Module: LAW6000-20 Property Law with Interviewing

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  Nichola McNulty

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.mcnulty@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:  

For most people, the most expensive asset they’ll probably ever own (and possibly buy) will be their home; hopefully a cherished building which provides shelter for them and their family.  Given this importance and status, it is of no surprise that the law heavily regulates rights and interests in land and buildings.

This module is likely to be relevant to everyone either now (because you’re renting, or might even own your own home already) or in the future (again, because you’ll rent, inherent or buy a property), or because you might work ‘with’ land (as a lawyer, surveyor, estate agent, etc.)

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following graduate attributes:

• Will be able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change;

• Will be creative:  Able to innovate and to solve problems by working across disciplines as professional or artistic practitioners;

• Will be critical thinkers:  Able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy.

2.Outline syllabus:

Topics covered might include:

• Main property principles:  Interests, trusts, equitable interests;

• Owning land:   Acquisition of an interest in property, estoppel, registration, transfer

• Rights to enjoy land:  Tenancies, leases, trusts, commonhold;

• Other interests in land:  licences, easements, profits, covenants and mortgages.

• Practising in land law:  investigation of title, pre-contract searches, finance, acting for parties, exchange of contracts, pre- and post-completion, steps for grant/assignment of lease/underlease/underlet, SDLT/CGT/VAT etc.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

You will be taught by way of 1x 1-hour lecture and 1x 2-hour seminar each week.  Lectures will introduce and explore substantive subjects as specified above.  Seminars will include a variety of activities including class discussion, scenario analyses, role-play, written and research exercises and other formative activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Assessed interview

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Exam (3 hours)

• % Weighting: 50%