What will I learn on this module?
The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:
• Contract Law
• Land Law
• Tort Law
• Business Law and Practice
• Wills and Probate
• Property Law and Practice
• Solicitors’ Accounts
• Taxation
• Professional Practice
On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the relevant areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge. These areas will be considered in the context of civil and/or criminal litigation and you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim/prosecution or defending an action.
The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.
It will also provide you with the theory required to practice effectively in the above areas of law.
This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be taught primarily through face to face workshops with supplementary online webcast lectures. The webcasts will be used to introduce you to the main points of each topic, providing detailed coverage of all the principles and starting to place them in context. The workshops will utilise an experiential teaching and learning strategy using a realistic case study to contextualise the areas of legal and practical knowledge. The workshops will be interactive sessions in which you will need to consider the areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge in a practical context.
In addition, you will carry out independent learning to build on the areas covered online and in class as well as completing multiple choice questions through our dedicated online learning system to prepare you for the SQE 1 assessment. You will also have access to podcasts, Sway packages and online learning materials through our support packages.
You will be supported in the module by your workshop tutor who will provide feedback during the workshop sessions enabling you to constantly see where and how you can improve.
Importantly, you will also learn at work, through reflecting on your experiences and applying your knowledge to your practice in the workplace. The lectures and workshops will introduce you to theories and concepts and allow you to discuss with the tutors and your peers how these relate to your own work-based experiences and practice.
You will be building a portfolio of evidence that illustrates your development as a solicitor throughout the programme. This portfolio will enable you to demonstrate how you have applied your learning from across all modules into your workplace practice.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The University will support you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities; access to on-line databases and resources and appropriate software.
This module is designed by, and managed by, the Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the module. Material will be provided to you through webcasts, workshops and bespoke material on our online learning system. The module has a dedicated online teaching platform, Blackboard Ultra, which will include links to resources – such as documentaries and newly published articles – as well as providing you with a central location where you can easily access all the materials for the module as well as links to the legal knowledge that you may need on contract and tort.
As well as contact with the Module Tutor you will also be taught by your Workshop Tutor. Should you have queries you may speak to the Module Tutor or your Workshop Tutor or e-mail your query to either member of staff. Support will include oral feedback from Tutors during small group Workshops. Your Workshop Tutor will also be available to answer queries by e-mail or in person, provided an appointment has been arranged. You are encouraged to contact your Tutor if you encounter any difficulties relating to any aspect of the Module.
The Academic Programme Support Teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the Module, such as recording the marks from your assessment, maintaining student records, and dealing with programme-specific student enquiries.
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:
On completion of this module you will:
Demonstrate an in depth and systematic knowledge and understanding of the specified areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge and you will be able to apply your knowledge to professional practice
Understand the areas covered by the Solicitors Qualifying Exam Part 1
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
On completion of this module you will:
Understand how to systematically apply your in depth knowledge and understanding of the specified areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge to a range of professional contexts and advise accordingly.
Be able to use a range of sources and data to address how to approach a case and be able to identify where gaps or issues in the information exist and advise a client accordingly
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
At the end of the module you will have:
Developed intellectual independence by being able to independently advise clients on the procedure and practice relevant to the specified areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge and prepare relevant documents and advise a client whilst considering professional conduct issues.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment will be achieved by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and non-assessed exercises. Individual and group feedback will be given to students in workshop sessions on their performance after undertaking workshop tasks and/or practice assignments (MLO 1 & 3)
A series of multiple-choice questions will be made available throughout the module for individual students to test knowledge and understanding on an ongoing basis (MLO 2).
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will help you to prepare for the Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination 1 (“SQE1”) by providing you with a detailed overview of the Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) areas that SQE1 assesses. This is the first of two modules, and will cover the following areas of law:
• Contract Law
• Land Law
• Tort Law
• Business Law and Practice
• Wills and Probate
• Property Law and Practice
• Solicitors’ Accounts
• Taxation
• Professional Practice
This module facilitates the study of these areas of law in the context of practice, using realistic ‘case study’ scenarios and, where possible, simulated clinical and experiential learning to provide you not only with the theory that you would need to be able to practice effectively in that area of law, but also provides you with exposure to problem based learning and knowledge as you would experience it in practice. The knowledge you acquire will be embedded in practice and placed within the context of civil dispute resolution and/or the criminal process as appropriate.
The module outcomes will be achieved using a variety of learning technologies and simulated case studies introducing you to the fundamentals of legal practice. Learning each element in context will provide for engaging and enhanced learning.
In addition to the substantive areas of law, you will also be provided with short, 1-hour sessions designed to help you to develop the study skills that are required in order to perform well in a timed, closed book, multiple choice question assessment.
Course info
Credits 0
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 6 years Part Time
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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