European Union law
This module explores the Law of the European Union (EU law) by focusing on differing themes. It teaches the differing topics from a European perspective rather than from a UK perspective which makes this module different to other EU law courses. This way, you'll be given a more in depth view of EU law. 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 be given various opportunities to apply and critical evaluate the law with and without reference to the UK's legal system. It will also help you develop further academic and professional skills. The focus is law at European Union level looking at the workings of the EU Institutions, Court and its jurisprudence.
Please note that some details of the module may require modification in order to accurately reflect the impact of the emergent national and transnational changes affecting governance of the EU.
What you will study
This module is presented in three blocks, each of which includes three units.
Block 1: Introduction to the framework
This block introduces the historic background of the European Union, as well as the institutions, principles and the law-making processes. The first unit introduces the module and the law, and supports your learning journey of EU law as a glossary. This first unit will therefore be unique as it will be structured according to key terms without necessarily having an overarching topical thread running through it.
Block 2: The internal market
This block adds to the aspects of EU law covered in the first block by introducing the internal market and exploring citizenship as well as the EU’s approach towards discrimination. You'll analyse the free movement provisions in detail as well as exploring the EU's approach to policy making. While looking at free movement of workers, the concept of EU citizenship will also be explored.
Block 3: European Union law in close-up,
This block will then add some more detail to your EU law knowledge by engaging with topical discussions on EU non-discrimination law and competition law. You will also learn more about Brexit and about the EU external relations with the World Trade Organisation.
You will learn
After studying this module you should be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the:
- concepts, rules and principles of European Union Law
- social, political, economic and historic dimensions of European Union Law
You should also be able to identify, apply and critically analyse the:
- principles of European Union law
- different legal and policy arguments with relation to European Union law as articulated in public discourse, academic debate, case law and legal scholarship
Entry requirements
In order to study this module, you must have successfully completed 60 credits of study at Stage 2.
This module will be of potential interest to you if you enjoy philosophy, politics, economics or social sciences, as well as traditional law. As this is a Stage 3 Law module, it includes some complex legal ideas. It is therefore highly recommended that you have successfully completed at least 60 credits of law at Stage 2.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
What's included
You’ll be provided with one text book and have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- a module guide
- 12 online units divided into four blocks
- audio and video content
- assessment guide
- online tutorials and tutor group forums
- an electronic version of the textbook.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.