What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about the key areas of law which are relevant to the surveying profession and examine the nature of relationships between commercial landlords and tenants. You will compare and evaluate the different approaches that countries take to the same legal issues. You will also explore current methods utilised for the marketing of real estate. Topics include:
• Types of legal system, in particular, Common Law jurisdictions and Civil/Roman law
• Professional standards and the regulation of surveyors.
• Ownership of land.
• Land reform and compulsory purchase
• Third party and public rights affecting land.
• Rights, obligations and liabilities of land owners and occupiers.
• Contract law.
• Marketing of property and heads of terms.
• Laws affecting the work of surveyors, in particular professional negligence and regulations affecting the sale of land.
• The process of the sale of land.
• Commercial Property leases including key landlord and tenant obligations.
• Methods of adding value to real estate including re-gearing leases, rent reviews and tenant mix strategy
• Green Leases and Corporate Social Responsibility
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through two-hour weekly workshops and independent learning. The key legal principles, issues and theories will be introduced by the lecturer and followed by individual and group exercises which will provide opportunities to apply the rules to scenarios and discuss the issues.
A range of different tasks, with formative feedback, are aimed at supporting your learning style. Each session is supported by directed reading accessed through a reading list.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The module team will provide support for students including answering student queries and providing guidance in relation to the module, including its assessment and the student’s academic progress. You can seek support in taught sessions and can also request guidance outside of class time via appointment.
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. You will be expected to analyse and apply the principles of land law, tort, contract and landlord and tenant law and make comparisons between different jurisdictions.
MLO2. You will be able to interpret leases and documentation relating to the sale of land.
MLO3. You will demonstrate your understanding of ways of adding value to real estate by active management strategies and marketing.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO4. You will develop your skills in communicating advice to others.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5. You will demonstrate creativity in solutions derived from the application of legal principles to real estate problems.
How will I be assessed?
The module will be assessed by an assessment of 3000 words report and 15 minute presentation.
The assessment (100%) will consist of an assignment and 15 minute oral assessment dealing with legal issues. 3,000 word assessment in legal problem solving in jurisdictions. . This assessment is designed to assess students’ ability to interpret and apply legal rules to derive solutions as well as their written and oral communication skills; interpret legal documentation, research and apply relevant legal principles, develop effective strategies and produce clear advice. (MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5).
Seminars will provide many opportunities for the formative assessment and feedback. A common seminar exercise will entail the students being presented with a problem and being asked to come up with solutions. Through group discussions and tutor feedback students will be able to assess the efficacy of their own advice.
Feedback for the formative assessments will be given in class in response to the exercise undertaken. For the summative assessments students will receive individual written feedback and general feedback for the cohort. The feedback will identify where marks have been gained and lost and will include recommendations as to how to improve their knowledge and skills.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module aims to give you the legal knowledge required to succeed in real estate practice and an understanding of how law affects the surveying profession. The module also seeks to enhance your ability to interpret real estate documentation and to problem solve and formulate advice. You will explore how effective asset management and marketing strategies can maximise the value of real estate. You will be able to compare and evaluate the different approaches that countries take to the same issues.
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. You will develop your own research skills by undertaking independent research into the law and practice of a number of different countries. 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.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Full Time (with Advanced Practice in the second year)
1 other options available
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or January 2026
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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