Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3041C: Trusts

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

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:

  • Introduction to equity, trusts and the concept of beneficial ownership
  • Classification of trusts and distinction of trusts from other legal concepts
  • Creation of trust instruments
  • Requirements of certainty in relation to trust instruments
  • Trustee duties and powers
  • Breach of trust
  • Investment trusts
  • Private wealth management
  • Employee benefit trusts
  • Charitable trusts
  • Constructive and resulting trusts
  • Equitable remedies
  • Unjust enrichment and unjust factors
  • Restitution for wrongs
  • Proprietary and restitutionary claims
  • Remedies and defences in restitution

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
542460

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activity918 x 30-minute podcast
Scheduled learning and teaching activity1818 x 1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activity2718 x 1.5-hour seminars
Guided independent study85Individual reading and lecture preparation
Guided independent study95Seminar preparation
Guided independent study16Formative assessment preparation
Guided independent study50Summative assessment preparation

Online Resources

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

The Law Society (News updates on Trusts): www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/private-client/trusts

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Graham Virgo, The Principles of Equity and Trusts (4th edn, OUP 2020)

Jonathan Garton, Rebecca Probert & Gerry Bean, Moffat's Trusts Law: Text and Materials (7th edn, CUP 2020)

James Glister and James Lee, Hanbury and Martin: Modern Equity (21st edn, Sweet & Maxwell 2018)

Andrew Burrows, The Law of Restitution (3rd edn, OUP 2011).

Paul S Davies & James Penner (eds), Equity,Trusts and Commerce (Hart Studies in Private Law). (Hart Publishing 2017)

Peter Devonshire & Rohan Havelock (eds), The Impact of Equity and Restitution in Commerce (Hart Studies in Private Law) (Hart Publishing 2019)