What will I learn on this module?
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. An indicative list of 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:
Duty of care – when a duty of care is owed to another, and the scope of that duty
Breach of the duty of care – the standard of care expected, and determining when it is met
Causation and remoteness – the principles determining the extent of responsibility for loss
Defences – full and partial defences available
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
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.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through 24 x large group sessions, 12 x small group sessions, and tutor guided and student independent learning.
Large group sessions introduce you to key Tort Law principles and themes in each topic, giving you a structured overview of how those principles relate to establishing liability in a topic by looking at case law, statutes and other sources. Sessions enable you to understand different topics and develop problem-solving skills specific to each topic, which, in turn, will help you to engage effectively with independent learning and tackle exercises in small group sessions.
Small group sessions focus on developing your skills in applying principles and problem-solving skills in the different topics. Sessions include an exercise where you will use and apply your knowledge and understanding from large group sessions and independent learning to tackle a problem question in each topic in a structured way, focussed to a given set of facts. Other guided exercises may build your awareness and recognition of other areas beyond the problem question, to give you a broader overview.
Independent learning enables you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of Tort Law topics, and includes tutor-guided independent learning to support your engagement in large and small group sessions. Resources available from the dedicated module e-Learning Portal (eLP) include recorded lectures, guided reading using digital online reading lists, interactive self-evaluation tasks and tools. You have an opportunity for valuable feedback on your independent learning.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by a mix of approaches. The Tort Law module is carefully designed to focus on the important concepts and themes in Tort Law and aims to give you a structured approach to learning and the ability to develop analysis and problem-solving skills. The large group sessions, small group sessions and independent learning are designed to be used together to help you to understand the topics covered in an effective, efficient way. Your independent learning, outside scheduled teaching, is tutor-guided, to support your engagement in large and small group sessions – and supported by a dedicated module e-Learning Portal (eLP) which will include recorded lectures, webcasts, guided reading using digital online reading lists, interactive self-evaluation tasks, including self-test quizzes on Tort Law topics and other tools. Your module tutor is there to support you, by email, in person or through the eLP, to help you to understand any aspects of the module. Some large group sessions aim to enable students specifically to improve techniques for approaching the assessment.
In small group sessions, you will get valuable feedback on your independent learning from your tutor, and this will be helped by outline answers and structured answer plans being made available, to help you to develop your skills.
Support can also come from your personal guidance tutor, and, at a programme level, from the Programme Leader. The University Library offers a range of online and personal skills development opportunities which you can access.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
You will be expected to:
KU1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development, underlying concepts, principles and context of substantive areas of Tort Law and be able to initiate and undertake critical analysis within those areas.
KU2 Apply and interpret substantive Tort Law in the wider context of a hypothetical problem.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
You will be expected to:
IPSA1 Communicate accurately using structured and coherent arguments and accurate legal terminology the legal principles relating to Tort.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
You will be expected to:
PVA1Develop intellectual independence by being able to ask and answer cogent questions about Tort Law, identify gaps in knowledge and acquire new knowledge.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment
On an ongoing basis you will have a mix of formative assessment opportunities including:
? Periodic online multiple choice questions (MCQs) with feedback on answers.
? Answer plans to problem questions .
? Past assessment questions and answers.
? In-session formative feedback on your independent learning.
Summative assessment
A single two-hour examination comprising 100% of the module assessment
Your tutors will be looking for your ability to investigate and analyse problems in Tort Law.
The relevant Law School grading and assessment criteria will apply, and be made available from the start of the module. They will be considered in a large group session.
You will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be used in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
‘Tort Law’ creates rights and responsibilities for everyone. It places responsibilities on people not to unlawfully interfere with the rights of others. It gives a right to a remedy to those who suffer injury, loss and damage as a result of wrongful behaviour, including negligence, nuisance and battery. It can shape behaviour in society, and the way that we think about risk.
Using a blend of large group sessions to understand key themes and principles, tutor-guided independent learning to deepen knowledge and small group sessions to develop your analysis and problem-solving skills, you will learn how Tort Law applies in practical everyday contexts in the real world.
You will benefit from technology-enhanced learning, including webcasts and interactive self-evaluation tools, and feedback opportunities, to build your skills, knowledge and understanding of this important area of law, equipping you for the module assessment (an examination) and beyond.
Course info
UCAS Code M102
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria Law School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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