KA4016 - Law for Surveyors

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the key areas of law, which are relevant to the surveying profession, and also start to develop professional skills. Topics include:

• Introduction to the English Legal System and how the law affects the work of surveyors
• Sources of law, reviewing a case, interpreting legislation, legal research and problem solving techniques
• Contract Law
• Land law; land ownership, land registration, public and private rights affecting land and adverse possession.
• The sale of land; overview of the conveyancing process, different methods of sale including auctions and tenders.
• Tort : Negligence, Professional Negligence, Occupiers' liability, nuisance and Trespass.
• Landlord and Tenant Law; reading a lease, key lease obligations and remedies for breach of covenant.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars and independent learning. Lectures will introduce you to the theoretical knowledge and seminars will develop this knowledge. The seminars will focus on problem solving scenarios and examining real estate documentation. The seminar exercises provide multiple opportunities for self-reflection, peer and tutor feedback.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for law for surveyors. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module team will provide support to you including answering student queries and providing guidance in relation to the module. Time will be set aside to discuss the assessments and self-reflection is encouraged. You can seek support in taught sessions and can also request guidance outside of class time via appointment.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

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. Identify and explain the key principles of land law, tort, contract and landlord and tenant law.

MLO2. Interpret leases and other documentation relating to real estate transactions.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO3. Communicating advice to others.

MLO4. Problem-solving skills by applying your knowledge of law to construction, property and real estate challenges.

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

MLO5. You will have reflected about your professional skills development and considered how you will maximise your abilities as a professional advisor.

How will I be assessed?

The module is summatively assessed by a single coursework requiring students to provide advice to a client about legal problems.

The assessment is set to allow you demonstrate your understanding of all the learning outcomes.

There will be many opportunities for you to evaluate your legal knowledge and problem solving skills in seminars through self-reflection and peer and tutor feedback on the exercises undertaken.

The assessment will cover all MLOs 1,2, 3, 4 and 5

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to give you the legal knowledge required to succeed in professional practice and an understanding of how law affects the surveying profession. You will develop problem-solving skills, the ability to research legal issues and apply the law to a range of situations that may arise in dealing with real estate in practice.

We have designed this module to ensure that there are many opportunities to receive feedback from peers and the teaching team during taught sessions and through the summative assessments. The use of legal research databases will be encouraged as part of Technology Enhanced Learning drive. The module will help prepare you for the workplace, in particular through the strong emphasis on problem solving and the development of effective communication skills.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for law for surveyors to develop your problem solving and effective communication skills.

Course info

UCAS Code K440

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

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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