Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW2152: Environmental Law

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

Module Aims

The main aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the key theories, concepts and issues in environmental law and policy, as well as support you in generating new research and ideas in this field. It will therefore offer an overview of basic environmental law principles by considering national and European legal responses to managing global commons, the history of the development of environmental law, and the values and principles that have shaped this newly evolving discipline. The module provides you with an understanding of the contemporary theory, critical issues in, and perspectives on, environmental regulation and policy. It also aims to provide you with a sound grasp of cutting-edge debates surrounding global environmental challenges, from biodiversity loss to air pollution and the climate emergency.  

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 knowledge of the law relating to environmental law and policy, including the major concepts, values and principles relevant to its application;
2. demonstrate critical awareness of a range of social and contextual implications of the areas of environmental law studied;
3. compare, analyse and synthesise the principal rules and theories relating to environmental law and policy;
4. identify, explain and critically evaluate key issues in environmental law and policy, applying relevant rules and theories;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. demonstrate knowledge of legal concepts and their wider contextual/social/political implications;
6. select, integrate and present, coherently and reflectively, relevant law, social and environmental justice theory arguments;
Personal and Key Skills7. communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately, in a manner appropriate to the discipline/different contexts;
8. identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of resources with minimum guidance; and
9. work independently and manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities and assessments.