Course description
The programme is led by Professor Patrick Birkinshaw, a well-known expert in this field, editor of the journal European Public Law and author of the seminal work in the area, European Public Law (2003). It will appeal to those looking to specialise in European legal studies as well as those from outside Europe looking to adopt a comparative approach based on the European experience. The programme is taught wholly at the Hull Campus. It has one commencement in September of each year and runs for 12 months.
PROGRAMME CONTENT
The programme consists of three semesters. The first two semesters comprise taught modules, and students pursue three modules per semester. There is a wide range of modules to choose from, and most modules are directly based on the research interests of the staff involved. The final semester comprises the Dissertation, which is a supervised independent research project. The programme emphasises the development of research skills through the teaching techniques in the individual modules and through supervision of the Dissertation. It provides students with a wide range of transferable skills that can be applied to legal practice or further academic study.
CORE MODULES
Students are required to take European Public Law I in the first semester and European Public Law II in the second semester, for a total of 40 credits. The remaining 80 credits (four modules) are to taken from the list of optional modules.
OPTIONAL MODULES
• American Public Law
• British Public Law
• Democratic Values and International Law
• European Human Rights Law
• EC Competition Law and the Global System
• European Union Law
• External Relations of the EU
• Foundations of Human Rights
• French and German Public Law
• International Criminal Law
• International Human Rights Protection
• International Humanitarian Law
• Law of Self-Determination
• Medicine, Ethics and the Law
• Public International Law The availability of individual modules will depend on staffing arrangements.
FURTHER MODULE INFORMATION
Students need to undertake three 20-credit modules each semester. Students are permitted to take a maximum of one 20-credit module per semester outside the Law School with prior approval from the Postgraduate Director.
ASSESSMENT
The methods of assessment vary from module to module but include research essays, unseen examinations, writing assignments, oral presentations and class participation.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Law School has been at the forefront of European legal studies for many years. The Institute of European Public Law is based in the school and was the first research centre in the UK dedicated to European public law. The institute supports public lectures by leading experts and hosts the publication of the leading journal in the field of European public law.