Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2004C: Contract Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module examines the use of English law of contract in action drawing, where relevant, on materials from other jurisdictions. We will look at the formation of contractual relations, the requirements for enforceability of contracts, the rights of third parties, terms and interpretation of contracts, performance and breach of contracts, vitiating factors and remedies. The module primarily examines the law of contract in a commercial and organisational setting.

The module aims:

(a) To allow you to develop a detailed understanding of the different aspects of law of contract;

(b) To encourage you to think practically in this field, and apply the legal rules and principles you have learned to specific situations; and

(c) To enable you to develop the skills to make, use and enforce contracts.

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. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the main areas of English law of contract
2. examine contracts and contractual clauses and apply the law of contract in analysing the documents and clauses
3. demonstrate the skills necessary to conduct contractual negotiations
Discipline-Specific Skills4. collect, synthesise and apply legal knowledge to a problem/case study to inform a choice of solutions
Personal and Key Skills5. use feedback to adapt your actions to reach a desired aim and review the impact of your adaptations
6. demonstrate awareness of your personal responsibilities and of professional codes of conduct in relation to client management

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

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

• Formation of Contract (Formal Requirements; Offer and Acceptance)
• Consideration
• Intention to Create Legal Relations
• Certainty and the interpretation of contracts
• Privity of Contract
• Terms of the Contract
• Exception Clauses
• Performance and Breach
• Misrepresentation
• Mistake
• Unequal Bargaining (Duress; Undue Influence; Unconscionable Bargain)
• Frustration
• Illegality
• Remedies
• Negotiation

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
602400

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity2020 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity189 x 2 hour seminars
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity10Workshop activities
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity1212 x 1 hr peer led ‘law firm’ meetings
Guided Independent Study88Lecture preparation
Guided Independent Study90Seminar and workshop preparation
Guided Independent Study12Formative essay preparation
Guided Independent Study50Summative assessment preparation

Online Resources

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