Legal Framework and Processes - ARCH7026

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Spring Term 7 20 (10) Peter Wislocki checkmark-circle

Overview

How does the law constrain and inform architectural practice? You will learn about the sources and fundamental principles of the law (concentrating on England and Wales) and look in greater detail at laws and regulations which have the greatest impact on professional practice, referencing your own practical experience and specific scenarios applied to contract, employment law, land law, planning and development management, and dispute resolution.

Details

Contact hours

Lecture: 16 hours
Seminar: 16 hours

Method of assessment

Main Assessment Methods:
Courtroom debate: presentation supported by PowerPoint slides (20%)
Essay (80%). This component is pass compulsory.

Reassessment methods
Like-for-like

Indicative reading

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Relate the legal context within which an architect must operate, and the processes undertaken to ensure compliance with legal requirements or standards, to specific scenarios, interacting with statutory and private bodies or individuals, to competently deliver projects within diverse legislative frameworks (PC3).
2. Apply the relevant law, legislation, guidance and controls relevant to architectural design and construction to specific scenarios (PC3).
3. Appraise business priorities, required management processes and risks of running an architectural practice, and the relationship between the practice of architecture and the UK construction industry, with an ability to resource, plan, implement and record project tasks to achieve stated goals, either individually or within a team (PC4).
4. Discriminate between different legal business entities, office systems, administration procedures and the relevant legislation (PC4).
5. Comply with UK construction and contract law, construction procurement processes and the roles of built environment professionals (PC5).

Notes

  1. Credit level 7. Undergraduate or postgraduate masters level module.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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