Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2017: Land Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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 and will be encouraged to think critically about the law with reference to legal commentators. The module aims to encourage you to think differently about land including how it is valued, exchanged, and regulated.

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. evaluate the principles of land law within England and Wales, be aware of areas where reform is needed and take account of the Law Commission's recommendations in discussing such reforms;
3. demonstrate knowledge of the detailed provisions of property law statutes, case judgments and academic commentary, 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 relevant law and legal/theoretical arguments.
Personal and Key Skills7. demonstrate effective and accurate communication skills in a manner appropriate to the discipline/different contexts;
8. identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of 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:

  • Rights over land
  • Overriding interests
  • Leases
  • Covenants
  • Trusts of land
  • Easements
  • Mortgages
  • 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
582420

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 2222 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity13.59 x 1.5 hour seminars
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity13.59 x 1.5 hour syndicate workshops
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity99 x 1 hour Q & A sessions
Guided Independent study 18Revision for multiple choice tests
Guided Independent study 45Seminar preparation
Guided Independent study45Syndicate preparation
Guided Independent study31Essay preparation and writing
Guided Independent study58Exam preparation
Guided Independent study45Individual reading and lecture preparation

Online Resources

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