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LAW-20142 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 06 April 2026

LAW-20142 - Obligations (Level 5)
Coordinator: Diane Blenkiron Tel: +44 1782 7 34160
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733218

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

The Law of Obligations examines liability in both contract and tort law. You will have the opportunity to learn how contracts are formed and what happens when contracts do not go as planned - as they so often do, for all sorts of reasons! Topics may include offer, acceptance and consideration and remedies for breach of contract. You will also learn about the tort law, or the liabilities that can still arise even when there is no contract. You will explore the tort of negligence, trespass against the person and available tortious remedies. This module is the foundation for numerous legal specialities, including medical law, employment law and family law. You will develop the skills to critically analyse cases and statutes and to apply your knowledge to real world scenarios.

Aims
The Law of Obligations aims to introduce Contracts and Torts in English and Welsh law. It will explore how contracts are formed, breach of contract (including contractual damages) and vitiating factors that may enable contacts to be set aside. The module will also provide a foundational understanding of tort law, with a particular focus on the tort of negligence and trespass to the person.
This module will equip you with a critical appreciation of voluntary and non-voluntary legal obligations, the differences between fault based and strict liabilities, and an understanding of the common law, statutory principles and equitable remedies in relation to this area. You will also have an opportunity to apply your legal knowledge to real life problem scenarios.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the legal characteristics of Contract Law and Tort Law in England and Wales.: 1,2,3
Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the importance of case law and statute in the Law of Obligations.: 3
Produce appropriate advice to a hypothetical client using principles and doctrines of the Law of Obligations.: 3
Communicate clearly the reasoning in a decided case.: 1,2
Critically analyse the substantive areas of Contract and Tort Law.: 1,2,3

Study hours

Large Group Sessions (including Assessment Guidance): 22 x 2 hour sessions (44 hours)
Small Group Sessions: 10 x 2 hour sessions (20 hours)
2 hour Exam
Independent Study Hours:
- 70 hours teaching preparation
- 164 hours preparation for assessments

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 20%
Case Annotation (Contract Law)
Contract Law Case Annotation (20%) 1000 words. Students will be expected to complete a case annotation based on a relevant contract law case chosen by the module lead. Students will be tasked with completing a table proforma based on their understanding of the case and the judicial reasoning. This will provide an early opportunity to practice the skill of reading and navigating cases, which they have encountered in Legal Essentials. This is an invaluable academic skill for the remainder of their LLB studies, and beyond. At Level 5, it also provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the law in this topic area. This assessment will be due at the end of the Semester 1teaching period. This will assist with student engagement throughout the semester and will hopefully have a positive impact on student wellbeing, as it will result in fewer assessments during the main assessment period.

2: Assignment weighted 20%
Case Annotation (Tort Law)
Tort Law Case Annotation (20%) 1000 words. Students will be expected to complete a case annotation based on a relevant tort law case chosen by the module lead. Students will be tasked with completing a table proforma based on their understanding of the case and the judicial reasoning. This will provide an early opportunity to practice the skill of reading and navigating cases, which they have encountered in Legal Essentials. This is an invaluable academic skill for the remainder of their LLB studies, and beyond. At Level 5, it also provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the law in this topic area. This assessment will be due at the end of the Semester 2 teaching period. This will assist with student engagement throughout the semester and will hopefully have a positive impact on student wellbeing, as it will result in fewer assessments during the main assessment period. .

3: Exam weighted 60%
In Person Closed Book Examination
This will cover topics in both contract law and tort law. This will consist of an extended problem question raising both contractual and tortious issues. Students will be given a mixture of problem questions and essays to select. Students will be made familiar with this structure throughout both semesters. They will have an opportunity to practice answering problem questions in tutorials and post-tutorial feedback will be given. They will also have the opportunity to sit and receive written feedback on a formative exam in Semester 2, which will take place in scheduled in class workshop time. This guided approach allows students to gain confidence in navigating problem questions whilst also providing the opportunity for more able students to engage in critical analysis. This aids in the development and assessment of problem solving and critical thinking skills, which replicates client-facing professional scenarios lawyers may encounter in practice. The exam will also be mindful of the Inclusive Education Framework, including utilising assessment guidance sessions to clarify expectations and supporting students with reasonable adjustments in place. The expectations will be clearly articulated in week 1, and students advised to contact the Disability Link Tutor to discuss reasonable adjustments, should they be necessary. (2 hours)

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 06 April 2026