LAW IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

INTRODUCTION
TO THE MODULE

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INTRODUCTION

Module Aims:

1. Provide a comprehensive understanding of how the law

regulates, imposes duties, and determines outcomes in
construction projects.

2. Develop a good understanding of obligations under Tort

and under Contracts in the Built Environment, how each
are formed and relevant defences.

3. Recognition of scope and focus of major legislations and

regulations affecting the construction industry.

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 LAW IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Learning Outcomes: 

• LO1 Demonstrate understanding of English Law

within the context of their discipline area.
 
• LO2 Identify and demonstrate understanding in how
contract is formed, performed and executed.
 
• LO3 Research and present information relating to
legislation and regulations within the discipline
context (construction industry).
 

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 LAW IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Learning Outcomes: 

• LO4 Demonstrate an understanding of the difference

between liability in contracts and liability under torts
and how these liabilities occur in construction projects.

• L05 Identify the fundamental elements of a valid

contract and demonstrate an understanding of factors
that might vitiate a contract, and how obligations
under contracts are discharged.

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INTRODUCTION

WHY STUDY LAW?

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INTRODUCTION

• This is a ‘Level 4’ module, and an introduction to law that you need to

know throughout your time at LBU.

• Law In The Built Environment is a demanding module with a lot of

content to cover – you cannot ‘wing it’!

• The module requires group work which will be peer-assessed with

oversight from your Module Tutor to ensure academic rigour.

• If you fully apply yourself and engage with the module you should find
it very enjoyable.

• A career in law is an option for ALL built environment professionals.

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TOPICS FOR STUDY

Topic 1: Introduction to Law

Topic 2: Introduction to Tort Law
Topic 3: Tort Law in Construction Projects
Topic 4: Contract Formation
Topic 5: Misrepresentation
Topic 6: Contract law: Termination
Topic 7: Introduction to Standard Form Contracts
Topic 8: Regulation of the Construction Industry
Topic 9: The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
Topic 10: Dispute Resolution in the Construction Industry
Topic 11: Health & Safety in the Construction Industry

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Assignment 1 - Written assignment (75%):

• Upload to Turnitin no later than 9am on Monday 21

November 2022 (Week 9).

• Penalties apply for late submission. Make sure you beat the
rush! Don’t risk being late.

• The Assignment Brief (ie the instructions) will be made

available on the Law In The Built Environment module
homepage on MyBeckett.

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Assignment 2 – Group Presentation (25%):

• You will put yourselves into groups of three and need to

prepare a response to all tasks.

• You need to be familiar with the scenario as the Module

Tutor could ask you a question on a presentation prepared by
someone else in your group.

• You have 10 minutes to make your presentation on the

questions, and there will be a further 5 minutes reserved for
questions from the assessor.

• PowerPoint slides must be emailed to your Module Tutor by

09:00 hours on Monday 12 December 2022 (Week 12).
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Assessment 2 - Group Presentation (25%) cont'd:

• The presentations will take place week commencing 12

December 2022 (Week 12).

• You are to allocate your own presentation slot by completing

the ‘Presentation Timetable’ excel document at the top of
the module homepage (to be released in due course).

• The presentation is peer-assessed and contributes 25%

towards the final mark of the module.

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ASSESSMENTS

Assessment One:

• Written assignment demonstrating the students

understanding the law as it relates to topics 2-7 of the
module.

– Word count up to 3,000 words.

– Comprises 75% of your module grade.
– Due date: 21 November 2022

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ASSESSMENTS

Assessment Two:

• Group coursework that will involve discussion and

application of the law discussed in topics 8-11. You will
need also to discuss any available defences and
remedies.

– 10 minute presentation in groups of 3 students.

– Comprises 25% of your module grade.
– Due date: w/c 12 December 2022

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ADVANCING SKILLS

Skills to Master:

A: Research

B: Presentation skills

C: Application of law and legal analysis

D: Referencing

E: Quality Writing

A ‘Skills’ folder is located within the main ‘Learning Materials’ folder. You
are to take responsibility for working through the various skills.

These skills are just as (if not more) important than

the actual module content!
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ASSESSMENTS

• Each seminar will include an ‘assignment surgery’ during which

the tutor will provide guidance on how to apply the issues
addressed during that seminar directly to the coursework
assignment brief / group assessment.

• The tutor will offer advice on how to structure your answer and the
key issues to address and there will be an opportunity to raise
questions specifically related to the assessments.

• The key skills will be discussed and the tutor will advise on how to
utilise such skills in your assessment.

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ASSESSMENTS

• There will also be several ‘drop-in’ assessment support session as

shown on the timetable and study planner.

• The significant number of students on this module mean that Module

Tutors will not be able to provide individual feedback on draft work on
this module.

• However, support will be offered continually during seminars and drop-

in sessions and, if you have any specific concerns, you may raise these
in the first instance with the Module Tutor.

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KEY POINTS

• All lectures are pre-recorded and can be found in the relevant topic
folder. They will be released by the scheduled lecture time.

• Seminars will be face-to-face and are as shown on your timetable. You

MUST prepare for your seminars to make them worthwhile. You will find
your group presentation and written assignment extremely difficult to
complete if you do not attend.

• Attendance and completion of seminar worksheets is closely linked

to success in this module.

• Seminar worksheets must be uploaded to Turnitin before the

beginning of each seminar.

• Private study - the module represents 200 hours of study time!

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KEY POINTS

• Please ensure that you read all Announcements on the module

homepage starting with Week 1.

• We will continue to communicate important information via

Announcements on the Law In The Built Environment module homepage.

• We are here to help and provide support - please contact your allocated
Module Tutor if you have any queries or concerns.

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