The module is divided into two parts.
Part 1
During the first part, there is an element of choice. You choose three out of the four possible topics to study. Each topic is around 24 hours of study and can be studied flexibly at a time and pace that suits you. You should aim to complete your Part 1 studies by the end of January.
Scottish courts and the law
Here you consider the role courts play in society by ensuring that justice is done and seen to be done. You explore the function and purpose of the courts in Scotland and consider the way in which cases come to court, the difference between the criminal and civil justice systems, the separation of powers, how individuals may become involved with the court system, the alternatives to the court systems that have emerged in recent decades and possibilities for the future.
The Scottish Parliament and law making
In this topic, you consider the role of the Scottish Parliament in law making. You explore how and why laws are made by both the Scottish and UK Parliaments and the relationship between the two parliaments. The meaning of specific legal powers and terms is explored, for example, devolved matters, reserved matters, legislative competence, and subordinate legislation. Throughout, you consider the changes in the legal culture of Scotland, which took place at the end of the twentieth century. The skills of reading Bills and Acts of Parliament are introduced, and you learn about how citizens can become involved in the parliamentary law-making process.
Legal skills and debates in Scotland
Legal skills are an important and transferable aspect of legal study. Here, you consider the role of law and legal skills and consider how the development of new laws reflects changes in society. Written communication and developing an argument are important skills used by lawyers on a daily basis. As a foundation to these, you are introduced to the skills of reading legal materials such as legislation and court judgments. You also explore the art of legal writing and providing reasoned opinions. You consider a leading case in the law of delict, and using this as a basis, you explore how laws are created, applied and interpreted by lawyers and the judiciary.
Society and the law: Scottish legal heroes
Law plays an important role in society. A role that extends beyond parliaments and the courts. Here, you consider how law has been used to respond to developments in society and explore whether those developments should influence them. You look at how Scotland has influenced the development of laws at a national and global level, with examples of how individuals, institutions and organisations have made a difference by challenging the law or legal system. In this, you'll learn how the Scottish Legal System is highly regarded on the international stage. You also consider how words such as principled, integrity, conscience, duty, justice, and fairness are used in relation to law and legal systems and their relevance in contemporary legal Scotland.
As you complete your three topics of choice, you will need to obtain a completion badge for each topic as proof of completion. This proof will need to be submitted with the final assessment. Instructions for obtaining proof of completion are provided as you begin to study each topic.
Part 2
The second part of the module is divided into five blocks. Each block is designed to consolidate knowledge and develop important transferable legal and study skills. The blocks cover evaluating sources of information, reading for academic study, critical thinking and persuasive writing. Reflective skills form an essential part of study, and opportunities are also provided for reflection.
Studying this module
To provide you with greater flexibility, Part 1 of the module is available on the OU’s free-to-access platform OpenLearn and can be accessed at any time. This approach has been chosen as it enables students to choose to study over a timeframe that meets their individual study needs.
Studying Part 1 should be completed prior to the end of January. You must keep your completion badges as proof of study.
By studying this module, you will be able to:
This module develops several key transferable and employability skills, such as developing a persuasive argument, digital literacy skills and reflective learning.
Course work includes:
Part 1 is assessed through online quizzes, which you can complete in your own time. Completing the quizzes enables you to gain a completion badge for the topic chosen.
Part 2 requires you to submit a short piece of written work as the end-of-module assessment. This has a set cut-off date by which it must be submitted. This is usually in April, and more detail on this is provided on the course webpage.
You will have access to the module website.
Law making in Scotland starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
