The aim of this module is to give students a practical introduction to contract law. It aims to introduce them to the key concepts involved in making a contract and the practical consequences when parties are in breach. Crucially, the module aims to foster in students an understanding of the relevant law they will need to operate effectively in the commercial world, as well as to develop the associated skills, such as drafting and negotiation, with which they will be able to apply this knowledge to practical effect. By the end of the module, students should have a solid grounding in the essential principles of contract law and a clear appreciation of how to apply these to practical business situations. The focus will be on the law of England and Wales, although other jurisdictional variants of this module may be produced in the future.
Scheduled Hours: 35
Independent Study Hours: 1`5
Total Study Hours: 150
The module will be assessed as follows:
15 minute client briefing exercise (20%).
Individual Coursework - 3,000 words (80%)
Reassessment methods:
Reassessment: 100% Coursework
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge and critical understanding of the essential principles and rules of contract formation, content (with terms distinguished from representations), execution, termination and remedies for breach.
- The ability to apply the law of contract (in both statutory and common law form) to complex practical business situations, with a view to avoiding / pre-empting and solving related legal difficulties.
- The ability to draw up basic contractual agreements which reflect the intention of the parties and make adequate provision for what will happen should one or more of the parties breach their terms.
- A clear appreciation of the commercial risks inherent in poorly drafted contracts and the financial consequences of breach.
- Critically evaluate the need to draw up contractual agreements which work for all parties concerned, limiting the potential scope for future disaffection and litigation.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to work from primary and secondary sources and to use these efficiently to identify appropriate rules of law.
- Demonstrate the ability to offer reasoned criticism from a business perspective and use this background to offer new or imaginative solutions or approaches to legal problems.
- Critically analyse information using a range of established techniques.
- Work with resilience under pressure, producing set outputs within a definite time-limited period
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.