The law expects businesses to be governed responsibly, and the individuals within them to be mindful as to how they fulfil their legal obligations to their customers, the environment, their workforce and the public. You'll learn about key aspects of negligence, company, employment and discrimination law, from how organisations are legally structured, to their responsibilities to those over whom they have a duty of care.
You'll consider current news on legal issues and apply the law to real world business situations, increasing your knowledge of relevant business law. You’ll learn how to analyse and solve problems, and appreciate how the law impacts different cultures, backgrounds and circumstances both domestically and internationally.
Learning the law challenges you to question assumptions and look at both sides of an issue or dispute. Often you expect a particular outcome, only to find a court decided the opposite – and when you see the real impact this has on people’s lives and livelihoods, it can seem unfair or unsettling. Gaining the ability to navigate such ambiguities and realities is crucial for your future studies and career, helping you to develop an enquiring mind and equipping you to behave responsibly, fairly and with integrity in business.
Lectures 22
Total contact hours: 33
Private study hours: 117
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Research Topic Essay (3000 words) (40%)
Examination, 2 hours (60%)
Reassessment methods
100% examination
Core textbook:
Riches S., and Allen, V. (2013) Keenan and Riches Business Law. 11th edn. London: Pearson
Recommended reading:
Adams, A. (2014) Law for Business Students. 8th edn. London: Pearson
Horsey, K and Rackley, E. (2015) Tort Law. 13th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
MacIntyre, E. (2015) Essentials of Business Law. 4th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Pitt, G. (2016) Employment Law. 10th edn. Yorkshire: Sweet and Maxwell
Wild, C. and Weinstein, S. (2016) Smith and Keenan's Company Law. 17th edn. London: Pearson
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the English Legal System and methods of dispute resolution in the UK.
8.2 Understand and critically evaluate the impact of legal obligations on individuals and businesses to those with whom they owe a duty of care.
8.3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal structure governing business organisations.
8.4 Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the main laws governing the employment of staff.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Synthesise complex information and apply multi-faceted concepts to business situations, paying careful attention to detail.
9.2 Apply enhanced problem-solving skills to analyse and resolve issues that arise
in the course of carrying out business.
9.3 Develop an enhanced ability to structure and formulate reasoned and
persuasive arguments, and defend a position effectively both orally and in writing.
9.4 Carry out independent research to deepen understanding.
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