What will I learn on this module?
This module provides a critical introduction to the global nature of three distinct but interwoven areas of the space, cyber and telecommunications industries. The dominant consideration in all three of these environments are economic although they all have significant military dimensions. The three areas are all, in some way, contingent or connected to each other. They are also both dependent on and drivers of new technological and engineering advances. This module will provide an understanding of the fundamental ways in which they are regulated, coupled with an appreciation of the key themes that emerge in their on-going development.
The module will cover the following areas and start by considering the shared themes in the Cyber, Space and Telecoms global industry. There will be a critical introduction to the military applications of cyber, space and telecoms and analysis on the threats to space and telecoms from asymmetric cyber-attacks. There will be an evaluation of the role of space and telecoms in global navigation and transport industry and specific consideration of the changing face of broadcasting in the new space, cyber and telecoms era. As it is the main international institution, the role of the ITU will be evaluated in respect of (i) Regulation of Telecoms and (ii) Regulating Space and the Internet, together with the role of national regulators such as Ofcom. The module will then go on and consider the way in which technology shapes the law by considering new developments in cyber, space and telecommunications technology.
How will I learn on this module?
This module is offered on both the full-time and the part-time, distance-learning delivery model. For both models, the module will employ lectures and seminars to provide an opportunity to discuss the various aspects of space, cyber and telecommunications. These sessions will consolidate your understanding and allow you to critically analyse the various interdependencies that exist in relation to the three areas and other industries. If you are studying in part-time, distance-learning, you will be offered the opportunity to take part in virtual, synchronous seminars and all supporting materials will be made available for you. During your seminars, you will be afforded opportunities to undertake research, to consider how to effectively reference legal sources, and to analyse and debate the evolution of the cyber, space and telecoms regime. You will undertake tasks both individually and in groups. Throughout the module you will receive feedback from your tutors and from fellow students and you will be encouraged to reflect upon this to improve your research, writing and understanding of the intricacies of the subject. Your 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, podcasts, YouTube videos, and self-test exercises. You will receive a module handbook which outlines the formal sessions (lectures and seminars) and provides details of independent study/learning.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research experience in respect of the law of outer space. As such, they will be the principle source of academic support in the module. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding. You will be encouraged to use this resource to develop your appreciation of the interrelated nature of the disparate areas of law studied as part of the module. The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the university library. 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 and appropriate software. This module has been designed and is managed by your designated Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the module, whether studying on-campus or as part of the distance learning provision. All relevant materials and instructions including notes and recordings for lectures and seminars will be accessible on-line through the Blackboard Ultra site. The site is maintained by your Module Tutor, who will also provide updates on issues of current legal/space significance as appropriate. In respect of support for your assessment, you will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme. At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader and personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support throughout the module and the programme. If you are studying this module as a part-time, distance-learning student, you will also receive augmented online support from the module tutor.
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:
1. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of innovative and contemporary research on the global environment as it relates to the policy, principles, law, regulations and practice of space, cyber and telecommunications activity.
2. You will understand the wider impact of legal developments in respect of the global social and environmental contexts of space, cyber and telecommunications activity.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be able to analyse and communicate complex legal and policy issues effectively.
4. You will be able to conduct self-directed research including accurate identification of issue(s) in respect of the global space, cyber and telecommunications environment which require researching and the retrieval and critical evaluation of accurate, current and relevant information from a range of appropriate sources including primary legal sources.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You will be able to critically reflect on your own work and that of others.
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 space governance 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.
Assessment criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.
You will be provided with written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be fed-forward into the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.
Pre-requisite(s)
NA
Co-requisite(s)
NA
Module abstract
This module provides a critical introduction to the global nature of distinct but interwoven areas of governance and technology. The dominant considerations of these tech environments are through governance, legal, socio-economic, environmental, and military concerns. Tech sectors are all, in some way, contingent or connected to each other. They are also dependent on and drivers of new technological, engineering, and scientific advances. This module will provide an understanding of the fundamental ways in which they are governed, coupled with an appreciation of the key themes that emerge in their on-going governance framework developments. The module will enable you to critically analyse the governance of space, cyber and AI alongside industries that use technology, such as telecommunications, aviation and maritime to provide an understanding of the complex interrelationships and synergies between these globally facing activities.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available
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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