This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module focuses on the foundational rules, principles and doctrines underpinning the constitutional and institutional legal framework of the European Union. Against the backdrop of financial turbulence within the Eurozone and the recent structural reforms to the Union introduced by the 2007 Lisbon Treaty, this core area of EU law has gained heightened political and legal significance in the context of on-going debates on the nature and extent of European legal integration.
Total contact hours: 18
Private study hours: 182
Total study hours: 200
Canterbury – LLM in (Specialisation); LLM in Law; PG Diploma in (Specialisation); PG Certificate in Law
Brussels – LLM/MA in (Specialisation) - Brussels; PG Diploma in (Specialisation) - Brussels; PG Certificate in Law
Main assessment methods
Short essay 1000 words (10%)
Long essay 4000 words (90%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
The following are required as general reading and are available in the library. Additional reading will be recommended and detailed in lecture and seminar handouts;
• Craig, P. & De Burca, G., EU Law: Text Cases and Materials (OUP, 6th Ed., 2016)
• Chalmers/Davies/Monti, EU Law, 3rd ed (CUP 2014)
• Craig/De Burca (eds) The Evolution of EU law (OUP 2011)
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:
1. To give students a firm grounding in the rules and concepts of EU constitutional and institutional law, and a deeper understanding of the
broader social and political implications of European legal integration.
2. To enable students to become familiar with the main sources of EU constitutional and institutional law and to gain an understanding of
how to access these materials for the purposes of preparing a module assessment.
3. To allow students to gain an insight into the operation of the EU legal system and into ways in which Union Law penetrates and becomes
part of the national law of the member states.
4. To enable students to appreciate the constitutional issues and agendas which are frequently implicit in cases arising before the ECJ and
national constitutional courts.
5. To allow students to engage directly with Court of Justice of the EU jurisprudence through oral presentation and analysis of selected cases
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Construct a critical argument in essay form, on the basis of independent research.
2. Present a case, identifying the key concepts, the inter-relation between the facts and the legal arguments and providing a coherent
account of the judgment and of its broader ramifications.
3. Demonstrate an increased confidence in oral communication by participation in seminar discussion of legal and non-legal issues and EU
case law, individually and/or through teamwork exercises and by delivering a case presentation.
4. Make proper use of the library resources by way of law reports, articles, monographs and textbooks.
5. Make proper use of web-based material and distinguish appropriate sources from inadequate ones.
6. Apply critical, analytical and problem-solving skills in a wide range of different legal and non-legal settings in seminars and for the purpose
of written assessment.
Stage 1
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