What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will be introduced to the legal system and professional practice concepts that underpin the role of the surveying professional. You will initially study key professional competencies that form part of the RICS mandatory competencies and the CIH code of professional standards. You will then explore key principles contained within the English legal system as they pertain to practice such as legal reasoning and legislation.
Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
* Professional competencies
o Professional ethics
o Professionalism and client care
o Communication and avoiding/resolving conflicts
o RICS competencies and continuing professional development
* Legal systems
o Introduction to the English legal system and legal study skills
o Contract Law and the formation of contracts
o Contract law and associated problems
o Land law
o Tort
o Landlord and tenant law
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding that you have acquired will form part of the broader contextual framework that will prepare you for the further, detailed study of your chosen discipline.
You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of professionalism and ethics within practice.
How will I learn on this module?
The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an easily accessible format. The teaching materials support your learning. Sessions deliver flexible, learning materials, accessible in a variety of formats such as audio and video presentations, and hard copies. Tasks to extend and test your learning are interspersed within the learning materials. A range of different tasks are aimed at supporting your learning style. In addition to this you will be encouraged to utilise peer to peer support opportunities through the use of elp supported platforms for interaction or, if you choose to, external student supported platforms. Each session is supported by reading accessed through the electronic reading list.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and you can email a question directly to the tutor from within the session. Answers are fed back either directly to you or, if appropriate via the module discussion board. In advance of each assessment there is additional guidance uploaded to the module site to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.
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:
* MLO1: Critically analyse a legal issue, identify and apply relevant legal principles and make appropriate recommendations
* MLO2: Critically appraise the concepts of professional practice standards and competencies and apply them to your professional development
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
* MLO3: Critically analyse information, identify solutions, demonstrate judgement and communicate findings.
* MLO4: Critically appraise the concept of professional standards and competencies and apply them to housing practice
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
* MLO5: Reflect critically on professional practice and apply to your personal development
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: there are a range of tasks embedded within the module sessions. Formative feedback will be provided, where appropriate, in a number of ways including directly upon completion, through interaction on the discussion forum and video conference sessions. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.
Summative assessment: this module is assessed by one piece of coursework.
The coursework is a professional report that requires you to critically analyse a legal issue, identify and apply legal principles, identify and discuss related issues of professional standards and ethics and make recommendations based on your analysis. The coursework tests MLOs 1-5
Coursework will be submitted, assessed and feedback provided to you online.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module aims to develop your understanding of the legal and professional environment within which the surveying practitioner operates. Topics explored include: legal problem solving; contract; tort; land law; landlord and tenant law; professional competencies; professionalism and ethics; and becoming a reflective practitioner. Learning materials are delivered online, are interactive and are supported by tasks to extend, consolidate and test your knowledge and understanding. Assessment is through two pieces of coursework that are supported by a module specific approach to research rich learning. This approach provides you with a contextual framework that you then actively apply to legal problems and the development of professional practice and skills. As an autonomous, self-directed learner your engagement with the module and its assessment will assist in the development of the knowledge, skills and attributes that are valued by employers. Specifically the module will, through the learning materials and assessment develop skills that directly relate to the professional competencies identified by the RICS and the Chartered Institute of Housing
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Distance Learning
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus
City Newcastle
Start Upcoming Intakes: January 2025, April 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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