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First this course aims to impart a sound understanding of the nature and sources of the UK constitution. It will provide students with knowledge of the role and workings of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, with particular reference to the issues of scrutiny and accountability. Students will examine the basic constitutional principles, rules and concepts of the separation of powers, the supremacy of parliament, prerogative powers and the rule of law; this will provide a basis for appreciating the constitutional significance of the Human Rights Act 1998 and its operation as well as current development surrounding withdrawal from the European Union. Students will then proceed to examine the key mechanisms within administrative law for achieving scrutiny and accountability: these are judicial review and the Ombudsman systems.

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1. Appreciate the relevance of constitutional and administrative law in the study of law and the operation of the UK’s legal system.
2. Have good, general knowledge of the background and current working of the UK constitution, the legislature, monarchy, executive and judiciary.
3. Understanding of complex and competing issues of scrutiny, accountability, protection of human rights and proposals for constitutional reform.
4. Appreciate the role of judicial review and the ombudsman system in achieving administrative justice.
5. Appreciate the evolving role of Public Law accountability mechanisms and available remedies in Administrative Law processes.

Term 1:
1. Introduction to Public Law
2. Fundamental Principles of Constitutional Law
3. Sources of the Constitution
4. Supremacy of Parliament I
5. Supremacy of Parliament II
6. Reading Week
7. The Executive
8. The Judiciary
9. Separation of Powers
10. Devolution
11. ECHR and Human Rights Act 1998
12. Revision and Mock MCT
Term 2:
1. Introduction to Administrative Law
2. Judicial Review – Scope
3. Grounds for Judicial Review I
4. Grounds for Judicial Review II
5. Judicial Review – Procedure
6. Reading Week
7. Non-legal remedies against the Administration
8. Tribunals
9. Liability of Public Authorities and the Crown
10. Public Inquiries
11. Revision
12. Mock MCT

Seminar: One weekly seminar per group. Seminar work includes a combination of activities: written work addressing key constitutional concepts; oral presentations, mock and mini MCTs.
Lecture: Two hours weekly lecture.
Group Study: Through group seminar presentations and in particular on Term 2 (Public Inquiries II).
Self-Directed Learning: Students will be offered additional reading on crucial aspects of the topic and encouraged, for their seminar work, to research and apply their findings to particular legal problems. Weekly reading is recommended as is the study of additional resources made available on Moodle. Students are expected to come prepared every week with written notes and seminar answers. Two Reading Weeks across Terms 1 and 2 will also be used for self-directed learning, revision and catch up on learning materials and tasks.

Exam 1: 50% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1 - 4.
Duration: 2 hours.
Outline Details: 2h Multiple Choice Test (January) (20 Questions).

Exam 2: 50% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1 - 5.
Duration: 2 hours.
Outline Details: 2h Multiple Choice Test (Main Cycle) (20 Questions).

Formative Assessment: For each summative assessment, there will be one Mock MCT. In addition, mini MCTs will form part of weekly seminar tasks and exercises.