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Topic 1 – Module introduction

1.7 Module descriptor

General information
Module title: Contract law
Module code: LA1040
Module level: 4
Contact email: The Undergraduate Laws Programme courses are run in collaboration with the University of London. Enquiries may be
made via the Student Advice Centre.
Credit value: 30
Courses on which this module is offered: CertHE, LLB, EMFSS
Module prerequisite: None
Notional study time: 300 hours

Module purpose and overview

Contract law is one of the seven foundation modules required for a qualifying law degree in England and Wales and is a core requirement of the
University of London LLB and CertHE Common Law courses.

This module covers the key underlying principles of English contract law and includes key topics such as the formation, modification and
discharge of contracts, the content of a contract and the regulation of terms, vitiating elements in the formation of a contract, as well as third
parties and remedies for breach of contract.

Module aim
This module introduces students to the principles of contract at common law and in equity and helps them to understand how these principles are
applied to agreements.

Learning outcomes: knowledge

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Students completing this module are expected to have knowledge and understanding of the main doctrines, concepts and principles of
contract law. In particular they should be able to:

1. Describe the essential elements of a contract and explain how a contract is formed, modified and terminated;
2. Describe factors that might affect the enforceability of any contract that is formed;
3. Identify and explain appropriate remedies for breach of contractual obligations;
4. Outline the general (economic, social and political) context in which contract law is applied and the current issues affecting contract law;
5. Demonstrate understanding of the development of contract law and discuss its possible future direction(s).

Learning outcomes: skills

Students completing this module should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Summarise standard and sometimes complex legal materials and arguments;

2. Analyse statutes and cases concerned with contract law;
3. Identify issues raised by legal questions and problems and provide well-argued solutions;
4. Carry out straightforward research tasks, using internet-based resources;
5. Reflect on their own learning including identifying areas for improvement as well as responding appropriately to formative testing and
feedback.

Benchmark for learning outcomes

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) benchmark statement for Law 2019.

Module syllabus
1. The formation and modification of contracts. Offer and acceptance. Consideration. Certainty of agreement. Intention to create legal
relations.
2. The content of the contract. Conditions, warranties and intermediate terms. Exemption clauses. Implied terms at common law. Collateral
contracts. Statutory implied terms with regard to the quality of goods sold and goods or services supplied.
3. Vitiating factors. Mistake. Misrepresentation. Duress and undue influence.
4. Capacity to contract, with particular reference to the capacity of minors.
5. Third parties (excluding agency and assignment).
6. Performance and breach. Substantial performance. Repudiation and anticipatory breach. Discharge by breach. Discharge under the
doctrine of frustration.
7. Remedies for breach of contract. General principles governing the assessment of damages. Remoteness of damage. Damages for non-
financial loss. Mitigation. Restitutionary remedies. Liquidated damages and penalties. Specific performance.

Learning and teaching

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Module content
The module content on the module page of the UG Laws Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is the student’s primary learning resource. The
module content covers the Topics contained within the syllabus and provides students with the grounding to complete the module successfully.
Each Topic includes core, essential and further reading and a series of activities designed to test knowledge and develop relevant skills. Each
year, the content will be updated according to changes in the law which occurred up until 15 February.

The VLE provides one centralised location where some of the following resources are provided:

a module page;
the module content;
a Pre-Exam Update in February;
past examination papers and reports;
discussion forums where students can debate and interact with other students;
online learning activities for students to test their knowledge and understanding of the key topics;

The Online Library

The Online Library provides access to:

the professional legal databases LexisLibrary and Westlaw;

cases and up-to-date statutes;
key academic law journals;
law reports;
links to important websites.

Core reading
Students should refer to the following core text. Specific reading references are provided in each topic of the module guide:

McKendrick, E. Contract law. (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2021) 14th edition [ISBN 9781352012064].

Students should also buy the following case book:

Merkin, R. and S. Saintier Poole’s casebook on contract law. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021) 15th edition [ISBN
9780198869986].

Assessment
Summative assessment for Contract law is through an unseen examination. Students are required to answer four questions out of eight. The
questions include both essay and problem-based questions and test in particular the knowledge outcomes 1–4 and skills outcomes 5–9.

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The format and mode of assessment may need to change in light of extraordinary events beyond our control. In the event of any change,
students will be informed of any changes to the assessment arrangements via the VLE.
Permitted materials
Students are permitted to bring into the examination room the following specified document:

Hart core statutes on contract, tort & restitution 2022–23 (Bloomsbury).

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