LAW6072 - Company Law

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Demonstrate critical knowledge and deeper understanding of the fundamental principles, rules and institutions that constitute the main legal framework for the operation of companies
2 - Identify and interpret primary and secondary sources of legislation and use their understanding to resolve hypothetical scenarios and theoretical questions relating to company law in England & Wales
3 - Identify accurately the issue or issues which require researching and to retrieve accurate, current and relevant information from a range of appropriate sources
4 - Rank and collate issues in terms of relevance and importance and to synthesise them
5 - Articulate views and beliefs in a clear and precise manner, using the correct referencing conventions.

Content:

The module will cover the key principles of corporate law in England and Wales. Students will be introduced to the concept of the company as a separate legal entity before considering limited liability, the corporate veil, a company’s constitution, as well as the role of directors who manage a company on a day-to-day basis, and shareholders who have invested in the business. Students will be introduced to the internal processes and procedures that need to be followed within a company together with associated reporting requirements and liaison with Companies House. Students will be encouraged to think critically about issues such as minority protection, majority rule, and the separation of ownership and control in order to enable them to apply these key concepts to problem-based scenarios.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Student learning will be supported using a blended approach of formal lectures, student led workshops and online learning resources. Formal lectures will cover the key academic materials of the module which will be supported by student led workshops. The workshops will be devoted to a discussion of legal theory, core corporate processes and procedures, as well as a consideration of simulated real-world issues in company law. Students will work in groups to discuss, prepare and then present solutions to complex problem-based scenarios. Within the groups, peer interaction and support will be facilitated to enable students to delve deeper into these problems, clarify key procedural steps, suggest alternative resolutions and enhance personal development. In addition, the VLE will be used to provide guidance to relevant legislation, judicial decisions and practical case studies. Students will be expected to engage with these materials and use online chat forums and discussion boards to present their interpretation of the case studies using relevant legislation, judicial decisions, and the appropriate Model Articles.

Lectures/seminars/tutorials
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment

The examination will include hypothetical problem questions and/or essay questions. Students will be required to present coherent arguments that are based on their knowledge and critical analysis of UK company law. They will be encouraged to go beyond citing and summarising the law, to develop their own assessment of the situation and the relative value of different arguments and evidence put forward.

The Problem based scenario is intended to develop and assess a different set of skills. It is a multi-issue real world scenario that requires the student to undertake independent research, to apply their findings to the given scenario and to provide the client with both appropriate legal advice and commercially relevant guidance. As such, students will be expected to review the scenario, research relevant statutory provisions and case law, identify the relevant procedural requirements under the Companies Act 2006 as well as the Model Articles, apply the law to the material facts of the situation, and to outline potential solutions.

Assessment:

001 Examination; 2 hours; end of semester 1 40%
002 Problem-based scenario; 2,500 words; end of semester 2 60%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Marjan Parkinson
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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