- An undergraduate course
in
Law.
Understanding law
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | W200 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 8 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
This introduction to the creation and application of English law begins by asking ‘What is the law?’; teaches you to find, read, interpret and apply the law; and introduces the techniques of practical legal research. Ideal if you’re considering a legal career, it provides a brief overview of constitutional principles, criminal law, human rights, and the law of contract and tort. You will then study the terminology and sources of law, legal research and the workings of the European Union (EU) in depth. The other foundations of legal knowledge are covered by our courses W201, W300 and W301. The course deals principally with the law of England and Wales.
Modules at Level 2 assume that you are suitably prepared for study at this level. If you want to take a single module to satisfy your career development needs or pursue particular interests, you don’t need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way. Check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service to make sure that you are sufficiently prepared.
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What you will study
This second-level course forms a compulsory part of the LLB degree and is suitable for study by those who have taken Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law (W100) or those who have an interest in law and have experience of Level 1 study.
At least a third of the course is devoted to EU law, reflecting its relevance both to businesses and to individuals. You will consider the supremacy of EU law, the single internal market, social policy, consumer protection and the freedom of movement of workers, goods and services. This is a dynamic and much debated area and you will explore the relevant legal principles, the reasons for their development and what changes may mean for the future.
The course has been designed to develop and raise your legal awareness and provide you with an in-depth knowledge of key aspects of the legal system in England and Wales, an understanding of legal methodology and the principles and methods of legal research.
In addition to knowledge and understanding, the course will provide you with an opportunity to develop subject specific and general study skills suitable for study at Level 2. These include:
- the ability to identify relevant facts and issues and apply legal principles in an orderly way
- the ability to assimilate and organise extensive factual and legal material, and present a reasoned, coherent view
- to evaluate and make critical judgement of the merits of particular arguments
- assimilate and present arguments based on course manuals, standard text books and wider directed reading
- appreciate and demonstrate the techniques of legal argument
- access, comprehend and use paper based and online legal resources.
Entry
The course is suitable for a broad range of students and will be a good choice if you:
- have a general interest in the law or would like to increase your legal knowledge and understanding
- would find some legal knowledge useful in your work
- intend to study other areas of the law as part of a qualifying law degree.
If you already have a degree then you are not required to have studied law before, but this is a Level 2 course.
If you are new to study at university level, or are returning after some time, we recommend that you first study Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law (W100).
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 England and Wales.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
The written study material is available in a comb-bound format and written transcripts are available for the audio-visual material. The study materials (excluding text books) may be available on CD-ROM in Adobe (PDF) format. Some components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. You will need to spend time using a personal computer and the internet. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, and access to certain legal databases. Access to a website that offers online resources and course news.
The study materials are updated annually, but it may be necessary to update during your study of the course if there is a major (and unexpected) change to the law.
You will need
This course may offer online tutorials in the future, in which case you will need a headset with a microphone and earphones to take part.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. There will be a study day on the use of a law library (including library exercises), which will be held at one of the College of Law’s five branches in Guildford, Birmingham, London, York and Chester. If you intend to gain a qualifying law degree, you should attend this day. We expect to offer group tutorials which may be face to face or, in some sparsely populated areas may be offered online. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course. Although you are not obliged to attend any of these, you are strongly encouraged to take part.
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) 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 on paper.
You must complete all the assessment as it is an integral part of the teaching.
Professional recognition
This course can count as a module of a degree that is recognised as a qualifying law degree. It is acceptable for completing the academic stage of training as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, as long as you comply with the requirements of the Professional Bodies. Our Recognition leaflet 3.13 Law provides further information. 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.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2014. We expect it to be available again in October 2014. We then expect it to be available once a year, in October.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | W200 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 8 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
Course satisfaction survey
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