoppel.
• Contents of contract: express and implied terms; interpretation of contracts; exemption clauses and unfair terms.
• Vitiating factors: misrepresentation, mistake, duress and undue influence.
• The doctrine of privity of contract and the exceptions to the doctrine.
• Discharge of contract: performance, breach, agreement and frustration.
• An outline of the law of remedies for breach of contract.
• A brief outline of the law of restitution.

More information

HA4003 -

English and European Legal Systems

This foundational module aims to provide you with a sound practical understanding of the English and European Union legal systems, including their origins, institutions, processes and actors. All key sources of English and European Union law are explained and you will be trained in their retrieval and analysis. Particular attention is given to the techniques of interpreting statutes and legal cases – both domestic and European Sources Union and an understanding of how to use legal sources to substantiate legal arguments. You will have an opportunity to undertake independent research into elements of the English and European Legal Systems.

This module covers the following topics:
• The basic principles of English law, English Legal System and European Union law and the mutual interaction between these legal systems;
• The role of law making bodies such as Parliament and the European Union Institutions;
• The role of the judiciary (UK and Court of Justice of the European Union);
• Statutory interpretation and judicial precedent;
• The preliminary rulings procedure
• The acquisition of legal research skills such as locating legal sources, reflective practice, effective communication and presentation and legal research.

More information

HA4004 -

Work-Based Learning in Law - Professional Development 1

This module is designed to support you in collating your work based learning (WBL) portfolio and developing and implementing a work based learning (WBL) plan for your individual continuing professional development (CPD). This will underpin your development as an independent and self-directed work-based learner and provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for you to outline and negotiate a detailed WBL plan to be implemented for, through and at work. The focus of your WBL plan should be on developing your knowledge and skills required to operate effectively within your particular sector or organisation with reference to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, Competence Statement for Solicitors. This could include a range of components including for example: work based training, online modules, work projects, credited CPD programmes, training from your own organisation. The WBL contract will be individually negotiated between yourself and your workplace mentor and individual academic coach.

Through engaging in the workshop sessions and the associated learning activities, you will develop your confidence and self-management as a work based learner, enhancing your personal planning skills and your abilities in transferring learning into improving your professional practice and working with others.

Underpinned by theoretical concepts and models and providing opportunities for skills practice, you will develop your knowledge and skills and demonstrate this through using opportunities within your workplace to develop and evidence your sector specific enhanced professional skills. This module will support you in creating a professional WBL development plan that will extend your sector/organisation knowledge and practice that will provide a foundation to support your future development on the programme.

More information

Year two

HA4005 -

The Criminal Process

In this module you will develop an understanding of criminal procedure and criminal evidence. You will cover the nature and key stages of the criminal process from arrest to sentencing and possible appeal. You will learn how criminal proceedings are funded and understand the role of the court in criminal litigation and the importance of the Criminal Procedure Rules. You will consider the relevance, admissibility and weight of evidence and examine the major principles which govern the admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings.

You will learn how to recognise and locate relevant cases, statutes, procedural rules and practice directions using on-line and print resources and how to comprehend, explain and apply the information so obtained. You will develop the ability to explain and analyse rules of criminal procedure and criminal evidence and be able to apply their principles to the facts of given scenarios. You will develop basic fact management skills, determining which information in the documents with which you are provided is relevant to solving the problems with which you are presented.

This module covers the following topics:

• The nature and critical stages of the criminal process
• The suspect at the police station
• Funding criminal litigation
• Steps and strategies in preparing for and conducting criminal litigation
• Case analysis
• The Criminal Procedure Rules
• The role of the court in criminal litigation
• Remand and bail
• Allocation
• Summary trial
• Trial on indictment
• Sentencing
• Criminal Appeals
• The admissibility, relevance and weight of evidence
• Burden and standard of proof
• The hearsay rule and its major exceptions
• Confessions
• The accused’s silence
• Competence and compellability
• Examination of witnesses
• Evidence of character
• Identification evidence, unreliable witnesses and lies told by the accused
• Opinion evidence

More information

HA5000 -

Land Law

You will learn about the law governing ‘real’ property also known as land law. You will be introduced to the foundational concepts in land law and then develop your knowledge and understanding by examining in greater depth the major principles of substantive land law.

Topics include:

• Estates and interests in land and the property legislation of 1925
• Registered land
• The landlord/tenant relationship: leases and leasehold covenants
• Co-ownership and the trust of land
• Interests in land: Easements

There is an emphasis on studying the law in the context of realistic problem based scenarios to develop your ability to apply and interpret land law in the wider context of a hypothetical legal case.

The module develops your professional skills and abilities in understanding how to interpret and apply primary and secondary sources of law, especially statutory provisions, to address legal problems.

The module develops your personal value attributes of intellectual independence and independent thinking. You will be encouraged to ask and answer questions about land law and think about its practical implementation in our everyday lives.

More information

HA5001 -

Public Law

You will develop a critical understanding of the uncodified UK constitution and how it operates. You will critically analyse the doctrines and institutions of the constitution, the checks and balances within the institutions of the state and constitutional change over time. You will develop an understanding of public law within an institutional, national, European and global context. This will build upon the knowledge you have gained in the 1st year module ‘English Legal System and European Union’. You will study both constitutional and administrative law and particularly focus on:

• Sources and characteristics of the UK constitution
• Rule of law
• Parliamentary supremacy
• Separation of powers
• Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights
• Judicial review

More information

HA5002 -

Work-Based Learning in Law - Professional Development 2

This module continues to support you in collating your work based learning (WBL) portfolio and developing and implementing a work based learning (WBL) contract for your individual continuing professional development. It follows on from your stage one module. This will deepen and extend your development as an independent and self-directed work based learner and provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for you to outline and negotiate a detailed WBL plan to be implemented for, through and at work. The focus of your WBL plan should be on developing further your competence and or knowledge in the context of the specific skills and or knowledge required to operate effectively within your particular sector or organisation with reference to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, Competence Statement for Solicitors. You could review and build upon the WBL plan agreed in the previous module to extend and deepen the scope and or focus of your sectoral professional knowledge and practice. Alternatively, you should also consider formulating a plan that supports you in exploring an area of sector and or organisational specific knowledge or practice that may provide the initial groundwork for informing the potential focus of your work based project. This could include a range of components including for example: work based training, online modules, work projects, and credited CPD programmes, training from your own organisation. The WBL contract will be individually negotiated between yourself and your workplace mentor and individual academic coach.

Through engaging in the workshop sessions and the associated learning activities, you will develop your confidence and self-management as a work based learner, enhancing your personal planning skills and your abilities in transferring learning into improving your professional practice and working with others.

Underpinned by theoretical concepts and models and providing opportunities for skills practice, you will develop your knowledge and competence and demonstrate this through using opportunities within your workplace to develop and evidence your sector specific enhanced professional skills. This module will support you in creating a WBL plan that will extend your sector/organisation knowledge and practice that will provide a foundation for supporting your future development on the programme.

More information

Year three

HA5003 -

Civil Dispute Resolution (including Professional Conduct)

In this module you will develop a critical understanding of the methods and processes to resolve civil disputes cost-effectively in England and Wales. You will learn about how the contexts in which disputes may arise and the objectives of parties in disputes, and the ways in which those objectives can be met in a cost-effective and proportionate way. Topics include:

? Options for resolving civil disputes: litigation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of ADR

? Costs and funding: Methods of funding, costs consequences, possible liability for costs and cost recoveries

? The Civil Procedure Rules, including Practice Directions, Forms and Court Guides (where appropriate)

? Preliminary considerations: limitation, jurisdiction and applicable law

? Pre-action steps and the court’s expectations about pre-action behaviour

? Commencement: the civil court structure, choice of court, issue and service of proceedings

? Responding to proceedings: acknowledgment of service

? Drafting statements of case

? Early termination: judgments in default, summary judgment, Part 36 and other settlement devices

? Evidence: disclosure and inspection, expert witnesses and witnesses of fact

? The court’s case and costs management powers and duties

? Interim applications and interim remedies

? Preparing for trial or settlement.

? Key elements of trial procedure

In addition, throughout the module you will learn about professional conduct and its role in the legal profession in the civil arena. In your learning on this module you will develop the following skills:

? Interviewing

? Fact Management

? Case analysis

? Legal drafting

? Problem-solving

More information

HA5004 -

Tort Law

In this module you will develop a critical understanding of Tort Law in England and Wales. Tort Law concerns the circumstances in which a person may be liable to provide a remedy to another for the consequences of a civil wrong (other than a breach of contract). You will learn about why and how the law has evolved to create obligations in Tort Law, the shape and extent of those responsibilities and the remedies available for failure to meet those obligations. Topics include:
? An introduction to the nature and function of Tort Law

? Trespass to the person – personal rights to freedom from intentional interference with bodily integrity

? Negligence:

o Duty of care – when a duty of care is owed to another, and the scope of that duty

o Breach of the duty of care – the standard of care expected, and determining when it is met

o Causation and remoteness – the principles determining the extent of responsibility for loss

o Defences – full and partial defences available

o Psychiatric harm – as a particular problematic area in negligence law

? Occupiers’ liability to persons on their premises (lawfully and otherwise)
? Vicarious liability – when a person may be responsible in Tort law for the actions of another person

? Nuisance – the law of private nuisance

? Remedies

You will develop knowledge and critical understanding of Tort Law in these aspects, reading and applying cases, statutes and other material to answer problem questions and essay questions.

More information

HA6000 -

Equity and Trusts

This module introduces you to the substantive law of Equity and Trusts. It begins with an historical overview of the development of equity. This is followed by study of the creation of trusts (both express and implied). The next topic is Charitable trusts, an area which lends itself well to critical analysis. Next is a non-charitable purpose trust where students study the situations in which these trusts can be valid. You will then study the powers and duties of trustees, breach of trust and the remedies for this including tracing and equitable remedies. A critical approach is fostered throughout. Topics covered are:

• The creation of express trusts (including capacity, formalities, certainty and constitution)
• Resulting and constructive trusts
• Charitable trusts
• Non-charitable purpose trusts
• Trustees’ powers and duties
• Breach of trust
• Fiduciary relationships and fiduciary obligations
• Tracing and Equitable remedies

More information

HA6001 -

Advanced Work Based Learning in Law - Professional Development

This module continues to support you in collating your work based learning (WBL) portfolio. It follows on from your stage one and two modules. This will deepen and extend your development as an independent and self-directed work based learner. It will assist you in developing your WBL portfolio in accordance with the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard and Solicitors Regulation Authority (‘SRA’) Competence Statement for Solicitors, as well as reflecting upon its contents.

In this module you will develop in-depth knowledge of the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard and Competence Statement for Solicitors. You will apply that knowledge to update and develop your WBL portfolio across all modules taken to date, developing it further in line with your level three modules. Further you will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner, demonstrating the ability to analyse and critique your performance to date and measure your progression against the SRA Threshold Standard.

Through engaging in the workshop sessions and the associated learning activities, you will develop your confidence and self-management as a work based learner. Underpinned by theoretical concepts and models and providing opportunities for skills practice, you will develop your knowledge and competence and demonstrate this through using opportunities within your workplace to develop and evidence your sector specific enhanced professional skills. You will engage in constructive critique of your practice within a work related context. This module will support you in understanding the importance of reflection in your professional practice, assisting you to use it as a tool to support your future development on the programme and in your future career.

More information

Year four

HA6002 -

Business Law and Practice

You will learn about the whole lifecycle of a business from set up to dissolution/insolvency. You will learn about the main types of business media - sole traders, partnerships and companies – as well as their advantages and disadvantages and key considerations relevant for choice of legal structure. You will understand the procedures for setting up each type of business media, and you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the ongoing rights, responsibilities and liabilities of the various stakeholders within each business structure. You will be able to advise on the legal aspects of common business transactions, entering into contracts and the basics of finance and lending. In relation to companies, you will learn to appreciate the importance of a company’s constitution and the Companies Act 2006 in relation to: the ongoing operations of the company; the appointment and removal of officers; alterations to the constitution; transactions with directors; and the allotment, issue and transfer of shares. You will be able to draft routine documentation required to effect common transactions and advise on the taxation of business profits. You will understand the implications of insolvency for a business and be able to advise on any claims arising and potential liabilities. You will cover the basic principles of business accounting and you will learn how to interpret business accounts to ensure clients are appropriately advised. Finally, professional conduct scenarios will be employed so that you learn the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct and other professional obligations.

More information

HA6003 -

Wills and Administration of Estates

On this module you will have the opportunity to learn how wills are created, executed and revoked. You will also learn the rules of intestacy and how to distribute an estate under these rules. In addition, you will learn how to give effect to a will through obtaining a grant of probate and the role of personal representatives, valuing an estate for inheritance tax purposes and how to distribute an estate. including preparing estate accounts. Claims against the estate by others who are not beneficiaries under the will also be covered.

You will also learn the skill of legal writing on this module to assist with your written assessment. On completing the module you will be able to understand the appropriate use of media to communicate with clients and be able to tailor the written communication to suit the needs of the client.

More information

HA6004 -

Property Law and Practice

On completion of this module you should, in the context of domestic or commercial transactions or both, and in relation to freehold and leasehold property:
1. Be able to appreciate the nature of a property transaction;
2. Be able to identify and perform the critical steps in a transaction;
3. Be aware of conflicts of interest that may arise when acting for more than one party in a property transaction;
4. Understand the requirements of lenders and the need to consider money laundering issues; and
5. Have a sufficient grasp of the tax aspects of a property transaction.

The module will cover the pre-contract stage of a property transaction including taking instructions, identifying the steps needed to raise and the issues arising from pre-contract enquiries and pre-contract searches, deduce and investigate title, report to the client, decide on what action is to be taken and analyse and draft a contract. The binding contract stage will also be covered including advising the client on finance and exchanging contracts. And how to deal with deposits, undertakings, drafting documentation and preparing for completion. Following exchange the module will cover preparing for completion, drafting relevant documents, completing a transaction, post completion steps, and dealing with a mortgage. The module will be taught through case studies which follow the steps of a property transaction.

More information

Year five

HA7035 -

FLK Preparation Part 1

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:

• Civil Dispute Resolution

• Criminal Process

• Criminal Law

• English and European Legal Systems

• Public Law

• Equity and Trusts

On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the relevant areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge. These areas will be considered in the context of civil and/or criminal litigation and you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim/prosecution or defending an action.

The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.

It will also provide you with the theory required to practice effectively in the above areas of law.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment.

More information

HA7036 -

FLK Preparation Part 2

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:

• Contract Law

• Land Law

• Tort Law

• Business Law and Practice

• Wills and Probate

• Property Law and Practice

• Solicitors’ Accounts

• Taxation

• Professional Practice

On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the relevant areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge. These areas will be considered in the context of civil and/or criminal litigation and you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim/prosecution or defending an action.

The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.

It will also provide you with the theory required to practice effectively in the above areas of law.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment.

More information

Year six

HA7023 -

Solicitor Apprenticeship Gateway Assessment (SQE1)

The combination of the assessment of your Professional Practice Portfolio and your result in Part 1 of the SRA Centralised Assessment: Functioning Knowledge Tests (SQE1) constitute the assessment known as ‘Gateway’, which must take place before the End-point assessment of your apprenticeship. The sole purpose of this module is to enable you to register the results of these two (in-programme) assessments.

There is no new teaching on this module. At the start of the semester, however, you will be required, if necessary, to work with your university tutor in order to revise or reinforce your Professional Practice Portfolio, before it is assessed by your Workplace Mentor. You will, therefore, continue to apply the knowledge and skills pertaining to the collation of your Portfolio, as developed in throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.

More information

HA7024 -

Solicitor Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (SQE2)

Part 2 of the SRA centralised assessment - Standardised Practical Legal Examination (SQE2), is the End-point assessment of your apprenticeship. A successful result in SQE2 brings your apprenticeship to an end, and also leads to qualification as solicitor.

There is no new teaching on this module, whose single purpose e is to enable you to register the result of the SQE2 with the university.

More information

Modules Overview 2026/27

Modules

Please note: Year 5 and Year 6 are preparation for the completion of the on-programme and end-point assessment.

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three Year four Year five Year six

Year one

HA4000 -

Criminal Law

In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of criminal law and knowledge of key offences and defences. You will consider the nature, scope and function of the criminal law and be introduced to fundamental concepts concerning the elements of criminal liability. You will study key criminal offences with key defences being introduced at appropriate points. Topics relevant to participation in crime and inchoate offences (assisting and encouraging crime, conspiracy and attempt) will also be covered. You will learn how to recognise and locate relevant criminal law cases and statutes using on-line and print resources and how to comprehend, explain and apply the information so obtained. You will develop the ability to explain and analyse the criminal law and will be able to apply its principles to the facts of given scenarios.
This module covers the following topics:
• Elements of criminal liability (actus reus and mens rea)
• Homicide (murder and manslaughter)
• Non-fatal offences against the person (e.g. assault and battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, unlawful wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent)
• Sexual offences (e.g. rape and sexual assault)
• Offences under the Theft Act 1968 (e.g. theft, robbery and burglary)
• Criminal Damage
• Accomplice liability
• Inchoate offences (assisting and encouraging crime, conspiracy and attempt)
• Liability in criminal law for omission to act
• Defences (e.g. intoxication, automatism, duress and self-defence)

More information

HA4001 -

Approaches to Law and Lawyering Skills

In this module you will be introduced to the key skills and theories required to be a successful law undergraduate. The module focusses on supporting you in making a successful transition to undergraduate study and to develop an understanding of the key academic and legal skills that you will be required to develop.

The module will focus on several key skills including:
• Legal writing
• Practical legal research
• Critical thinking


The module is designed not only to assist you in developing these key skills but also to understand why such skills are important in the context of your wider studies and also how your own learning style can influence the way in which your skills develop. The module is designed to encourage you to consider important concepts such as the importance and value of feedback, critical debate and personal reflection. The module will require you to engage with a range of tasks designed to highlight the importance of these skills to both your undergraduate study and your future professional career and to develop your awareness of how your own learning style can ensure more effective skills development.

More information

HA4002 -

Contract Law

In this module you will develop an understanding of the law relating to the formation, operation and termination of contracts. You will, through the study of contract, be introduced to the finding, reading and use of a primary source of law, the law report. As the law of Contract is mainly a case law based subject you will be expected to read law reports and extract rules from this source of law. Such law will then be used to analyse problem and essay questions.
This module covers the following topics:
• An overview of the law of contract, its place in the common law and the operation of the doctrine of judicial precedent, and the factors affecting the development of modern contract law.
• Formation of Contract: agreement, certainty, intention to create legal relations and consideration, including promissory estoppel.
• Contents of contract: express and implied terms; interpretation of contracts; exemption clauses and unfair terms.
• Vitiating factors: misrepresentation, mistake, duress and undue influence.
• The doctrine of privity of contract and the exceptions to the doctrine.
• Discharge of contract: performance, breach, agreement and frustration.
• An outline of the law of remedies for breach of contract.
• A brief outline of the law of restitution.

More information

HA4003 -

English and European Legal Systems

This foundational module aims to provide you with a sound practical understanding of the English and European Union legal systems, including their origins, institutions, processes and actors. All key sources of English and European Union law are explained and you will be trained in their retrieval and analysis. Particular attention is given to the techniques of interpreting statutes and legal cases – both domestic and European Sources Union and an understanding of how to use legal sources to substantiate legal arguments. You will have an opportunity to undertake independent research into elements of the English and European Legal Systems.

This module covers the following topics:
• The basic principles of English law, English Legal System and European Union law and the mutual interaction between these legal systems;
• The role of law making bodies such as Parliament and the European Union Institutions;
• The role of the judiciary (UK and Court of Justice of the European Union);
• Statutory interpretation and judicial precedent;
• The preliminary rulings procedure
• The acquisition of legal research skills such as locating legal sources, reflective practice, effective communication and presentation and legal research.

More information

HA4004 -

Work-Based Learning in Law - Professional Development 1

This module is designed to support you in collating your work based learning (WBL) portfolio and developing and implementing a work based learning (WBL) plan for your individual continuing professional development (CPD). This will underpin your development as an independent and self-directed work-based learner and provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for you to outline and negotiate a detailed WBL plan to be implemented for, through and at work. The focus of your WBL plan should be on developing your knowledge and skills required to operate effectively within your particular sector or organisation with reference to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, Competence Statement for Solicitors. This could include a range of components including for example: work based training, online modules, work projects, credited CPD programmes, training from your own organisation. The WBL contract will be individually negotiated between yourself and your workplace mentor and individual academic coach.

Through engaging in the workshop sessions and the associated learning activities, you will develop your confidence and self-management as a work based learner, enhancing your personal planning skills and your abilities in transferring learning into improving your professional practice and working with others.

Underpinned by theoretical concepts and models and providing opportunities for skills practice, you will develop your knowledge and skills and demonstrate this through using opportunities within your workplace to develop and evidence your sector specific enhanced professional skills. This module will support you in creating a professional WBL development plan that will extend your sector/organisation knowledge and practice that will provide a foundation to support your future development on the programme.

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Year two

HA4005 -

The Criminal Process

In this module you will develop an understanding of criminal procedure and criminal evidence. You will cover the nature and key stages of the criminal process from arrest to sentencing and possible appeal. You will learn how criminal proceedings are funded and understand the role of the court in criminal litigation and the importance of the Criminal Procedure Rules. You will consider the relevance, admissibility and weight of evidence and examine the major principles which govern the admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings.

You will learn how to recognise and locate relevant cases, statutes, procedural rules and practice directions using on-line and print resources and how to comprehend, explain and apply the information so obtained. You will develop the ability to explain and analyse rules of criminal procedure and criminal evidence and be able to apply their principles to the facts of given scenarios. You will develop basic fact management skills, determining which information in the documents with which you are provided is relevant to solving the problems with which you are presented.

This module covers the following topics:

• The nature and critical stages of the criminal process
• The suspect at the police station
• Funding criminal litigation
• Steps and strategies in preparing for and conducting criminal litigation
• Case analysis
• The Criminal Procedure Rules
• The role of the court in criminal litigation
• Remand and bail
• Allocation
• Summary trial
• Trial on indictment
• Sentencing
• Criminal Appeals
• The admissibility, relevance and weight of evidence
• Burden and standard of proof
• The hearsay rule and its major exceptions
• Confessions
• The accused’s silence
• Competence and compellability
• Examination of witnesses
• Evidence of character
• Identification evidence, unreliable witnesses and lies told by the accused
• Opinion evidence

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HA5000 -

Land Law

You will learn about the law governing ‘real’ property also known as land law. You will be introduced to the foundational concepts in land law and then develop your knowledge and understanding by examining in greater depth the major principles of substantive land law.

Topics include:

• Estates and interests in land and the property legislation of 1925
• Registered land
• The landlord/tenant relationship: leases and leasehold covenants
• Co-ownership and the trust of land
• Interests in land: Easements

There is an emphasis on studying the law in the context of realistic problem based scenarios to develop your ability to apply and interpret land law in the wider context of a hypothetical legal case.

The module develops your professional skills and abilities in understanding how to interpret and apply primary and secondary sources of law, especially statutory provisions, to address legal problems.

The module develops your personal value attributes of intellectual independence and independent thinking. You will be encouraged to ask and answer questions about land law and think about its practical implementation in our everyday lives.

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HA5001 -

Public Law

You will develop a critical understanding of the uncodified UK constitution and how it operates. You will critically analyse the doctrines and institutions of the constitution, the checks and balances within the institutions of the state and constitutional change over time. You will develop an understanding of public law within an institutional, national, European and global context. This will build upon the knowledge you have gained in the 1st year module ‘English Legal System and European Union’. You will study both constitutional and administrative law and particularly focus on:

• Sources and characteristics of the UK constitution
• Rule of law
• Parliamentary supremacy
• Separation of powers
• Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights
• Judicial review

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HA5002 -

Work-Based Learning in Law - Professional Development 2

This module continues to support you in collating your work based learning (WBL) portfolio and developing and implementing a work based learning (WBL) contract for your individual continuing professional development. It follows on from your stage one module. This will deepen and extend your development as an independent and self-directed work based learner and provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for you to outline and negotiate a detailed WBL plan to be implemented for, through and at work. The focus of your WBL plan should be on developing further your competence and or knowledge in the context of the specific skills and or knowledge required to operate effectively within your particular sector or organisation with reference to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, Competence Statement for Solicitors. You could review and build upon the WBL plan agreed in the previous module to extend and deepen the scope and or focus of your sectoral professional knowledge and practice. Alternatively, you should also consider formulating a plan that supports you in exploring an area of sector and or organisational specific knowledge or practice that may provide the initial groundwork for informing the potential focus of your work based project. This could include a range of components including for example: work based training, online modules, work projects, and credited CPD programmes, training from your own organisation. The WBL contract will be individually negotiated between yourself and your workplace mentor and individual academic coach.

Through engaging in the workshop sessions and the associated learning activities, you will develop your confidence and self-management as a work based learner, enhancing your personal planning skills and your abilities in transferring learning into improving your professional practice and working with others.

Underpinned by theoretical concepts and models and providing opportunities for skills practice, you will develop your knowledge and competence and demonstrate this through using opportunities within your workplace to develop and evidence your sector specific enhanced professional skills. This module will support you in creating a WBL plan that will extend your sector/organisation knowledge and practice that will provide a foundation for supporting your future development on the programme.

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Year three

HA5003 -

Civil Dispute Resolution (including Professional Conduct)

In this module you will develop a critical understanding of the methods and processes to resolve civil disputes cost-effectively in England and Wales. You will learn about how the contexts in which disputes may arise and the objectives of parties in disputes, and the ways in which those objectives can be met in a cost-effective and proportionate way. Topics include:

? Options for resolving civil disputes: litigation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of ADR

? Costs and funding: Methods of funding, costs consequences, possible liability for costs and cost recoveries

? The Civil Procedure Rules, including Practice Directions, Forms and Court Guides (where appropriate)

? Preliminary considerations: limitation, jurisdiction and applicable law

? Pre-action steps and the court’s expectations about pre-action behaviour

? Commencement: the civil court structure, choice of court, issue and service of proceedings

? Responding to proceedings: acknowledgment of service

? Drafting statements of case

? Early termination: judgments in default, summary judgment, Part 36 and other settlement devices

? Evidence: disclosure and inspection, expert witnesses and witnesses of fact

? The court’s case and costs management powers and duties

? Interim applications and interim remedies

? Preparing for trial or settlement.

? Key elements of trial procedure

In addition, throughout the module you will learn about professional conduct and its role in the legal profession in the civil arena. In your learning on this module you will develop the following skills:

? Interviewing

? Fact Management

? Case analysis

? Legal drafting

? Problem-solving

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HA5004 -

Tort Law

In this module you will develop a critical understanding of Tort Law in England and Wales. Tort Law concerns the circumstances in which a person may be liable to provide a remedy to another for the consequences of a civil wrong (other than a breach of contract). You will learn about why and how the law has evolved to create obligations in Tort Law, the shape and extent of those responsibilities and the remedies available for failure to meet those obligations. Topics include:
? An introduction to the nature and function of Tort Law

? Trespass to the person – personal rights to freedom from intentional interference with bodily integrity

? Negligence:

o Duty of care – when a duty of care is owed to another, and the scope of that duty

o Breach of the duty of care – the standard of care expected, and determining when it is met

o Causation and remoteness – the principles determining the extent of responsibility for loss

o Defences – full and partial defences available

o Psychiatric harm – as a particular problematic area in negligence law

? Occupiers’ liability to persons on their premises (lawfully and otherwise)
? Vicarious liability – when a person may be responsible in Tort law for the actions of another person

? Nuisance – the law of private nuisance

? Remedies

You will develop knowledge and critical understanding of Tort Law in these aspects, reading and applying cases, statutes and other material to answer problem questions and essay questions.

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HA6000 -

Equity and Trusts

This module introduces you to the substantive law of Equity and Trusts. It begins with an historical overview of the development of equity. This is followed by study of the creation of trusts (both express and implied). The next topic is Charitable trusts, an area which lends itself well to critical analysis. Next is a non-charitable purpose trust where students study the situations in which these trusts can be valid. You will then study the powers and duties of trustees, breach of trust and the remedies for this including tracing and equitable remedies. A critical approach is fostered throughout. Topics covered are:

• The creation of express trusts (including capacity, formalities, certainty and constitution)
• Resulting and constructive trusts
• Charitable trusts
• Non-charitable purpose trusts
• Trustees’ powers and duties
• Breach of trust
• Fiduciary relationships and fiduciary obligations
• Tracing and Equitable remedies

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HA6001 -

Advanced Work Based Learning in Law - Professional Development

This module continues to support you in collating your work based learning (WBL) portfolio. It follows on from your stage one and two modules. This will deepen and extend your development as an independent and self-directed work based learner. It will assist you in developing your WBL portfolio in accordance with the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard and Solicitors Regulation Authority (‘SRA’) Competence Statement for Solicitors, as well as reflecting upon its contents.

In this module you will develop in-depth knowledge of the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard and Competence Statement for Solicitors. You will apply that knowledge to update and develop your WBL portfolio across all modules taken to date, developing it further in line with your level three modules. Further you will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner, demonstrating the ability to analyse and critique your performance to date and measure your progression against the SRA Threshold Standard.

Through engaging in the workshop sessions and the associated learning activities, you will develop your confidence and self-management as a work based learner. Underpinned by theoretical concepts and models and providing opportunities for skills practice, you will develop your knowledge and competence and demonstrate this through using opportunities within your workplace to develop and evidence your sector specific enhanced professional skills. You will engage in constructive critique of your practice within a work related context. This module will support you in understanding the importance of reflection in your professional practice, assisting you to use it as a tool to support your future development on the programme and in your future career.

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Year four

HA6002 -

Business Law and Practice

You will learn about the whole lifecycle of a business from set up to dissolution/insolvency. You will learn about the main types of business media - sole traders, partnerships and companies – as well as their advantages and disadvantages and key considerations relevant for choice of legal structure. You will understand the procedures for setting up each type of business media, and you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the ongoing rights, responsibilities and liabilities of the various stakeholders within each business structure. You will be able to advise on the legal aspects of common business transactions, entering into contracts and the basics of finance and lending. In relation to companies, you will learn to appreciate the importance of a company’s constitution and the Companies Act 2006 in relation to: the ongoing operations of the company; the appointment and removal of officers; alterations to the constitution; transactions with directors; and the allotment, issue and transfer of shares. You will be able to draft routine documentation required to effect common transactions and advise on the taxation of business profits. You will understand the implications of insolvency for a business and be able to advise on any claims arising and potential liabilities. You will cover the basic principles of business accounting and you will learn how to interpret business accounts to ensure clients are appropriately advised. Finally, professional conduct scenarios will be employed so that you learn the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct and other professional obligations.

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HA6003 -

Wills and Administration of Estates

On this module you will have the opportunity to learn how wills are created, executed and revoked. You will also learn the rules of intestacy and how to distribute an estate under these rules. In addition, you will learn how to give effect to a will through obtaining a grant of probate and the role of personal representatives, valuing an estate for inheritance tax purposes and how to distribute an estate. including preparing estate accounts. Claims against the estate by others who are not beneficiaries under the will also be covered.

You will also learn the skill of legal writing on this module to assist with your written assessment. On completing the module you will be able to understand the appropriate use of media to communicate with clients and be able to tailor the written communication to suit the needs of the client.

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HA6004 -

Property Law and Practice

On completion of this module you should, in the context of domestic or commercial transactions or both, and in relation to freehold and leasehold property:
1. Be able to appreciate the nature of a property transaction;
2. Be able to identify and perform the critical steps in a transaction;
3. Be aware of conflicts of interest that may arise when acting for more than one party in a property transaction;
4. Understand the requirements of lenders and the need to consider money laundering issues; and
5. Have a sufficient grasp of the tax aspects of a property transaction.

The module will cover the pre-contract stage of a property transaction including taking instructions, identifying the steps needed to raise and the issues arising from pre-contract enquiries and pre-contract searches, deduce and investigate title, report to the client, decide on what action is to be taken and analyse and draft a contract. The binding contract stage will also be covered including advising the client on finance and exchanging contracts. And how to deal with deposits, undertakings, drafting documentation and preparing for completion. Following exchange the module will cover preparing for completion, drafting relevant documents, completing a transaction, post completion steps, and dealing with a mortgage. The module will be taught through case studies which follow the steps of a property transaction.

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Year five

HA7035 -

FLK Preparation Part 1

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:

• Civil Dispute Resolution

• Criminal Process

• Criminal Law

• English and European Legal Systems

• Public Law

• Equity and Trusts

On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the relevant areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge. These areas will be considered in the context of civil and/or criminal litigation and you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim/prosecution or defending an action.

The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.

It will also provide you with the theory required to practice effectively in the above areas of law.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment.

More information

HA7036 -

FLK Preparation Part 2

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:

• Contract Law

• Land Law

• Tort Law

• Business Law and Practice

• Wills and Probate

• Property Law and Practice

• Solicitors’ Accounts

• Taxation

• Professional Practice

On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the relevant areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge. These areas will be considered in the context of civil and/or criminal litigation and you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim/prosecution or defending an action.

The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.

It will also provide you with the theory required to practice effectively in the above areas of law.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment.

More information

Year six

HA7023 -

Solicitor Apprenticeship Gateway Assessment (SQE1)

The combination of the assessment of your Professional Practice Portfolio and your result in Part 1 of the SRA Centralised Assessment: Functioning Knowledge Tests (SQE1) constitute the assessment known as ‘Gateway’, which must take place before the End-point assessment of your apprenticeship. The sole purpose of this module is to enable you to register the results of these two (in-programme) assessments.

There is no new teaching on this module. At the start of the semester, however, you will be required, if necessary, to work with your university tutor in order to revise or reinforce your Professional Practice Portfolio, before it is assessed by your Workplace Mentor. You will, therefore, continue to apply the knowledge and skills pertaining to the collation of your Portfolio, as developed in throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.

More information

HA7024 -

Solicitor Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (SQE2)

Part 2 of the SRA centralised assessment - Standardised Practical Legal Examination (SQE2), is the End-point assessment of your apprenticeship. A successful result in SQE2 brings your apprenticeship to an end, and also leads to qualification as solicitor.

There is no new teaching on this module, whose single purpose e is to enable you to register the result of the SQE2 with the university.

More information

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At Northumbria University, our higher and degree apprenticeships are more than a learning programme; they are a partnership. We work with organisations to create courses that meet the demands of businesses.

 

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