This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module ACCT1131: Business Law for Accountants
Department: Accounting
ACCT1131: Business Law for Accountants
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 20 | Not available in 2025/2026 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- ACCT1137 Business Law
Aims
- This is an introductory law module for accounting students. Specifically the module aims to provide accounting students with an overview of the principles of English law, the legal framework within which businesses operate, and the requirements and restrictions imposed by relevant aspects of English law.
Content
- Essential elements of the English Legal Framework.
- The law of obligations: contract and agency.
- The law of obligations: negligence.
- Employment law.
- Partnership law.
- Company law.
- Insolvency and administration.
- Criminal law.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge, basic understanding and application of English legal principles of specific legal areas applicable to business.
- An understanding of the position of the English legal system in a global context.
Subject-specific Skills
- On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Analyse and offer basic advice on common legal issues facing a business.
Key Skills
- Verbal communication.
- Written communication.
- Problem solving.
- Enquiry and explanation.
- Analysis and judgement.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Learning takes place through attendance at, preparation for, and participation in workshops, and independent study.
- Formative assessment is by means of a mock exam.
- Summative assessment is by means of a written examination.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workshops | 20 | 2 per Week | 2 hours | 40 | Yes |
| Preparation, Reading and Independent Study | 160 | ||||
| Total | 200 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100% | Written examination | 2 hours | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Mock exam
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.