LW7129 - Transnational Criminal Law

What will I learn on this module?

You will receive a substantive introduction in the area of transnational criminal law. The module specifically focuses on 4 key areas of transnational crime; transnational organised crime, human trafficking, cyber-crime and terrorism. You will also cover the mechanisms of state co-operation with respect to transnational crimes, such as mutual legal assistance and extradition and considers key questions in relation to jurisdiction such as the aut dedere aut judicare principle. You will also study the workings of bodies dedicated to the promotion of inter-state co-operation such as Eurojust, Europol and Interpol and to the suppression of transnational criminality within the European Union.
Outline of substantive topic areas:

? The concept of transnational crime
? International law enforcement cooperation
? Jurisdiction
? Extradition
? Transnational Organised Crime
? Human Trafficking
? Cyber-crime
? Terrorism
? Future trends

How will I learn on this module?

You will receive a mixture of lectures and seminars. The lectures will cover a range of key theoretical and practical concepts relating to transnational criminal law. The seminars will provide you with an opportunity to explore the theory covered in the lectures and gain further practical insights based on contemporary developments. Directed learning will focus on pre-reading, activity-based learning through specially designed workshop exercises and the use of the e-Learning portal (Blackboard Ultra). Your Formative assessment will be achieved by self-test questions and case studies in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed exercises. Answers to self-test questions and answer plans to the case studies will be provided on the Blackboard Ultra site and your tutor will give oral and written feedback to you as required. Your independent learning will centre on you identifying further reading and research to provide deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of transnational criminal law. Regular formative feedback will be provided by the teaching team and module tutor during timetabled sessions. As can be seen from these learning activities, the module is supported by a range of electronic materials, which are made available to all students via the elearning platform (Blackboard Ultra). These include lecture recordings, written guidance, worked examples of assignments, and self-test exercises. You will receive a module handbook which outlines the formal sessions (lectures and workshops), and provides details of tutor-directed and independent study/learning

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported in a number of ways. This module will be designed and managed by your designated Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the module. All relevant materials and instructions including notes for lectures and workshops will be accessible on-line through Blackboard Ultra. The site is maintained by your Module Tutor, who will also provide guidance on any other issues that they consider relevant to your studies. You will receive oral feedback from your tutors during your workshops following the completion of the presentations and the submission of short pieces of written work that you are required to submit during the course of the module. Your tutors will also be very happy to answer any questions that you may have on any aspect of the module.
The University is well-placed to support you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources, a range of materials designed to support the development of students’ study skills, and software including bibliographic software such as Endnote.

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 able to make judgments on competing theories and critically apply expert knowledge of the law relating to transnational criminal law

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• You will be able to analyse and communicate complex legal and policy issues relating to transnational criminal law

• You will be able to critically evaluate source material, suggest alternative approaches to transnational criminal law and its application in practice and reflect on the application of your knowledge and that of others within practical contexts

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• You will gain a critical awareness of how transnational criminal law works in a global context.

• You will be able to critically evaluate source material, suggest alternative approaches to transnational criminal law and its application in practice and reflect on the application of your knowledge and that of others within practical and cultural contexts

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will be achieved by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed exercises.

Summative Assessment will be undertaken on an individual basis by way of assignment, which constitutes 100% of the marks for this module. This assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues of transnational crime presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning.

The maximum word limit for the assessment is 3,000 words. The assessment will take the form of a research piece which will be designed to facilitate examination of specific aspects of relevant transnational criminal law and related legal research and may include discussion of recent developments, where appropriate assessment criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.

Pre-requisite(s)

NA

Co-requisite(s)

NA

Module abstract

In an increasingly globalised world, crime is no longer confined to the territory of one State. Criminals often exploit borders to their advantage and the suppression of transnational crime requires cross-border solutions. This module is intended to introduce you to the concept of transnational crime, the treaties that create obligations for States to suppress these crimes and the institutions developed to support cross border investigations and cooperation. The module specifically focuses on 4 key areas of transnational crime; transnational organised crime, human trafficking, cyber-crime and terrorism. You will cover the mechanisms of state co-operation with respect to transnational crimes, such as mutual legal assistance and extradition and considers key questions in relation to jurisdiction. You will also study the workings of bodies dedicated to the promotion of inter-state co-operation such as Eurojust, Europol and Interpol and to the suppression of transnational criminality within the European Union. The consequences of the UK leaving the EU will be considered and the potential future trajectory of criminal justice cooperation will be discussed.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Northumbria Law School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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