Overview

This module examines the key principles and contemporary challenges of the European Union (EU). Students will study the historical development of the EU, its institutional framework, sources of law, fundamental rights, and the internal market. The module also covers the Brexit process and the concept of retained EU law, exploring its ongoing impact on the United Kingdom's legal system.

Through a series of case study lectures, updated annually, the module ensures that students engage with relevant, real-world legal issues within the evolving context of EU law.

The syllabus will cover the following topics:

The Historical Development of the European Union and its Constitutional Structure Institutions of the EU: Who Does What? The Democratic Deficit and the EU EU Law Making EU Judicial Order The Authority of EU Law Fundamental Rights of the EU Rights and Remedies in Domestic Courts Introduction to the Internal Market The Free Movement of Goods The Free Movement of Workers (including EU citizenship) EU Competition Law History of Brexit: Triggering Article 50 TEU The Negotiation Process (Withdrawal Agreement and Leaving the EU) Retained EU Law and the Future Relationship Case Study Sessions

Assessment Strategy

A- to A* (70+%): An outstanding performance containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. Demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject.

B- to B+ (60-69%): High Standard: A performance containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. Complete competence in the subject.

C- to C+ (50-59%): A performance which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

D- to D+ (40-49%): A performance which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the following areas: the history of the EU, the UK's membership of the EU, and the process of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, and then develop the ability to propose and justify links between these areas from legal, political and historical perspectives.

• Critically examine the constitutional implications of the UK’s membership of, and/or withdrawal from the EU.

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and the ability to critically analyse retained EU law and/or aspects of EU law (e.g. the internal market and competition law).

• Demonstrate a high level of skill in articulating, structuring, and applying sophisticated arguments to actual or hypothetical factual scenarios, appropriately presenting those arguments in writing.

• Demonstrative a comprehensive knowledge of EU Law and UK law and the ability to accurately apply that knowledge to actual or hypothetical factual scenarios.

• Identify, synthesise and critically evaluate relevant sources of UK law and EU law.