Overview

This module examines the interplay of power, principles, and rights within European Union (EU) law. Students will study the historical development of the EU, its institutional framework, sources of law, and the 'Four Freedoms' of the internal market. The module also covers the Brexit process and the concept of retained EU law, exploring its transformative impact on the United Kingdom’s legal system.

Through annually updated contemporary case studies, students will engage with real-world legal issues and gain a critical understanding of the evolving relevance of the EU in a globalised world.

The syllabus will cover the following topics:

The Evolution of the European Union: Foundations and Framework Institutions of the EU: Who Does What? The Democratic Deficit: Challenges to EU Accountability EU Legal Order Fundamental Rights of the EU Introduction to the Internal Market The EU/UK Relationship Contemporary Issues in EU Law: Case Studies and Reflections

Assessment Strategy

A- to A* (70+%): To achieve a First Class (A) grade, students must demonstrate comprehensive legal knowledge, including key case law and legislation, while accurately applying relevant issues. Thorough independent background research using diverse sources is essential. The essay must be well-structured with a clear introduction and conclusion, focused on relevant content. Critical arguments should be logically presented, well-defended, and free from legal errors, incorporating original interpretations and in-depth analysis. High presentation standards, including correct language, formatting, thorough footnotes, a complete bibliography, and adherence to the specified word limit, are required.

B- to B+ (60-69%): To achieve an Upper Second Class (B) grade, assessments must demonstrate good knowledge of the relevant law, including case law and legislation. Students should identify some legal issues and apply appropriate law, supported by thorough background study using diverse sources. The essay must be well-structured with coherent arguments, a clear introduction and conclusion, and a focus on the question asked. It should be mostly free of legal errors and incorporate original interpretations and in-depth analysis. High presentation standards are crucial, including accurate language, proper layout, footnote referencing, a complete bibliography, and adherence to the specified word limit.

C- to C+ (50-59%): To achieve a Lower Second Class (C) grade, the assessment must demonstrate an understanding of key legal principles, essential case law, legislation, and academic debates. Some evidence of background study using appropriate sources, including case law and academic commentary, is required. The response must focus on the question with limited irrelevant material and some structural weaknesses. Relevant and logical arguments should be presented, avoiding many legal errors. Additionally, the work must exhibit clarity in presentation, accurate language, proper layout, and adherence to referencing and word limits.

D- to D+ (40-49%):
To achieve a Third Class (D) grade, the assessment must demonstrate a very basic knowledge and understanding of some key case law, legislation, and principles within the relevant area of law. It should attempt to apply relevant law. Evidence of background study should be present, using appropriate case law and legislation, even if minimally. The response should try to address the question asked, albeit with some irrelevant material and noticeable weaknesses in structure. Arguments should be relevant and attempt coherence, based on basic legal analysis, while avoiding a large number of substantive legal errors. Furthermore, there should be an effort to present clear documentation with some degree of accuracy, recognising that errors in referencing, spelling, grammar, or the bibliography might still exist.

E- to E+ (32-38%): An assessment will receive a Compensatable Fail (E) grade if it significantly lacks knowledge and understanding of key case law, legislation, and legal principles. This includes failure to identify fundamental issues, minimal background study with inappropriate sources, reliance on unrelated material or unsupported arguments, and lack of coherent structure. Additionally, the presence of substantive legal errors, absence of original interpretation, and poor presentation will further warrant the low grade.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the principles underpinning the EU legal order and its relationship with member states.

• Critically evaluate the historical development, constitutional framework, institutional structure, and the 'Four Freedoms' of the European Union.

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the contemporary functioning of the European Union, including its responses to current challenges.

• Demonstrate a strong ability to critically analyse EU law by applying it to complex scenarios, conducting independent research, and effectively communicating sophisticated legal arguments in writing.