module specification

Law of Tort 1 is a core module for the LL.B. courses, which introduces students to some of the key principles of the Law of Tort, which is one of the foundation subjects of English Law, as identified by the professional legal bodies, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

You will study the principles of the tort of negligence, by far the most significant of the torts in terms of legal practice. These principles include the duty of care, breach of duty, causation and remoteness.

The aims of the module are as follows:
1. You will acquire knowledge of the basic precepts of the tort of negligence;
2. You will develop skills in finding, reading and understanding primary sources of law;
3. You will develop skills in finding, reading and understanding secondary sources of law;
4. You will practise the practical and professional skills of legal research, legal analysis and legal writing.
5. This module will give you the opportunity to experience a relatable curriculum, with case studies, where possible, selected to underscore diversity and inclusion, in accordance with the Identity, Personalisation and Reflection aims of the ESJ Framework.

This module supports graduate opportunity and employability by giving you key knowledge of a subject which is practised within the professional legal sector; and by giving you a host of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking and communication.

N/A

In this module you will first study the scope and purpose of the Law of Tort
(LO1 & LO2). You will then undertake a detailed study of the elements of the Tort of Negligence (LO3). These elements include Duty of Care, Breach of Duty, Causation and Remoteness. There will be a particular focus on liability for psychiatric harm and the liability of occupiers of premises.

Learning & Teaching Strategy
Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.
The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.
Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.
There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the purpose and scope of the law of tort.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the key elements of the tort of negligence.
3. Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent legal research into a tort-related issue, and to present a cogent discussion about it.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/BA981F6E-B5D5-AABC-BB21-BB0A9110F758.html

CORE

Tort law, by Kirsty Horsey; Erika Rackley, 2023, 8th edition 
 
Casebook on tort law, by Kirsty Horsey; Erika Rackley, 2024, 17th edition 
 
ADDITIONAL

Clerk & Lindsell on torts, by J. F. Clerk; W. H. B. Lindsell, 2023, 24th edition 
 
Winfield and Jolowicz on Tort, by JA Jolowicz, PH Winfield, and WVH Rogers 2025, 21st edition
DATABASES
Westlaw Edge UK
Lexis+ UK