What will I learn on this module?
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
? Skills:
o Interviewing
o Fact Management
o Case analysis
o Legal drafting
o Problem-solving
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through 12 hours of large group sessions, 12 hours of small group sessions , and through tutor guided independent learning which will include 12 hours of timetabled group activity where you are supervised by a member of academic staff but where you and the rest of your group will be required to direct the learning activity and student independent learning.
Large group sessions introduce you to key principles and themes of Civil Dispute Resolution, giving you a structured overview of how those principles relate to resolving disputes taking into account procedural rules, professional conduct aspects, case law and other guidance as appropriate. Sessions enable you to understand different topics and develop problem-solving skills, 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, using practical exercises, based on a case study. You will use and apply your knowledge and understanding from large group sessions and independent learning to tackle short-answer problem questions. 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 Civil Dispute Resolution, 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 which will provide valuable feedback on your learning.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by a mix of approaches. The Civil Dispute Resolution module is carefully designed to focus on the important concepts and themes in Civil Dispute Resolution, 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, guided reading using digital online reading lists, interactive self-evaluation tasks, including self-test quizzes 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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
You will be expected to:
• Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the underlying concepts, principles and context of substantive areas of Civil Dispute Resolution and be able to initiate and undertake critical analysis within those areas.
• Apply and interpret substantive Civil Dispute Resolution aspects in the wider context of a hypothetical problem.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
You will be expected to:
• Understand how to apply a range of source material which may include primary, secondary, and other materials, to address Civil Dispute Resolution problems and be able to propose reasoned alternative solutions supported by critical judgement of the merits of particular arguments.
• Recognise ambiguity and uncertainty in the law and procedure and identify potential alternative conclusions and provide supporting reasons for them.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
You will be expected to:
• Develop intellectual independence by being able to ask and answer cogent questions about Civil Dispute Resolution, 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) accompanying each topic in Civil Dispute Resolution, synchronised with the sequence of topics in your large group sessions, throughout the delivery of the module. Questions will have feedback on answers.
? Answer plans to problem questions in small group sessions – providing a structure of an answer to a problem question – release synchronised with the end of the delivery of a particular small group session cycle.
? Past assessment questions available, together with points of answer available and (where possible), markers’ comments on good/less good performance.
? Past assessment questions and answers (with grades) available, with anonymised feedback on previous answers.
? In-session formative feedback on your independent learning in your small group sessions
? In-session formative feedback on your independent learning and large group sessions using learning technology (classroom response technology - TurningPoint) in large group sessions
Summative assessment
A single two-hour examination comprising 100% of the module assessment.
In advance of the examination, you will be provided with case study materials giving information about a simulated civil dispute.
You may take into the assessment any permitted materials. These may include the case study materials and any other written materials, including notes, and any textbook.
In the examination, you will be asked questions about the dispute and the application of principles and processes to the steps in resolving the dispute. Additional information about the dispute may be given in the examination.
Your tutors will be looking for your ability to investigate and analyse problems in Civil Dispute Resolution.
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)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
‘Civil Dispute Resolution’ examines the methods by which disputes can be resolved, within and outside litigation. Resolving disputes is a key part of business life, and equally important for individuals. You will learn to evaluate a dispute, identify possible ways to protect clients’ positions, help them to achieve their objectives and outcomes, and to recognise the real constraints of the costs and funding environment in litigation.
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 Civil Dispute Resolution 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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