Certificate EU Law

Course details

What is this course about?

The aim of this module is to give students a sound understanding of the institutional and constitutional structure of the European Union (EU). EU law is placed in its historical context by considering the constitutional development of the EU, including an examination of the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon. The institutional structure and operation of the Court of Justice of the European Union are analysed, as are the various categories of litigation which the Court considers. The law relating to the institutions is thoroughly explored along with an analysis of the legislative processes of the EU law-making institutions. The sources of EU law are examined, including the Treaties, secondary legislation, and general principles, with a focus on fundamental rights. The doctrines of EU law, such as the primacy of EU law, supremacy, direct effect, the interpretive obligation, and state liability are considered. The impact of concept of Union citizenship is also evaluated.

This course is an ECTS 15 credit module of the BA (Honours) in Law Degree.

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth and critical understanding of the history of the EU;
• Critically evaluate the structure and workings of the EU political and judicial institutions, and analyse the inter-relationships between those institutions;
• Have the ability to source EU law and demonstrate a thorough comprehension of the EU legislative process;
• Analyse the theoretical and legal basis of the fundamental principles of EU law, and be able to assess the impact of these principles on the union as a whole;
• Appreciate the inter-relationship between EU and national law and explain how and when a member state may face liability for nonimplementation and mal-implementation of EU law;
• Demonstrate an in-depth and integrated knowledge of the treaty provisions and case law dealing with free movement of goods, servicesand workers and debate the possible impact of the concept of union citizenship on free movement law;
• Discuss the theoretical and political aims and objectives of EU competition law and critically analyse how these aims and objectives are given effect within the EU;
• Be able to use analytical and problem solving skills gained to apply knowledge to case studies dealing with matters of EU law.

What are the minimum entry requirements?

All applicants will be considered on a case-bycase basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.