Programme Specification
PgCert Law and Technology
Academic Year 2023/24
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title | PgCert Law and Technology | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Postgraduate Certificate | |||||||||||
Programme Code | LAW-PC-LT | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100482 - Business law - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Part Time or Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Part Time - 2 Academic Years Full Time - 1 Academic Year |
Total Credits for Programme | 60 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Law |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Law (2015) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
|
No accreditations (PSRB) found. |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
Programme Specific Regulations The Postgraduate Certificate is an exit award only. It is awarded to students who have successfully completed taught modules worth 60 credits from those taught modules available on the LLM programme. |
Students with protected characteristics No |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
The programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the key questions we face across a broad range of legal and socio-legal areas. On successful completion of the taught modules, students will have:
•gained advanced knowledge and understanding of their chosen areas of law;
•acquired advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles of scholarship, and research methodologies, both theoretical and analytical, in the area;
•developed a sophisticated level of critical thinking and expression, an enhanced capacity for critical reflection and judgment in the light of evidence and argument, and skills appropriate to self-directed study and independent research;
•the ability to develop independent and sophisticated insights into important aspects of law
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Deal with complex issues in a systematic way |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in the use of the University library and the QUB online information system are core elements in the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take Faculty and School modules in research methods which equip them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis. Methods of Assessment Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes are aimed at assessing students’ understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter. |
Oral presentation of independent research to both a specialist and non-specialist audience. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in the use of the University library and the QUB online information system are core elements in the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take Faculty and School modules in research methods which equip them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis. Methods of Assessment Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes are aimed at assessing students’ understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter. |
Apply key research skills and methodology to a range of sources including not only legal ones but also media and other discussions of law such as NGO position papers. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in the use of the University library and the QUB online information system are core elements in the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take Faculty and School modules in research methods which equip them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis. Methods of Assessment Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes are aimed at assessing students’ understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter. |
Critically present information and ideas in a coherent and accurate manner. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in the use of the University library and the QUB online information system are core elements in the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take Faculty and School modules in research methods which equip them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis. Methods of Assessment Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes are aimed at assessing students’ understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter. |
Draw on an interdisciplinary skillset to understand the place of law in society; discuss legal doctrine from a socio-legal perspective. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Instruction in the use of the University library and the QUB online information system are core elements in the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take Faculty and School modules in research methods which equip them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis. Methods of Assessment Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes are aimed at assessing students’ understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter. |
Evaluate critically current research and scholarship in the subject area. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
An ability to be self-directed and exercise initiative |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. Methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process. Methods of Assessment The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules. |
The independent learning skills required for workplace training or further professional training |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. Methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process. Methods of Assessment The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules. |
Independent and critical thinking |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. Methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process. Methods of Assessment The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules. |
Decision-making skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. Methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process. Methods of Assessment The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules. |
Ability to apply existing knowledge to new situations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. Methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process. Methods of Assessment The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules. |
The ability to absorb new techniques in areas such as information technology |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing. Methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process. Methods of Assessment The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of issues in legal studies. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures and seminars. Methods of Assessment Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports. |
Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the sources of current debates in the study of law. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures and seminars. Methods of Assessment Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports. |
The ability to demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a wide range of legal concepts and their contexts. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures and seminars. Methods of Assessment Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports. |
Critical understanding of the wider legal, political, economic and social contexts in which the law operates. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures and seminars. Methods of Assessment Coursework (essays), class presentations and case reports. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Critical understanding of current problems in subject area. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Critically evaluate and interpret information examining its methodological basis. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Synthesise information from extra-legal sources so as to place subject specific information in its social, political and economic context. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Apply conceptual information to subject specific practical problems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Use argument derived from the analysis of current research to present new hypotheses. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Be able to demonstrate linkages between different bodies of subject specific knowledge by recognising the presence of underpinning legal concepts. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online. Methods of Assessment Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations and short papers. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Innovation & Creativity Clinic: Project Based Learning | LAW7846 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
IP, Green Economy, and Sustainability | LAW7872 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Data, Privacy and the Law | LAW7848 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
(Metaverse Law) Copyright, Trademarks & Immersive Technologies | LAW7870 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Business and Human Rights | LAW7807 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Platform Regulation:IP Enforcement & Content Moderation | LAW7849 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Critical Approaches International Economic Law | LAW7867 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Regulating Innovation | LAW7845 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Computational Methods and Skills | LAW7847 | 7 | 10 | YES | -- | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics | LAW7840 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Foundations of Cyber Security | ELE8071 | 7 | 10 | YES | -- | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Law and the Challenges of Technology | LAW7844 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Artificial Intelligence and the Law | LAW7863 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Approaches to Legal Research | LAW7817 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 4 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
No notes found.