Student Handbook
2010/11
LL.B (Hons) in Irish Law
Dublin Business School Campus
DBS is a city centre campus, the main building is situated on Aungier Street, behind St Stephen’s
Green Shopping Centre. Please refer to the Map for the location of our other buildings.
Buses servicing Aungier Street directly are 16, 16A, 19, 19A, 65, 65B, 83 or 122. All Bus, DART, Luas
and Rail routes service the city centre with terminals close to the College.
Room Legend and Access Codes:
AS:
13/14 Aungier Street
BL:
Bow Lane (Door Code 9214)
CH:
Castle House 73/83 South Great George’s Street
DS:
19/22 Dame Street (Door Code 5371)
BSA:
6/9 Balfe Street Block A (Door Code 6305)
BSB:
6/9 Balfe Street Block B (Door Code 6305)
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Table of Contents:
1
Welcome to DBS
4
2
Student Services and Facilities
5
2.1
Library
5
2.2
Student Services
9
2.3
Careers and Appointments Service
11
2.4
Computer Services
12
2.5
Facilities
12
3
4
5.
Programme
3.1
Programme Team Contact Details
13
3.2
Programme Structure
14
Overview of Assessment
22
4.1
Assessment Strategy
22
4.2
Grade Criteria
24
Academic Calendar 2010/2011
26
The following Supporting Documents are on (or links available through) the DBS website for Current
Students, follow the links to the Registrar’s Office then Student Handbooks:
www.dbs-students.com/Registrar
Academic Calendar and Term Dates
Academic Impropriety
Assessment Regulations
Code of Conduct
Complaints Procedures
Exams Office Verification/recheck Procedures
International Students Handbook
Moodle Users Guide
Personal Mitigating Circumstances Form
3
1.
Welcome to DBS
I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the DBS/Portobello Law School which is one of the longest
established and most successful private sector Law Schools in Ireland. Our goal is student success
and to enable you to achieve your full potential.
We put an emphasis upon thoroughly preparing our students for their assessment tasks, ensuring
that classes are current, challenging and intellectually rigorous. The teaching team at DBS/Portobello
is a well qualified and experienced one dedicated to your success. Underpinning all our work is
dedication to high quality standards and strong pastoral care and support for our students.
When you join DBS/Portobello you are joining a large and successful ‘academic family’. Our
graduates hold positions of influence in many areas of corporate and professional life throughout
Ireland and in the wider international community. I believe passionately in making the teaching of
law relevant and practical and in addition to the regular diet of lectures and seminars you will have
an opportunity to attend lectures given by eminent legal practitioners that will enrich and broaden
your understanding of your chosen discipline. It is precisely because of the standing and reputation
of DBS/Portobello that we are able to attract such high calibre practitioners to enhance your
learning experience.
Last academic year was one of considerable achievement for the School. Three successes are worth
highlighting. First, the LLB in Irish Law was reapproved by the University of Wales and HETAC for
another five years without conditions and with the School receiving five commendations. Second the
LLB in Irish Law was reaccredited by the King’s Inns for the purposes of the King’s Inns Entrance
Examination. Third, for the very first time, the revised Graduate Entry LLB in Irish Law was accredited
by King’s Inns for the purposes of the King’s Inns Entrance Examination. These crucial endorsements
by the University of Wales, HETAC and King’s Inns are tangible evidence of the quality and standards
prevalent in the School and provide a strong basis for taking the School forward over the next few
years.
I wish you every success with your studies and encourage you to take full advantage of all the
opportunities offered to you by DBS/Portobello. I look forward to meeting you in the near future.
Professor Cedric D Bell LLB, LLM, PhD, Barrister
Executive Head of Law
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2.
Student Services and Facilities
2.1 Library
Introduction
DBS Library comprises an undergraduate Library and a newly expanded Postgraduate/Law Library at
Dame Street. The Library at Dame Street also contains extensive psychoanalysis, psychology and
counselling resources. The Undergraduate Library is located on the second floor of the Aungier
Street building. The Postgraduate/Law Library is located on the third floor of the Dame Street
building, (a door code 5371, is required to access this Library). Maps indicating Library locations are
located on the Library Website (http://library.dbs.ie). The Library’s professional and experienced
Staff is on hand to assist you with all of your Library enquiries.
Library Opening Hours
The following opening hours apply during term-time (including all reading weeks):
Monday:
9.00 a.m –10.00 p.m.
Tuesday:
9.00 a.m –10.00 p.m.
Wednesday:
9.00 a.m –10:00 p.m.
Thursday:
9.00 a.m –10.00 p.m
Friday:
9.00 a.m – 9.00 p.m.
Saturday:
9.00 a.m - 5.00p.m.
Please note that the Postgraduate/Law Library opens at 9.30am. In the run up to exams, the Library
is open Sundays and bank holidays. Library opening hours remains extensive during the summer
with late opening until 10pm, four evenings per week and Saturday opening. Please consult the
Library Website or Library notice boards for further information.
What do Library collections contain?
Library collections encompass the arts, business and law. They include:

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50,000 books. All Library books are listed on the Library’s online catalogue: Heritage.
196 print journals
45,000 e-journals,
An extensive portfolio of online databases.
An extensive e-book collection.
The Library Catalogue, the Library’s e-book collection and Ebsco databases can also be
searched on handheld devices such as Iphones.
5
How do I become a member of the Library?
As a registered student, you are automatically a member of the Library. Your DBS student card is
also your Library card.
How do I borrow books?
Each Library has self issuing stations where you can borrow, renew and return books. It is also
possible to renew books online via the Library Catalogue or by contacting the Library.
Undergraduate students are permitted to borrow 6 items and postgraduate students, 12 items.
Library Databases/Electronic Journals/Electronic Books
Databases, electronic journals and e-books can be searched on the Library Website. Please see the
graphic below. Subject portals on the Library Website group together information of relevance to
your subject area.
Library Databases include: Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, Computer and
Applied Sciences Complete, Emerald, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Dawsonera, Greenfile, Firstlaw,
FT.com, Film and Television Literature Index with Full Text, Hospitality and Tourism Complete,
JSTOR, Justis, Lexis Nexis (Butterworths), Lexis Nexis (News and Business), LISTA Full Text,
Marketline, Mintel, Pep Archive, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, Regional Business News, SOCIndex, WARC
and Westlaw.
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What logins do I need to access the Library’s electronic resources?
All the log-ins details that you need to access various Library and IT resources at DBS will be emailed
to you shortly after you register with the college. You must activate your college email account to
access this email. If you do not receive this email, please contact the Library or follow the following
format/procedure when logging-on to the various resources:
PCs: The first time you log in, enter your student number for both the username and password.
You will then be prompted to create your own password. Henceforth your PC log-in details will be as
follows:
o
o
Username: student number
Password: ‘password of your own choice’
 Library Account: via the Library Catalogue (same as your PC login).
 Moodle: Same as your PC login
Please note that if you change your PC login, that change applies to your login to your Library
account and Moodle.
 Searching electronic resources (for off-campus only)
o
o
Username: student number
Password: date of birth – dd/mm/yyyy
 E-Books
o
o
Username: student number
Password: date of birth – dd/mm/yyyy
What other facilities are available in the Library?
The Library provides access to:
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PCs
A wireless network
Printing facilities including wireless printing
Photocopying facilities including colour photocopying
Study rooms for collaborative study
PCs and Study rooms can be booked via the Library Website.
7
How do I contact the Library?
Each Library site has a dedicated information point where staff can assist you with your enquiries. You can also contact Library staff by
phone, email or via the Library’s instant messaging service called ‘DBS Ask a Librarian’ which is available on the Library website. DBS Ask a
Librarian enables you to chat live with Library staff via the Library Website. You can also follow
Library developments via the Student Blog, Facebook and Twitter, links to which are provided on
the Library Website.
Key telephone numbers:
Information Desk, Aungier Street, Tel: 01 -4177572
Information Desk, Dame Street, Tel: 01 -4178745
Email: library@dbs.ie
Website: http://library.dbs.ie
How Can I learn more about using the Library?
 Library Classes: DBS Library employs a dedicated Information Skills Librarian, who provides
students with Library tours and inductions. She also runs a variety of classes on how to
evaluate and use information safely; essay writing, avoiding plagiarism and referencing.
Please consult the Library Website for further information.
 Library Guides/Handbooks: guides on how to use various Library resources as well as guides
on essay writing, referencing, avoiding plagiarism, conducting a literature review, etc. are
available on the Library website and in hardcopy in the Library. The Library also produces its
own student handbook as well as a quick guide to Library Resources. These are also available
on the Library Website.
 Information Points: Each library has an Information point that is manned by professional
staff who are there to help you get the most from the Library resources and facilities. Please
feel free to approach the desk with any Library query… big or small. Alternatively you can
phone, email or instant message the Library.
 Ask a Librarian instant messaging: this is available via the Library website. Just type in your
question and a member of the library staff will message you back straight away.
 Online Database Tutorials: Various databases also provide users with online tutorials and
help guides on how to use their search and browse facilities and much more.
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2.2
Student Services
The Team
The Student Support Services Department comprises a team of three staff members: an
Entertainments and Welfare office, a Sports and Societies Officer and an International Student
Services Officer. The Student Services Team is here to help you get the most out of your College
experience personally and socially. The Student Services Team also provides important information
on the wide range of support services available to you during your studies.
Location
The Student Services Department is situated in the Aungier Street Campus on the ground floor. A
second student services office is also located in a dedicated student area at the College’s new Castle
House campus located on George’s Street.
Contact Details
International Student Services Officer: louise.butlernorris@dbs.ie (Based at Castle House)
Entertainments and Welfare Officer: Caitriona.mcgrattan@dbs.ie (Based at Aungier Street)
Sports and Societies Officer: tony.peoples@dbs.ie (Based at Aungier Street)
Student Services intranet site: http://www.dbs-students.com/StudentServices/Default.aspx
Telephone: 01 4177585
Services
The Student Services Department provides the following services:
 Welfare Advice/Support Services
The Student Services Department provides valuable information on accommodation
availability and healthcare. The team also refers students to careers, disabilities and
academic support services at Dublin Business School. The Student Services Department also
provides a referral service to the Family Therapy and Counselling Centre in Ranelagh, to
support students experiencing personal difficulties.
 Student Representation. There are a number of mechanisms by which students can make
their voice heard. These include the class rep system, attendance at the Boards of Studies,
participation on College Committees, membership of the Student Council and much more.
To get involved in any of these activities, please contact: Caitriona.mcgrattan@dbs.ie. A
member of the Student Services Team also represents students on the Academic Board of
the College and during academic impropriety hearings.
 Sports and Societies
Dublin Business School is committed to aspiring to the highest standards possible in sports
whilst also accommodating those who just want to get fit. To ensure that every student has
the opportunity to participate, DBS guarantees students a wide variety of sporting activities
from soccer to handball to sailing and ice hockey. The Department also provides training and
9
equipment for students to participate on sports not currently provided. Registration for all
sports clubs is free of charge. Training sessions and competitions are also organized so that
they don’t clash with students’ timetables.
Students have the opportunity to sign up for societies during Freshers’ week or by
contacting the Sports and Societies officer at anytime. Societies currently on offer include:
The Surf Society, the Psychology Society, the Law Society, The Cinematic Society, The Drama
Society, Radio DBS, the Malaysian Society and the Muslim Society.
 Calendar of Social Events/Merchandise
The Entertainment Officer produces an annual calendar of social events including Freshers’
Week; the Halloween Ball, Rag week, the Annual Formal Ball, the Chinese New Year and
much more. Please consult the Student Services intranet site or contact the Entertainments
and Welfare Officer for further information. The Student Services Department also sells DBS
hoodies in a variety of colours. Drop into the Aungier Street office if you wish to buy one.
Hoodies are priced at €20.
 International Student Support Services
The International Student Services office is responsible for the support and welfare of our
non-EU student body at Dublin Business School. The role has a mixture of duties which are
listed below.
Administrative Duties
o Issuing College Support letters in relation to visas, employment, travel and other general
reference letters as well as liaising with the Garda National Immigration Bureau(GNIB)
o Assist in the co-ordination of airport-pick up and home-stay accommodation for newly
arrived students upon request and payment of this option.
o Arrange medical insurance cover for all newly arrived overseas students who’ve paid the
relevant fee.
o
o
o
o
o
o
Support Services Respond to all current non-EU student queries either face to face, by email or by phone.
Develop and co-ordinate orientation/induction programmes and international specific
events
Source and develop information on practical issues relating to living and studying in Ireland
Assist any student with information and help on how to book appointments for our
Counselling Service in the strictest of confidence.
Advising of academic support services / career service / library services / sports and social
events etc
Assist the entertainments officer with the promoting of college events to include the Non EU
students.
Academic letters and attendance for each course is issued from the administrator of your course.
Please refer to your student handbook on whom to contact. The international student services office
will only have attendance at the end of each semester.
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2.3
Careers and Appointments Service
The DBS Careers Service is dedicated to improving the career prospects of the student body by
teaching employment skills that graduates will use throughout their professional life and by assisting
students in forming achievable career plans that allow them to make use of their strengths and
abilities. The Careers Office also publicises recruitment campaigns and current vacancies that may be
of interest to students. The Careers service is located in the Library on the second floor of the
Aungier Street building. The service offers:

A 30 minute one-to-one appointment with the DBS Careers Advisor can be booked via the
DBS Careers Service website. http://careers.dbs.ie.

Careers workshops and talks take place every week throughout the academic year. Popular
topics include preparing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation skills. Details pertaining
to workshops and talks are advertised throughout the college and on the Library Website.
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The DBS Careers website contains guidance on career choice and applying for jobs as well as
a live vacancies site for students who are job hunting.
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The DBS Employer Liaison Officer advertises opportunities for paid employment and unpaid
internships on The DBS Careers Service Facebook and Twitter pages and the DBS Careers
website. These positions are open to all DBS students and recent graduates.
Disabilities Services
Dublin Business School’s Disabilities Service aims to provide support for students with disabilities
and to assist the achievement of educational goals. Students with physical disabilities, learning
difficulties, mental health issues, ongoing illnesses or short term illness or injury should register with
the Disabilities Service to ensure they receive the appropriate assistance during their studies.
Disabilities Coordinator
Students should contact Carol Clifford, the Disabilities Coordinator, to register with the Disabilities
Service or to discuss any issues relating to disabilities. The Disabilities Support Office is located in the
Careers Department within Aungier Street Library.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may wish to avail of:
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Assistive technology
Academic support
In class support
Special arrangements for exams
Counselling
Assisted access to facilities
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Further details on disabilities support can be obtained from the Disabilities Office.
disabilitiessupport@dbs.ie.
2.4
Computer Services
The Computer Services department offers support to the student body on College IT related issues.
E-mail, internet, online storage space, Moodle (intranet for notes etc) and course related software
are all provided for students at no extra charge. Students can contact the Computer Services
Department via the on-line form on the web link below, in person on the first floor of the Aungier St
building or by telephone on 01 4177573.
Visit the Computer Services website at:
2.5
http://www.dbs-students.com/CompServ
Facilities
The Facilities Department maintain the building fabric of the buildings and manage the many service
providers to the college such as cleaning, security etc. In conjunction with these, this department is
also responsible for Health & Safety and Timetabling
Visit the Reception website at:
http://www.dbs-students.com/Reception
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3.
Programme
3.1
Programme Team contact details
Name
Role
Barry Halton
LLB Programme Leader
e-mail
barry.halton@dbs.ie
Telephone
01 4170 641
Cedric Bell
cedric_bell@kaplan.com
clem.mcgauley@dbs.ie
c/o Law School
Administration
01 4170 645
colin.dunlea@dbs.ie
01 4170 646
david.ewins@dbs.ie
Ext. 445
eimear.long@dbs.ie
Ext. 429
Elaine Walsh
elaine.walsh@dbs.ie
01 4178 759
Kara Turner
kara.turner@dbs.ie
01 4170 617
Kieran Falvey
kieran.falvey@dbs.ie
01 4170 618
Louise Murphy
louise.murphy@dbs.ie
01 4178 754
Marguerite Leddin
marguerite.leddin@dbs.ie
01 4178 761
Executive Head of Law
Clem McGauley
Colin Dunlea
LLB Third Year Tutor
David Ewins
Eimear Long
LLB First Year Tutor
Mary Gordon
LLB Second Year Tutor
mary.gordon@dbs.ie
01 4170 619
Maryrose Molloy
Graduate LLB
Programme Leader
maryrose.molloy@dbs.ie
01 4170 652
Ronan Cosgrove
ronan.cosgrove@dbs.ie
01 4170 616
Sharon Sheehan
sharon.sheehan@dbs.ie
01 4178 739
Stewart Duffy
stewart.duffy@dbs.ie
01 4178 762
Administration Staff
Marie Byrne
School Secretary
marie.byrne@dbs.ie
01 4170 650
Iseult Ó Síocháin
School Manager
iseult.osiochain@dbs.ie
01 4178 742
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3.2
Programme Structure
UNIVERSITY OF WALES VALIDATED DEGREE SCHEME:
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1. Qualification
2. Programme Title
LLB (Hons) in Irish Law
3. Teaching Institution
LLB
4. Programme Type
Dublin Business School
Non Modular Full Time
5. Aims and Distinctive Features of the Programme
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6. Criteria for Admission to the Programme (inc. relevant English language score required)
Irish Leaving Certificate
Leaving Certificate Applicants must obtain a minimum of grade C3 in two higher level
subjects and grade D3 in four ordinary level subjects to include English.
A-Levels/GCSE
Applicants must obtain a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C to include Maths and
English plus two A-level passes at grade C or higher.
FETAC
For applicants who hold Further Education and Awards Council (FETAC) awards (NCVA Level
2 or 3), the minimum entry requirement is a full FETAC award in a course in a cognate area
which includes a Distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally
consists of eight modules. A full award may be accumulated over more than one academic
year.
English Language Requirements for the LLB
International applicants satisfy the English language requirements by meeting one of the
following criteria:
-
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0
A minimum TOEFL score (computer based) of 213 or above
A minimum TOEFL score (Internet based) of 79 or above
Or the equivalent score in the DBS English Placement Test (55-60%)
Cambridge Advanced Exams
Non-standard Entry
Applicants who do not hold the prescribed entry qualifications, or who are seeking
exemption from part of the programme, such as a transfer from another law degree and are
applying for exemptions from level 1 or level 2, are considered to be ‘non-standard
applicants’ and are considered on a case by case basis.
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7. Programme Learning Outcomes: What a Graduate Should Know and be able to do on
Completion of the Programme
i) Knowledge and understanding in the context of the subject
1. Demonstrate a firm grasp of the nature, relevant principles, complexities and interrelatedness of their subjects of study.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the main institutions and key influences ( internal and
external ) that shape the development of their subjects (including institutions of government
and the EU, law, the Constitution, business and society).
3. Demonstrate an awareness and depth of understanding of the key policy and theoretical
issues in, and development of, their subjects of study .
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between their subjects and possible
contexts, including political, social, economic and institutional issues, views and doctrines.
ii) Cognitive skills
1.Demonstrate an ability to gather and synthesise facts, identify issues and apply gained
legal knowledge to complex problems, to reflect upon and evaluate this application and to
draw logical reasoned conclusions that are supported by argument and legal authority.
2.Demonstrate an ability to evaluate their learning in terms of doctrinal coherence of rules
and in relation to any identifiable wider context.
3.Demonstrate an ability to appraise, grade and accurately summarise unfamiliar arguments
using statute law, judge made law, and legal academic authority .
4.Demonstrate an ability to present arguments cogently and persuasively and to anticipate
or otherwise deal with questions or issues arising from this process.
5.Demonstrate an ability to act independently in planning and managing their learning with
limited guidance.
6.Demonstrate an ability to identify own strengths and weaknesses and reflect on their
learning experience, including seeking and making use of feedback.
iii) Subject-specific practical\professional skills
1. Identify and use primary and secondary sources of information.
2. Conduct research using appropriate technology (document or web-based research,
internet resources, email communication, standard library and information retrieval systems
etc.)
3. Communicate arguments in appropriate forms using oral and written skills (presentations,
papers, coursework etc).
4. Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate legal terminology and language both orally and
in writing.
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5. Present research using appropriate technological support (word-processing, email).
6. Make use, where appropriate, of diverse research methodologies (interviews, empirical
research etc).
iv) General\transferable skills
1. Demonstrate an enhanced ability to utilise a wide number of standard, legal and other
electronic sources of information .
2. Demonstrate an ability to select key research issues and to identify relevant primary and
secondary sources of information and to use a wide number of sources of information.
3. Develop their independent learning by assuming responsibility for preparing for tutorials,
seminars, coursework , presentations and examinations.
4. Develop as reflective learners, by being able to pinpoint learning deficiencies including
any difficulties in sourcing information , developing legal arguments or opinions and
articulating them clearly.
5. Demonstrate a facility with, and ability to use, a wide range of information /
communications technology resources and tools including word processing tools, the
internet, e-mail, and standard legal databases .
6. Demonstrate numeracy and the ability to process basic mathematical or statistical
information in a legal context where appropriate.
7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
8. Demonstrate the ability to work with others in a group and to fully participate in
organised group activity.
9. Develop an ability to manage non-directed study time in order to meet set deadlines.
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8. Qualities, Skills and Capabilities Profile
The educational and training goals of the programme seek to promote and demonstrate the following
qualities, skills, capabilities and values in the student:
i) Intellectual
ii) Practical
iii) Personal and Social
Develop problem solving and
decision making skills
Develop key research skills
Develop a sense of individual
social responsibility and values
Develop enhanced oral and
written communication skills
Develop ability to
independently assess and
evaluate unfamiliar concepts
Develop numeracy
Develop critical legal reasoning
/ thinking skills and critical self
awareness
Develop student initiative and
the ability to exercise
independent judgment.
Develop IT and communications
skills
Develop the ability to work in a
team or independently
Develop the ability to work
interactively with others and to
participate in group activities
Develop an awareness of
competing views, values and
perspectives
9. Main Subjects, Levels, Credits and Qualifications
LLB 1
LLB 2
LLB 3
Criminal Law *#
Law of Tort *#
Administrative Law$
Contract Law *#
European Law *$
Law of Equity & Trusts *$
Constitutional Law *#
Law of Real Property *$
Law of Evidence#
Legal Systems
Company Law *$
Jurisprudence$
Legal Skills
Media Law
Medical Law
Employment Law
Human Rights Law
Commercial Law
Dissertation
All Level 1 and Level 2 subjects are compulsory. Those identified by an asterisk(*) are core subjects for
the FE1 Law Society entrance examinations. Those identified by a hashtag(#) are required for the
entrance examination to the degree course at the Honorable Society of King’s Inns. Those identified by
a dollar sign ($) are core subjects which must be passed for entry to the degree course at the
Honorable Society of the King’s Inns.
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10. Teaching and Learning Strategy : Details of how the scheme will be delivered
The learning and teaching strategy in relation to this scheme seeks to embed knowledge and
skills acquisition as part of the overall learning process.
The modules comprise a lecture to seminar ratio of 2:1. New material is delivered in
traditional lectures and supported by weekly (LLB Day) or bi-weekly (LLB Eve) seminars.
Lectures are based on lecturer input, material provided by the lecturer and group discussion
where appropriate. Seminars focus on assigned reading, problem solving and group
discussion. The nature of seminars is to encourage participation. To gain maximum benefit
the assigned reading material should be read prior to attending. To encourage attendance
at seminars and to provide valuable formative feedback throughout the academic year,
seminars include short and frequent assessment opportunities.
In the first year the Legal Skills module, delivered entirely through workshops will introduce
a greater variety of learning methods such as role play etc. In the final year there is the
option to take a dissertation and acquire research skills, through directed and self directed
learning.
11. Assessment
Assessment will be made on the basis of students’ demonstrated ability to analyse and
comment upon the important principles of and developments of the relevant subject
In particular, assessment will be conducted by reference to the following criteria:
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Demonstrated knowledge of module content.
Evidence of understanding of relevant concepts and principles.
Originality of thought and evidence of independent research.
Clarity of expression and presentation.
Technical proficiency.
Accuracy of material.
The School’s overall assessment scheme is based on examinations and continuous
assessment (CA) such as assignments, directed research or case studies. The examination
to continuous assessment ratio is typically 75:25. In the first and second years, a typical
module would have an end of year unseen, closed book examination, a single assignment
and 10% of the CA would be made up of short assessments such as Multi Choice
Questions answered in the seminars. The Legal Skills module is atypical in that is made up
of 100% CA and designed to assess a range of skills including library research and group
work.
Contract Law, EU Law and Equity and Trusts, have a higher ratio of examination to CA. In
the case of Contract Law and EU Law, the end of year examination is worth 50%, seen
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examinations, or timed essays taken under formal examination conditions, and
administered by the Registrar’s Office are worth 40% and the seminar assessment makes
up 10%. Equity and Trusts is made up of 50% seen examination (timed essay) and 50%
end of year, unseen examination.
To qualify for an Honours degree a student must obtain 180 ECTS credits of which 60
ECTS credits must be at each of levels 1, 2 and 3. A student must successfully complete
each year before progressing into the next one.
The minimum pass mark for each module is 40%. The module descriptors of each subject
links the learning outcomes to the assessment for each module.
The overall mark from level 2 contributes 30% towards the final degree classification; the
overall mark from level 3 contributes 70%. The LLB (Hons) Assessment Regulations
provide further details on re-sitting, compensation, transfer and progression etc.
12. Benchmark Statements
QAA Benchmark Statement for Law 2007
HETAC Standards
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13. Key Skills Mapping
Key Skill/Module
Basic, Advanced
Communication &
literacy
Numeracy
Information
Technology
Working in
Teams
Problem Solving
Level 1
Criminal Law*
B
B
Contract Law*
B
Constitutional Law*
B
B
Legal Systems
B
B
Legal Skills
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
Level 2
Law of Tort*
A
European Law*
A
Law of Real Property*
A
Company Law
A
B
A
B
B
B
B
B
B
A
Level 3
Administrative Law*
A
B
Law of Equity and Trusts*
A
Law of Evidence
A
B
A
Jurisprudence
A
B
A
Media Law
A
A
Medical Law
A
Employment Law
A
B
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
A
Human Rights
Commercial Law
A
A
A
B
A
Family Law
A
B
B
A
Dissertation
A
A
B
14. Date the Programme specification was written/amended: 9th April 2010
21
4.
Overview of Assessment
4.1
Assessment Strategy
Assessment will be based on the student’s ability to analyse and comment upon the relevant legal
principles and in particular assessment will be carried out with reference to:





Demonstrated knowledge of the module content
Clear evidence of understanding of relevant concepts and principles
Originality of thought and evidence of wider reading
Clarity of presentation
Accuracy of material
LLB Year 1 and LLB Year 2
Most LLB 1 and LLB 2 subjects are assessed by:
·
·
·
Written Assignment (15%)
In seminar assessment (10%) and
An end of year, closed book examination (75%)
In Contract Law (LLB 1) and European Union Law (LLB 2), students are assessed by:
·
·
·
Two timed essays under examination conditions (2 x 20%) worth a total of 40%
In seminar assessment (10%) and
An end of year, closed book examination (50%)
Legal Skills (LLB1) is assessed by:
·
Continuous Assessment (100%)
Legal Systems (LLB1) is assessed by:
·
·
Written Assignment (20%) and
An end of year, closed book examination (80%)
LLB Year 3
In Equity and Trusts (LLB 3), students are assessed by:
·
·
Two timed essays under examination conditions (2 x 25%) worth a total of 50% and
An end of year, closed book examination (50%)
The Dissertation (LLB 3) is assessed by:
·
Written submission (100%)
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All other LLB 3 subjects are assessed by:
·
·
Written Assignment (25%)
An end of year, closed book examination (75%)
In seminar assessment will vary in style and purpose from module to module, depending upon the
nature of the subject material and the teaching and learning objectives of the module. Assessments
can include essay writing, multiple-choice questionnaire, short answer in-class test, oral
presentation, group work, and poster presentations.
The detail of the assessment proposed for each subject will be included in the relevant module
outline and distributed in the first class.
The assessment regulations are on (or links available through) the DBS website for Current Students,
follow the links to the Registrar’s Office then Student Handbooks.
23
4.2 Grade Criteria:
Grade criteria are useful for staff when assessing and grading candidates’ work (as first and second
markers), to External Examiners in judging the marking standards applied by internal examiners and
to students in obtaining feedback on their performance. The examples below are generic criteria,
institutions might choose to develop more specific additional criteria in conjunction with the
programme Moderator and if deemed necessary the External Examiner.
Assessed work awarded a mark in the bands listed below should display the majority of the
characteristics noted under the headings below:
A
Undergraduate Level
First Class (70 – 100%)
First class work is relatively rare and is expected to stand out from the work of other students.
While it may be the case that within given areas of study a modest number of students might
achieve first class marks, it would not be expected that when aggregating the marks awarded for
the various elements of assessment that many students will achieve a first class result overall.
-
directly addresses the question or problems raised
provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information
critically evaluates concepts and theory
relates theory to practice
reflects the student’s own argument and is not just a repetition of standard lecture and
reference material
is very accurate
has an element of novelty if not originality
provides evidence of reading beyond the required reading
displays an awareness of other approaches to the problem area
has an appreciation of methodological concerns and displays an awareness of the limitations
of current knowledge
displays excellent use of relevant data and examples, all properly referenced
Upper Second Class (60 – 69%)
This is a highly competent level of performance and students earning this degree classification
may be deemed capable of registering for higher research degree work.
-
directly addresses the question of problems raised
provides a coherent argument drawing on relevant information
shows some ability to evaluate concepts and theory and to relate theory to practice
reflects the student’s own argument and is not just a repetition of standard lecture and
reference material
does not suffer from any major errors or omissions
provides evidence of reading beyond the required reading
24
-
displays an awareness of other approaches to the problem area
displays good use of relevant data and examples, all properly referenced
Lower Second Class (50 – 59%)
This is an acceptable level of performance and all competent students should expect to
achieve at least at this level.
-
addresses the question but provides only a basis outline of relevant arguments and evidence
along the lines offered in the lectures and reference readings
answers are clear but limited
some minor omissions and inaccuracies but no major errors
Third Class (40 – 49%)
This level of performance demonstrates some knowledge and an element of understanding but is
weak. Students attaining this level of performance should be in a small minority of those on the
course and could not expect to progress to higher degree work.
-
points made in the answer are not always well supported by argument and evidence
relevant points have been omitted from the answer
there are some errors in the answer
parts of the question remain unanswered
answers may be unduly brief and possibly in note form
Marginal Fail (35 – 39%)
Students in this category have not quite done enough to persuade the examiners that they should
pass.
-
answers la ck a coherent grasp of the problems and issues raised in the question
important information has been omitted from the answers and irrelevant points have been
included
answers are far too brief
Fail (Under 35%)
Failed students have been unable to convince the examiners that they have benefited adequately
from academic study
-
fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question
reveals fundamental misunderstanding of the subject matter
most of the material in the answer is irrelevant
25
5. ACADEMIC CALENDAR SCHOOL OF LAW (2010/2011)
27/09/2010
Week 1
No Seminars
04/10/2010
Week 2
Introductory Seminar on
Assessment
11/10/2010
Week 3
Week A
18/10/2010
Week 4
Week B
25/10/2010
Week 5
Week A
01/11/2010
Week 6
Week B
08/11/2010
Week 7
Week A
15/11/2010
Reading Week
Reading Week
22/11/2010
Week 8
Week B
29/11/2010
Week 9
Week A
06/12/2010
Week 10
Week B
13/12/2010
Week 11
Week A
First Year – Christmas Exams
20/12/2010
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
27/12/2010
Christmas Break
Christmas Break
03/01/2011
Reading Week
Reading Week
10/01/2011
Week 12
Week B
17/01/2011
Week 13
Week A
24/01/2011
Week 14
Week B
31/01/2011
Week 15
Week A
07/02/2011
Week 16
Week B
14/02/2011
Week 17
Week A
21/02/2011
Reading Week
Reading Week
28/02/2011
Week 18
Week B
07/03/2011
Week 19
Week A
14/03/2011
Week 20
Week B
21/03/2011
Week 21
Week A
28/03/2011
Week 22
Week B
04/04/2011
Week 23
Week A
11/04/2011
Week 24
Week B
18/04/2011
Reading Week
Reading Week
25/04/2011
Summer Exams
02/05/2011
09/05/2011
27/06/2011
Provisional Week for End of Year Results
25/07/2011
Repeat Exams
01/08/2011
12/09/2011
Provisional Week for Repeat Exam results
Please Note: Week A/B schedule is relevant to Seminars for LLB (Eve) students only. LLB (Day) students will
now have seminars on a weekly basis.
26