Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3017C: Land Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to provide you with an in depth understanding of the definition, acquisition and transfer of rights over land. In this module you will be required to study primary legal sources, in particular statutes, and will be encouraged to think critically about the law with reference to the views of academic commentators.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Identify and define the various property rights that exist in relation to Land, and compare and classify estates and interests existing in registered land systems, their priorities, and dealings with third parties;
2. Critically evaluate the present principles of English Land Law, be aware of areas where reform is needed and take account of the Law Commission's recommendations in discussing such reforms;
3. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the detailed provisions of property law statutes and use them to support your application and analysis of land law;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of complex and technical legal concepts and principles
5. Identify key elements of legal problems, identify their relative significance and select appropriate methods for investigating and evaluating them;
6. Select and present in a coherent way, orally and in writing, relevant law and legal / theoretical arguments;
Personal and Key Skills7. Demonstrate effective and accurate written and/or oral communication skills in a manner appropriate to the discipline / different contexts;
8. Identify, retrieve and use efficiently, a range of library-based and electronic resources with some guidance;
9. Interact effectively within a team / learning group and to share information and ideas.
10. Work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

  • What is land? The distinction between real and personal property.
  • Registered land - the register - registrable interests - minor interests - protection of minor interests - overriding interests - overreaching
  • The unregistered system of land ownership
  • The Leasehold estate
  • Covenants
  • Easements
  • Mortgages
  • Co-ownership
  • Proprietary estoppel
  • Adverse possession

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
66234

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities2222 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities4422 x 2 hour teacher-led seminars
Guided Independent Study88Individual reading and lecture preparation
Guided Independent Study88Seminar preparation
Guided Independent Study10Formative essay preparation
Guided Independent Study48Summative assessment preparation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).