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LA-121A
Fundamental Principles of Contract Law
This module is available only for visiting exchange students from Chinese partner universities.
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LA-122A
Fundamental Principles of Tort Law
This module will be available only for visiting exchange students from Chinese partner universities.
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LA-123
Legal Methodology
This module will be available only for visiting exchange students from Chinese partner universities.
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LA-124
Fundamental Principles of International Trade Law
This module will be available only for visiting exchange students from Chinese partner universities.
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LA-300
Applied Commercial Law and International Business Practices
Contemporary concerns originating in market and business failures sufficiently indicate the vital importance of business law for accountability and performance. Taking account of the rapid developments in this field, this module offers students an unique opportunity to explore business law on a broad spectrum. It allows for an investigation into new and dynamic issues pertinent to the operation of businesses in the international context, including intellectual assets management, international payment and transactions, the governance of businesses and aspects of insolvency and personal responsibility. Designed to accommodate both legal and commercial perspectives, it allows students to obtain an understanding of cutting edge developments in a number of discrete legal areas.
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LA-M001
Commercial and Maritime Mooting
This module delivers a comprehensive and practice-oriented immersion into the intricacies of advanced legal practice, centering on the method of mooting to simulate the dynamics of complex litigation and arbitration proceedings. It serves as a vital bridge between academic study and professional application, designed to cultivate the essential skills required for effective legal advocacy in demanding environments. The learning experience is structured through a dynamic blend of interactive seminars and practical advocacy labs, ensuring a robust foundation in both theory and technique.
The progression of the curriculum is carefully scaffolded to build student confidence and capability. It commences with foundational exercises and introductory mini-moots, which function as highly effective icebreakers and low-stakes opportunities for initial skill development. These early activities allow participants to build core competencies in a supportive setting. Through this structured journey, students methodically develop and refine a suite of key professional skills, including sophisticated legal research and analytical reasoning, compelling oral and written advocacy, persuasive presentation, and active critical listening.
Participants receive continuous, tailored feedback and guidance throughout this developmental process, which culminates in the meticulous preparation for a major Internal Moot Competition. This capstone event is designed to replicate the rigorous atmosphere of an actual hearing, serving a dual purpose as a summative assessment and a significant professional networking opportunity. It facilitates meaningful engagement with peers, faculty, and members of the practicing legal community. Ultimately, by transforming theoretical knowledge into applied expertise, this module offers an exceptional experiential platform for students to develop the practical, high-level advocacy skills that are fundamental to a successful and impactful career in the legal profession.
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LA-M002
Independent Research Project
This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth research project on a topic relevant to their programme. It is designed to develop advanced research, analytical, and critical evaluation skills essential for legal scholarship and professional practice.
Students will identify a research question of significant relevance to the discipline and produce a substantial dissertation that demonstrates mastery of the subject matter. The module emphasises rigorous engagement with primary and secondary sources, enabling students to critically assess current research and advanced scholarship in the field.
Through sustained analysis, students will synthesise doctrinal principles and policy considerations, presenting a coherent and well-structured argument that reflects originality and intellectual independence. The dissertation process also fosters the ability to advance knowledge and understanding beyond existing literature, equipping students with transferable skills for future academic or professional development.
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LA-M003
Employability Skills in the Commercial and Maritime Industry
This module is a dedicated professional development programme designed to equip LLM students with the essential, practical skills required to successfully transition from academic study to a thriving career in the commercial and maritime law sectors. It bridges the gap between legal expertise and professional practice by providing hands-on guidance in critical areas such as effective written and oral communication, strategic career planning, and self-promotion. Through a series of interactive employability workshops, mock interviews, guest lectures from industry practitioners, curated networking events, and organised trips to leading industry organisations, students gain direct, immersive insight into the professional landscape. The module offers specific guidance on qualifying as a practicing lawyer in England & Wales and prepares students to articulate the value of their academic experience, navigate competitive application processes, and build a professional network, enabling them to represent themselves with confidence and competence.
The curriculum is strategically designed to foster not only technical proficiency but also a proactive professional mindset, encouraging students to critically engage with the evolving demands of global trade, shipping, and commercial dispute resolution. By synthesising theoretical knowledge with authentic industry engagement, students will develop a robust professional identity and a clear, actionable career strategy. This forward-looking approach ensures graduates are not just qualified in maritime and commercial law, but are also astute, connected, and strategic professionals ready to contribute meaningfully to their chosen field from day one.
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LACM001
International Trade Law
This module deals in detail with the English law relating to the international sale of goods. It covers general sales law. As well as this it deals with specific issues that arise in international sales law such as force majeure, agency, remedies, and form contracts such as FCA, FOB and CIF. With a good understanding of it, students will be able legally to see an international trade transaction through from beginning to end.
It concentrates on English law, but reference is made to other systems for comparison. English law is particularly relevant here because a great deal of international trade is conducted subject to contracts providing for English law and jurisdiction; in addition the law of big hitters in commerce, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore and Hong Kong is closely based on it. The law of other Commonwealth countries such as India and Bangladesh is similar.
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LACM002
Transport Law: Aviation & Finance
This module offers a critical and comprehensive examination of the legal and financial frameworks that govern the national and international transportation of goods and passengers by air and road. With a special focus on the aviation sector, the module also provides a comparative analysis with ship finance. The material will delve into the impact of existing laws on the use of new transport systems, such as Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Carriage of Passengers and Cargo
This section critically analyses the international treaties governing the carriage of passengers and cargo, with a particular emphasis on the Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99).
¿ Air Carriage: The module examines the passenger liability system of the MC99, including the two-tiered liability and the carrier¿s defences under Articles 20 and 21(2). It explores the concept of "bodily injury" and "accident" as prerequisites for a valid claim, drawing from influential cases. The module also covers baggage claims, differentiating between the liability of checked-in and carry-on baggage, and discusses how passengers can claim more than the standard SDR limits through special declarations. The exclusivity principle of the Convention, enshrined in Article 29, is a core focus, including its relationship with domestic laws and EU regulations, such as Regulation 261/2004, concerning flight delays and cancellations.
¿ Road Carriage: The module introduces the legal framework for the international carriage of goods by road, focusing on the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR). You will learn about the key provisions of the CMR, including its history, aims, scope of application, and carrier's liability. It also covers specific aspects of multimodal transport, such as piggyback and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) operations.
Asset Financing
This part of the module examines the nature and function of credit and other financing mechanisms, including mortgages and leasing.
¿ Aircraft Finance: The module examines various financing methods, including loans secured by mortgages, finance leases, and operating leases. It highlights why finance leases have become the most popular method for financing aircraft acquisitions and explores the challenges of aircraft mortgages, such as the mobility of assets and differing jurisdictional laws. The module provides an overview of the key legal concepts under English law, including attachment, perfection, and the priority of competing security interests.
¿ International Interests and the Cape Town Convention: A significant portion of the module is dedicated to the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment 2001 and its Aircraft Protocol. It covers the convention's aims, such as facilitating financing and providing creditors with remedies for default and insolvency. The module also details the first-to-file priority rule of the international registry.
¿ Ship Finance: The module offers a comparative analysis of aircraft finance with ship finance, focusing on the prevalent forms of financing, such as ship mortgages and finance leases. It highlights the unique challenges of ship mortgages, including the risk of permanent loss and the mobile nature of the assets, which can lead to complex jurisdictional issues regarding arrest and the validity of mortgages.
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LACM003
International Intellectual Property Law
This module concentrates on the international law aspects of Intellectual Property (IP). With the growing global market and continuing disparity between developed and developing countries, IP has assumed a significant role in international discourse. The module discusses the set of laws that govern the creation, protection, sharing, and use of intellectual property in the global context. Topics such as copyright, trademark, geographical indication systems, traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, patents, plant varieties and industrial designs will be explored.
IP protection is traditionally jurisdictional, yet, it has become common for IP issues to arise across jurisdictions because IP laws can vary significantly from one country to another. International IP law is the subject of treaties between nations throughout the world, therefore, the module further examines the various existing and proposed international instruments relating to intellectual property, such as the TRIPS agreement; Paris, Berne, and Madrid Conventions; etc, as well as organisations that seek to provide global IP protection by establishing international IP laws, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the field of international IP framework.
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LACM004
International Commercial Arbitration
International commercial disputes that cannot be otherwise resolved are customarily referred to arbitration. As such, a global network of arbitration organisations and international institutions exists to address references to arbitration. The module examines the arbitration structures that exist to resolve international disputes in the context of commercial arbitration, as well as the associated questions of private international law.
It has two main aims, an internal and an external one.
The internal aim of the module focuses on the journey of an arbitration from start to finish, with the arbitration agreement at its core. This agreement is a foundational contract in which the parties agree to resolve any future disputes through arbitration rather than litigation. It is a key expression of party autonomy¿the principle that parties are free to choose the terms of their dispute resolution. The module will break down the process into several stages:
¿ Drafting and Validity: You will learn how to draft a valid arbitration clause and analyse common challenges to its enforceability, such as issues of capacity or duress.
¿ The Arbitral Tribunal: You'll study how arbitrators are selected, what qualifications they need, and the role of institutions like the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) or the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in facilitating this process.
¿ The Hearing: This stage involves the presentation of evidence and arguments. You will likely cover the procedural rules that govern the hearing, which the parties or the arbitral institution often set.
¿ The Award: This is the final decision of the arbitral tribunal. Unlike a court judgment, an arbitral award is a private document. The module will cover the necessary elements of a valid award and the grounds on which it can be challenged.
¿ Enforcement: A crucial part of the process is making the award legally binding and enforceable across different countries. You will examine the New York Convention of 1958, a landmark treaty that provides a framework for the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.
The external aim of the module is to explore the dynamic and sometimes tense relationship between arbitration and national legal systems. This is where private international law comes into play, determining which country's laws apply to a dispute and which country's courts have jurisdiction.
This part's fundamental question¿"what are the limits of the Court¿s role in the arbitral process?"¿highlights the principle of minimal curial intervention. National courts generally respect arbitration agreements and try not to interfere, but there are specific circumstances where they can get involved:
¿ Assisting Arbitration: Courts can assist the process by, for example, granting interim measures like freezing assets or compelling a reluctant witness to testify.
¿ Reviewing and Setting Aside Awards: Courts can review an award on a number of grounds that we will explore.
¿ Enforcing Awards: As mentioned above, a court may be asked to enforce an award under the New York Convention. However, the court can refuse enforcement if a party can prove one of the limited grounds for refusal, such as a lack of a valid arbitration agreement.
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LACM005
International Corporate Law, Governance and Finance
A spate of high-profile corporate failures and scandals over the past few decades have called for detailed examination and investigation of the legal and financial contexts in which such events have played out. Against this backdrop, this module seeks to explore and illuminate the general legal framework, the governance principles, policies and structures and the financing imperatives which underpin the existence and operation of corporations within the modern commercial arena.
In the first semester, students will be introduced to a range of fundamental principles of company law and other forms of governance in the contemporary corporate environment, primarily from the UK perspective. Recent changes in this field will also be explored, to discover how the legal system encourages the practical transition to a more sustainable corporate culture. Key issues that will be explored at this stage include the role, duties and liabilities of directors, the functions of shareholders and various other stakeholders and the part played by the professional agents of these separate organs of the company in navigating the complex legal environment within which it operates.
In the second semester, the legal basis for corporate financing will be examined, with a specific focus on the mechanisms available to companies in the vital quest to generate the funds needed to finance their activities and ensure their economic viability in today¿s ultra-competitive business environment.
The rest of this semester will be devoted to the highly topical and rapidly evolving area of corporate governance, with a particular emphasis on its global aspects and transnational dimensions. The main frame of reference here will be the ¿governance gaps¿ created by the relentless trend towards globalisation. Such gaps which are especially evident in the developing nations of the Global South, have arisen from the disjuncture between the business-related activities of transnational corporations and. other commercial enterprises and the development of legal and regulatory capabilities to govern such activities. We will examine some of the key issues emanating from the trans-border operations of these multinational enterprises against the backdrop of national and international legal frameworks governing human rights, environmental protection, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.
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LACM03
E-commerce and Regulation of Electronic Transactions
This module seeks to address the complex legal issues and regulatory challenges arising from the pursuit of commercial activities by electronic means. It focuses in particular on the expanding role of various types of electronic transactions and different forms of digital assets within the modern commercial sphere. It examines the legal frameworks that have been put in place for dealing with key aspects of such transactions and digital products both at the national level and internationally. The module identifies and discusses the problems that governments have had to contend with in seeking to exert their regulatory control in the realm of electronic commerce in today¿s Internet age. Where appropriate, it does so from a comparative perspective which looks at the approaches adopted in the U.K, the E.U and various other jurisdictions. Also examined is the application of existing legal principles to e-commerce, again adopting a comparative approach, analysing existing legal adaptations, their appropriateness and how such adaptations might be improved in the future.
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LACM14
International Intellectual Property Law
This module concentrates on the international law aspects of Intellectual Property (IP). With the growing global market and continuing disparity between developed and developing countries, IP has assumed a significant role in international discourse. The module discusses the set of laws that govern the creation, protection, sharing, and use of intellectual property in the global context. Topics such as copyright, trademark, geographical indication systems, traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, patents, plant varieties and industrial designs will be explored. IP protection is traditionally jurisdictional, yet, it has become common for IP issues to arise across jurisdictions because IP laws can vary significantly from one country to another. International IP law is the subject of treaties between nations throughout the world, therefore, the module further examines the various existing and proposed international instruments relating to Intellectual Property, such as the TRIPS agreement; Paris, Berne, Rome and Madrid Conventions; Marrakesh Treaty etc. There are organizations that seek to provide global IP protection by establishing international IP laws, hence, the module reviews the efforts of the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the field of international IP framework.
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LACM19
IP Law in the Context of Creative Industries
This module¿studies the impact of the fourth industrial revolution, precisely modern innovative technologies on law and regulation of intellectual property rights in the digital age.¿It¿focuses on the relationship between law, innovation and technological developments, and explores legal protection of intellectual assets created in the process of digitalisation.
In the digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and classic human-to-human interactions have transformed into human-to-machine communications. Apart from the inevitable boost in e-commerce and automatisation powered by AI, big data and computation, our dependence on digital technologies and services has increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst these enormous changes brought by the fourth industrial revolution, digitalisation and intellectual property become hand in hand. Indeed, creative assets and intellectual property rights might become more vulnerable to thefts or infringement risks. Hence, governments and legal authorities strive to ensure appropriate regulation and protection which in turn facilitate digitalisation and provide more opportunities for innovative activities.
The module is designed to give students a knowledge base of the legal doctrines and provisions that are applied to intangible outputs and intellectual property rights and their implications in the digitalised world. It gives an overview of the emerging technological developments and digitalisation trends and scrutinises their relationship with intellectual property rights created through transactions taking place in cyberspace.¿Upon critical evaluation of the nature and significance of intellectual property rights including¿copyrights, patents, trademarks, designs and similar rights¿in terms of technology, commercial interests and the law, the module underpins the increased importance of intangibles, such as brands, know-how and data in the digital economy. In this vein, the course sheds light on the private and public interests of businesses, enterprises, governments as well as the international community to ensure legal protection of intellectual property rights and explores national, regional (EU) and international aspects of the regulatory frameworks. The module further delves into the fundamentals of blockchain¿technology and smart contracts and their implications for the intellectual property ecosystem. Moreover, having regard to technological innovations experienced in the maritime industry and the government¿s Marine 2050 strategy, the course also looks at the intellectual property aspects of the AI-powered ships operating independently of human interaction. Finally, the module addresses intellectual property and technology disputes and their resolution.
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LAMM001
Admiralty Law
This module introduces the core principles and legal framework of Admiralty law, a central branch of maritime law that governs rights and liabilities arising from the operation of ships.
The module examines the principal areas of Admiralty jurisdiction, including liability for collisions, the powers and duties of port and harbour authorities, salvage operations, towage contracts, and the carriage of passengers by sea. A key focus is placed on the international conventions and domestic legislation that underpin these regimes, as well as on the complex interplay between contractual obligations and tortious liability.
Students will also study the limitation of shipowners¿ liability and the mechanisms available for the enforcement of maritime claims, such as ship arrest and related procedures. In doing so, the module will highlight the practical importance of Admiralty law in securing maritime claims and ensuring fair outcomes between competing interests.
By engaging with case law, statutes, and international instruments, students will gain a detailed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of shipowners, operators, salvors, passengers, and other stakeholders. This module therefore provides both a conceptual and practical grounding in Admiralty law as applied internationally.
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LAMM002
Charterparties and Carriage of Goods by Sea
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the legal and commercial significance of charterparties and other principal contracts used for the carriage of goods by sea, including bills of lading and seaway bills. It examines the fundamental legal principles governing charterparties in general, as well as those specific to key forms of charter agreements, particularly voyage and time charterparties. The module also considers how these principles continue to evolve in response to market developments and commercial pressures and explores the relationship between charterparties and other contracts relating to the employment of ships and the carriage of goods.
In addition, the module analyses the main features and characteristics of the various forms of contracts of carriage used in sea transport. It addresses the legal and practical issues that arise when cargo carried under such contracts is lost or damaged and examines the role of the principal international regimes governing carriage by sea, including the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules. Finally, the module considers contemporary challenges associated with the nature of bailment contracts and the practicalities of pursuing cargo claims.
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LAMM003
The Law of Marine Insurance
This module introduces fundamental principles and key concepts of marine property insurance, covering the insurance of ships, cargo, and freight. While the focus is primarily on English law, the subject has significant international relevance. English marine insurance principles are widely applied across Commonwealth jurisdictions and are frequently cited as authoritative in the United States. Additionally, insurance forms used in the London market are adopted in approximately two-thirds of the world¿s markets (UNCTAD), with US forms showing notable similarities.
The legal framework for English marine insurance is based on the Marine Insurance Act 1906, as updated by the Insurance Act 2015. However, many provisions are often modified by agreement between the parties, and the Act does not specify the perils covered. Therefore, this module places particular emphasis on the standard clauses developed by the International Underwriting Association of London, which form the basis of contemporary marine insurance contracts.
Throughout the module, students will examine the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both assureds and insurers. Key topics include the principles of indemnity, subrogation, and co-insurance, as well as the practical application of standard contract clauses in real-world marine insurance.
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LAMM004
Oil and Gas Law: Contracts and Liabilities
Oil & Gas Law: Contracts and Liabilities is designed for students seeking to specialise in the sophisticated legal arena of the UK and international energy sector. The module offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the foundational contractual and liability frameworks governing oil and gas operations, with a primary focus on English law.
Students will embark on a detailed journey through the lifecycle of a hydrocarbon project, from the initial licensing of UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) blocks under the Petroleum Act 1998 to the complex commercial arrangements for development, operation, and sale. The module provides an in-depth analysis of the key contractual instruments¿including Licences, Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs), and specialised contracts for drilling and hydrocarbon sales¿that define relationships and allocate significant financial and operational risks between states, operators, contractors, and co-venturers. Particular emphasis is placed on the standard forms prevalent in the UK sector, such as LOGIC contracts and the AIEN (AIPN) JOA.
A core pillar of the module is the rigorous study of liability regimes under English common law and statute. This includes a dedicated focus on oil pollution liability from offshore operations, alongside the analysis of indemnity structures for operational incidents, property damage, and personal injury. Students will critically analyse seminal cases, complex indemnity clauses (including knock-for-knock regimes), and the contractual management of risk across the project chain. By synthesising black-letter law with commercial practice, the module equips students with the expert analytical toolkit required to navigate, advise upon, and critique the legal architectures that underpin one of the world¿s most capital-intensive and strategically vital industries.
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LAMM005
Offshore Energy Law
This module offers an advanced, critical exploration of the legal architectures that are actively shaping the transition to a decarbonised maritime economy. It moves beyond foundational principles to interrogate the complex and rapidly evolving intersection where international environmental law, maritime regulation, and sophisticated commercial project delivery converge. The module is designed for students seeking to specialise in the frontline of energy and environmental law, providing the expert knowledge required to navigate a sector defined by technological innovation, stringent climate policy, and significant capital investment.
The curriculum is structured around three interconnected pillars. First, it establishes the macro-regulatory drivers, conducting a critical analysis of how global climate change frameworks, specifically the Paris Agreement, create a binding imperative for sectoral action. This is examined through the dual lenses of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) global regulatory strategy for shipping emissions and the European Union's pioneering, and often contentious, regional policy suite, including its Emissions Trading System (ETS) for maritime transport and the FuelEU Maritime initiative.
Second, the module delves into the legal mechanics of offshore project delivery, which are essential for supplying the clean energy and abatement technologies required for decarbonisation. This involves a detailed dissection of the high-value, high-risk contractual ecosystems governing offshore wind farm construction¿analysing risk allocation in key agreements such as Balance of Plant (BoP) and Transport & Installation (T&I) contracts. Parallel to this, it examines the distinct legal regime for marine Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), addressing the international treaties enabling offshore storage, the structuring of CO2 transport and storage agreements, and the critical issue of long-term liability.
Third, the module confronts the novel legal and liability challenges emerging from new technologies. A core focus is the regulatory landscape and associated risks of alternative marine fuels (e.g., ammonia, hydrogen, methanol), including the application of the IGF Code and the evolving liability and insurance paradigms for bunkering operations and fuel-related incidents. Throughout, the module emphasises a critical, problem-solving approach, preparing students not only to interpret these layered legal frameworks but also to anticipate legal disputes, advise on risk mitigation in contracts, and contribute to the development of law and policy in this dynamic field.
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LAS001
Foundations in Law and Jurisprudence 1
Introduces Dalian Maritime University (DMU) students to the skills needed to argue legal and factual matters, and builds upon the knowledge.
From looking at the binding authority of different courts, cases and doctrines, to breaking down the judge¿s decision, the students learn what a strong legal argument consists of by linguistically deconstructing it.
The remaining 50 per cent of the module is about using the knowledge obtained in the deconstruction to rebuild given facts of a case to create an argument. This skill will be developed throughout the rest of the students¿ academic and legal career, and is fundamental to the rest of the DMU courses where the skill of arguing in a strong and clear way is paramount.
Practice exam sessions and revision classes towards the end of the module will prepare students for the final assessment.
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LAS002
Foundations in Law and Jurisprudence 2
This second Legal Reasoning module steps away from the theory and moves into a more practical framework and moves the learning objective away from `What the rules are¿ to `How can the rules be used¿.
Looks at case law (as the primary source of academic and professional research), explores which parts of a judgment can create precedent and bind other courts. Key cases are exemplified and worked through which allow the student to build upon the legalese and academic language used in Legal Reasoning 1.
Further, students break down the reason for the judge¿s decision (ratio decidendi) to see what points of law caused the judge to rule in that particular way, and whether any analogies can be useful (obiter dicta).
Practice exam sessions and revision classes towards the end of the course will prepare student for the final assessment of preparing a case brief for a partner at a law firm.
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LAS003
Academic English 1
Provides Dalian Maritime University (DMU) students with the academic English language skills that will lead to success for the study of law. It provides practical guidance on legal English that can be applied across the key academic skills areas of writing, reading, speaking and listening.
There focus will be on legal grammatical constructions and specialist legal vocabulary and terminology that will not only allow students to progress with a more thorough understanding of the law, but also allow students to explain and use the correct terms for future courses.
Practice exam sessions and revision classes towards the end of the course will prepare student for the final assessment.
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LAS004
Academic English 2
This second module builds on Academic English 1 by stepping from vocabulary focus, more towards grammar and clauses at a sentence level. It will span across all skills areas thereby developing writing, reading, speaking and listening proficiency.
The theme remains in the general field of company law, but there is a concerted effort in role-playing between client and lawyer in the spoken and written output which follow from the lecture and workshop input on the topic. The spoken and written work will reaffirm the vocabulary and grammar that the students have been learning for the duration of Academic English 1 and 2.
Practice exam sessions and revision classes towards the end of the course will prepare student for the final assessment.
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LAS005
English Language Proficiency
To complete the Language Proficiency Exam
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LAS101
English and Welsh Legal System
This module introduces students the English Legal System, including its fundamental concepts, its institutions and key procedures. In addition, the students are given a basic introduction to legal terminology, legal reasoning and legal methodology, which they will continue to practice and develop throughout the programme.
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LAS102
Legal English 1
Building upon the general Academic English from Year 1, the Legal English 1 module in Year 2 starts to use more sophisticated vocabulary coverage in sentences as well as developing the collocations of frequent legal words encountered in higher education, with a focus more in the field of contract law.
Classes will further deconstruct and rebuild legal judgements, allowing students to identify key components and grammatical and linguistic constructs that occur within this type of legal text. The written output will be to present a case note on a familiar and seminal contract case, as well as ongoing discussion classes to ensure students understand the legal concepts and use the correct terminology.
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LAS103
Legal English 2
Legal English 2 sees the content move away from legal English vocabulary and focus on its correct usage and grammatical form within oral and written sentences. Building upon the general vocabulary in Academic English 1 and contract law favoured in Legal English 1, this module starts to use the vocabulary coverage in sentences as well as developing the collocations of frequent legal words encountered in higher education and maritime law.
With the basic academic English and legal terminology now grasped, students will be developing this and start learning higher-level vocabulary and structures which will be practised through role plays, pair work, discussions and debates which are all common assessment methods in university and important career skills.
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LAS104
Law of Contract
The Law of Contract is at the heart of the system of obligations in law and forms, together with tort law. It provides the essential foundation for further subjects in the areas of commercial, consumer, company and maritime law as well as international trade. The matters covered within the law of contract include contract formation and contents, vitiating and avoidance factors, terms and performance of contract as well as remedies.
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LAS201
Law of Tort
The Law of tort is a branch of the civil law which provides possible remedies for the protection of a person¿s interests in relation to different forms of loss which may be experienced as a result of different types of incident. In deciding whether there is liability in tort, it may be vital to determine the degree to which one side or the other was to blame for what happened and it may matter whether the defendant caused the injury deliberately, negligently, or there may be liability even though the person who has caused the damage was not to blame at all. These are all issues which the students will address within the module.
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LAS202
Legal Skills 1
Legal Skills 1 is the first step students will take into writing in English for specific purposes, itself an academic discipline. The focus is preparation for writing an opinion essay, which is the end objective of this module and provides a good foundation for writing tasks at university.
Students learn how to structure an opinion essay, and how to use legal and persuasive authorities to support those opinions. Critical thought and questioning is encouraged, and the analytical skills previously learnt are challenged.
To obtain good quality research, students learn the skills involved in navigating a library for books, case law, legislation, journals and law reports. This information is then adapted to be used in an essay by demonstrating and teaching how to summarise and paraphrase while avoiding academic misconduct.
Finally, an essay question is broken down and the key elements extrapolated, and students can use their newly obtained skills to prepare a first draft opinion essay. Students are then taught how to proofread their work before submission.
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LAS205
Legal Case Reading
Case law and judicial precedent operate under the principle of stare decisis, which means that for the law to function and develop, a judge must know what the previous decisions of courts are. Case reports, or ¿law reports¿, make this possible. This module seeks to introduce students to research methodologies and theoretical perspectives (such as doctrinal, comparative law, socio-legal, historical, content analysis, quantitative analysis, research ethics), with a particular focus on effective dissecting and interpreting case law.
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LAS206
Commercial and Maritime Mooting
A moot court simulates a court hearing (usually an appeal against a final decision), in which participants analyse a problem, research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and present oral argument. Therefore, the aim of this module is for students to have a practical understanding of the legal challenges they will face in the maritime sector, they will be taught to engage and think deeply about the problems, build up their advocacy skills and legal research, as well as learn teamwork.
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LATM001
Artificial Intelligence in Commerce and Legal Practice
This module offers a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the legal and commercial implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a primary focus on its applications in transportation systems, particularly automated vehicles. While AI is a staple of modern commerce, its integration raises fundamental questions about its function within existing legal frameworks. The module first establishes a foundational understanding of the core AI technologies and their limitations, before delving into the legal challenges they present.
The module will begin with a non-technical overview of AI, differentiating between key technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) and Symbolic Reasoning. We will examine how these technologies are used in autonomous vehicles for perception (building a model of the surrounding reality) and reasoning (planning actions). This includes a critical look at the inherent limitations of ML, such as the Pareto principle and the ¿black box¿ problem of non-explainable AI, which can lead to biases and challenges in determining fault. The module will also explore data privacy issues related to in-vehicle cameras and the collection of real-world data.
Building on the technological foundation, the module will critically analyse how existing and new legal frameworks are adapting to AI. The core of the legal discussion will revolve around two key pieces of UK legislation:
¿ the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (AEVA 2018). We will examine this innovative piece of legislation and its primary objective of providing a swift and seamless path to compensation for victims of accidents involving automated vehicles. The module will dissect its system of strict liability for insurers, the specific exceptions to this liability, and the complex issues it raises regarding causation and contributory negligence. We will also consider the commercial rationale behind this approach and the role of insurance in this new landscape.
¿ Automated Vehicles Act 2024 (AVA 2024): This module is among the first to explore the comprehensive regulatory framework introduced by this Act. We will delve into the new legal concepts it presents, such as the ¿self-driving test¿ and the designation of an ¿Authorised Self-Driving Entity¿ (ASDE), which is legally responsible for the vehicle's performance. The module will also examine the new licensing requirements for operators of automated passenger services and the marketing restrictions designed to prevent consumer confusion.
Beyond statutory law, the module will examine how traditional private law is grappling with the implications of AI. This includes an in-depth look at
¿ Product Liability: We will examine the liability of manufacturers and other parties (such as component suppliers and programmers) in cases of accidents caused by defective vehicles or embedded software, considering both negligence and strict liability under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
¿ Law of Obligations (Tort and Contract): The module will address fundamental questions about whether AI can be a legal subject. Can a machine be negligent or malicious? Can it know or form a legal intent to contract? We will examine how concepts such as misrepresentation, duress, and professional duty of care apply when AI is involved in a transaction or service.
¿ Intellectual Property (IP): The module will analyse the complex challenges AI poses to copyright, patents, and trademarks. We will discuss the debate over AI-generated works, authorship, and whether AI can be considered an inventor, referencing key legal cases. We will also explore the impact of AI on trademark law, including the concept of the ¿average consumer¿ in an age of AI-driven commerce and product recommendations.
¿ LegalTech: Finally, we will examine the use of AI within legal practice itself, including a look at foundational technologies like Akoma Ntoso, which is a standard for tagging legislative and judicial documents, and how these technologies can
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LATM002
Digital Commerce and Technology Law: Regulation of E-transactions and Blockchain
The rapid evolution of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed the way commercial transactions are conducted and governed. This module examines the legal foundations, regulatory challenges, and private international law implications of electronic commerce and distributed ledger technologies (DLT).
In the first part of the module, students will explore the formation, content, and enforcement of online contracts, with a focus on consumer protection, jurisdictional challenges, and the regulation of online commercial activities such as domain name registration and brand protection.
The second part introduces the legal and commercial significance of distributed ledger technologies, including blockchain, smart contracts, and digital assets. Students will examine the emergence of electronic trade documents, the recognition of digital tokens as property, and the cross-border legal issues that arise in relation to jurisdiction, applicable law, and enforcement. The module concludes with an exploration of online dispute resolution mechanisms and their potential to enhance access to justice in the digital economy.
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LATM01
Artificial Intelligence in Commerce and Legal Practice
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming integral to the fabric of modern society and is already a staple of commercial organisations and businesses looking to enhance their productivity. It has been used for a variety of reasons, such as the reduction of financial paperwork via the electronicisation of commercial payments (that are now regularly made by computer), and increasingly for the incidence of smart contract payments automatically triggered by a payee¿s computer acting in collaboration with the debtor¿s IT systems. Where goods are ordered automatically (e.g. an industrialist¿s computer hooked up to a component supplier¿s server), they can also give rise to the formation of entirely new contracts.
This module will focus on the use of AI within commercial and legal settings. It is often the case that once the technology is put in place issues will arise, such as the question of whether such technology can function within the parameters of existing legal rules. Human rights ¿ even within a commercial framework ¿ must also be considered as part of any analysis concerning the use of AI (notably, for example, the right to privacy).
Overall, this module intends to provide an in-depth analysis of AI in the context of existing private legal rules while also exploring its role in society, what legal frameworks need to be developed.
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LATM02
Distributed Ledger Technology (Blockchain) and Commerce - Law and Regulation
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is an integral part of the emerging digital transformation taking place within commercial and financial industries. It has the potential to dramatically alter the way businesses operate, providing improved efficiency of current client requirements and opening doors for new services.
In simple terms, DLT is a database that is distributed across several independent computing devices (nodes) where changes to data are protected and managed by cryptography and consensus ensuring that data cannot tampered with and that all parties have identical copies that can be considered as a reliable source of truth.
This module intends to analyse the legal position of those employing such ledgers in the context of their businesses. To appreciate the potential legal problems emerging, the applications of such ledgers in different areas of commercial law (finance, insurance, shipping) will be studied. The module will then discuss whether any change in private law rules is required to ensure that such ledgers do not create unexpected consequences for relevant parties. Regulators are also actively exploring the need to regulate the use of such ledgers. Regulation is rather challenging in this area due to potential jurisdictional problems, and overly strict regulation could potentially reduce the commercial values of such ledgers. These issues, along with others, will be discussed as part of this module.
