This module explores different themes of European Union law (EU law) from a European perspective rather than from a UK perspective to give an in-depth view of EU law, which makes this module different to other courses. The organisation around themes and use of topical context aims to allow you to engage in a lively discussion with your fellow students and the module team right from the beginning. You'll have various opportunities to apply and critically evaluate the law with and without reference to the UK's legal system. It will also help you develop further academic and professional skills.
What you will study
This module is presented in three blocks, each of which has three units.
Block 1: Introduction to the framework
This block introduces the historical background of the European Union, as well as the institutions, principles and law-making processes. The first unit introduces the module and the law, supports your learning journey of EU law as a glossary, and will, therefore, be unique as it's structured according to key terms without necessarily having an overarching topical thread running through it.
Block 2: Free movement rules and principles
This block adds to the aspects of EU law covered in the first block by introducing the internal market and exploring citizenship. You'll analyse the free movement provisions in detail and explore the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union in this area.
Block 3: The reach of EU policies and law
This block engages with topical discussions on EU non-discrimination law and competition law. You'll also learn more about Brexit and EU external relations.
Entry requirements
In order to study this module, you must have successfully completed 60 credits of study at Stage 2. As this Stage 3 law module includes some complex legal ideas, we highly recommend that you have successfully completed at least 60 credits of law at Stage 2.
Before enrolling on W330, if you are studying this module towards the:
Academic degree or Foundations of Legal Knowledge route as part of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB) (R81), then you will need to have studied or be studying on a presentation of Trusts law (W311).
Academic degree route of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (graduate entry) (LLB) (R82), then you will need to have studied or be studying on a presentation of Trusts law (W311).
Foundations of Legal Knowledge or SQE route on the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (graduate entry) (LLB) (R82), then you will need to have studied or be studying on a presentation of SQE: legal system, public law and criminal litigation (W321).
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
The assessment points are spread throughout the module to give plenty of opportunity to prepare and reflect on your progress and achievements. The units are designed to support your learning through consolidation and reflection. This will enable you to assess your understanding and knowledge to improve your overall learning experience.
What's included
You will have digital access via Law Trove to EU Law: Text, Cases, and Materials (UK Version), (Craig, P. and de Búrca, G.) and a module website, which includes:
an electronic copy of the module textbook
a week-by-week study planner
module-specific study materials
audio and video content
assignment details and submission section
online tutorials and forums, and tutor support.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying W330 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
European Union law starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.