An introduction to law in contemporary Scotland
On this page
This course looks at law making in contemporary Scotland. It considers the role of both the Scottish Parliament and Courts in law making, looking at the structure of the court system and the role of the judiciary. It explores the relationship between the law making power of the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments. It introduces you to some specific areas of Scots law, including the law relating to human rights and children. This course will be of particular interest to anyone needing an overview of the Scottish legal system, and will provide an excellent beginning for students who want to understand how modern Scotland works.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Law.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | W150 |
| Credits | 15 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
The course begins by asking you to think about the question ‘What is law?’ It introduces you to the legal history of Scotland before moving on to look at the role of the Scottish Parliament in the law-making process and its relationship with the Westminster Parliament. You will then be introduced to the structure of the court system in Scotland. This includes an overview of court procedure, how different courts relate to each other and the role of the judiciary.
The course moves on to consider specific topics such as child law where you will learn about parental rights and duties and the unique Children’s Hearings System. You will also explore employment law, human rights and unlawful conduct.
As part of this course you will be provided with opportunities to develop your general study skills, including those specifically relevant to studying law. You will undertake a number of activities to develop both your knowledge and skills. The course concludes in bringing together your knowledge and skills by looking at a number of legal topical issues.
During the course, you will learn to define and use some legal terms and concepts; and to identify characteristics of a legal argument. As well as some specific legal skills, you will learn to:
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- take notes efficiently and effectively
- select and summarise material in your own words
- apply information accurately and carefully to a well-defined problem
- apply appropriate knowledge and skills to the solution of an issue
- analyse tasks and make plans for tackling them
- identify and critically evaluate relevant information
- communicate effectively in an appropriate and accurate written form.
Vocational relevance
The course develops vocationally orientated skills that are transferable to the job market: good written and communication skills; critical thinking; ability to analyse, synthesise, reflect on and present arguments; and problem solving.
An introduction to law in contemporary Scotland is designed to provide an introduction to the law and legal system in Scotland, and is not part of the direct route to qualification as a solicitor in Scotland. It does however provide an excellent foundation for a wide range of further study with The Open University.
Entry
As this is an OU Level 1 introductory course, we do not require you to have prior experience of studying law. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
Please note that this course is only concerned with the law of Scotland.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
PDF versions of printed material may be available. Some components may not be fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
A study calendar, course manuals, assessment guide and a website.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running Windows using Boot Camp or similar dual-boot system.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor with whom you can communicate by email, telephone and post, who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and end-of-module assessment (EMA) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment or EMA on paper.
These pieces of assessed work are an essential part of the course and you should attempt all of them. You will be given more detailed information about assessment and feedback when you begin the course.
Professional recognition
If you are intending to use this course as part of the free choice for the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB), and you hope to enter the legal professions, you should read carefully our Recognition leaflet 3.13 Law. There are different entry regulations into the legal professions in England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. You should read the Recognition leaflet as it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet these requirements.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2012. We expect it to be available at the same time once a year.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Law.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | W150 |
| Credits | 15 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
The course was very insightful and provide a basis of knowledge surrounding the Law in scotland. It provided me with ...
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I really enjoyed this course. I signed up more for personal interest than for any practical reasons and as well ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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