Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2041: Equity and Trusts

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

Module Aims

The aims of the module are for you:

To achieve a critical understanding of the general principles of the law of Trusts, both in their own right and within the wider context of property law, and to do so by concentrating on selected topics which are studied in depth.

To achieve flexibility in the study of Trusts law, and selectivity within the considerable amount of material, so that problems in Trusts law can be correctly identified and addressed succinctly and accurately with full legal authority.

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 broad knowledge and understanding of the Trusts law, using a range of appropriate concepts, interpretative techniques and terminology;
2. Possess a broad knowledge and understanding of the law relating to certain areas of Trusts which have been selected for study in view of their particular difficulty or importance;
3. Demonstrate awareness and understanding of areas of growth, controversy and reform in the law of Trusts ;
4. Understand the importance of non-legal/contextual materials (such as Charity Commission guidance);
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of legal concepts and principles and make an informed and effective judgement about the merits and relevance of particular information or arguments;
6. Demonstrate the acquisition of legal research and analytical skills and apply the law to factual scenarios;
7. Communicate technical legal information and argument effectively and concisely, in a manner appropriate to the discipline and in task-specific ways;
Personal and Key Skills8. Take responsibility for own learning (with some support); and to work effectively with, and meet obligations to, others
9. Identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of resources with little guidance
10. Manage time independently and efficiently in preparing for learning activities, and to 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:

  • Introduction to trusts and equity; creation of private trusts; classification of trusts and distinction of trusts from other legal concepts;
  • Requirements of certainty in relation to trusts; powers of appointment;
  • Charities and non-charitable purpose trusts; unincorporated associations
  • Trustees’ duties and powers
  • Constructive and resulting trusts
  • Breach of trust and remedies

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 activity2222 x 1 hour Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity13.59 x 1.5 hour syndicate workshops
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity13.59 x 1.5 hour seminars
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity99 x 1 hour Q&A sessions
Guided Independent Study22Individual reading and lecture preparation
Guided independent study72Syndicate workshop preparation
Guided independent study72Seminar preparation
Guided independent study76Assessment preparation

Online Resources

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