Description
An introduction to the key doctrines and legal principles of constitutional law in the United Kingdom with particular reference to Scotland.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to introduce students to the key principles of constitutional law in the United Kingdom with particular reference to Scotland.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand the rule of law, separation of powers and parliamentary sovereignty.
2. Identify and explain the Institutions of the UK Constitution.
3. Identify and explain the government of Scotland pursuant to the Scotland Act 1998.
4. Identify, state and apply legal principles and demonstrate skills of written communication legal reasoning and reflection.
Indicative Content
1 UK Constitution
What is a Constitution? Structure of the UK. Sources of UK constitutional law. Prerogative powers. Constitutional conventions. The Human Rights Act 1998. Scottish Independence - constitutional issues.
2 Doctrines of the UK Constitution
The Rule of law, the Separation of Powers, Parliamentary Sovereignty, Parliamentary Sovereignty post European Communities Act 1972 & post Scotland Act 1998.
3 UK Parliament and the UK Executive
House of Commons, House of Lords, Parliamentary Supremacy, the UK Government, the Monarch, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Ministers, UK Government departments, Civil service.
4 Scotland's Government, Scottish Parliament
Scotland Acts 1998 etc, Scottish Ministers & Government, Scottish Parliament, legislative competence, First Minister, Advocate General for Scotland, reserved powers, protected enactments, devolution issues.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 26 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 13 |
| Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 40 |
| Independent | 121 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
