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  3. Core Principles of Contract

Core Principles of Contract (LAWS90172)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
June - Online
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This subject introduces students to the common law method, to provide an understanding of the development of the modern law of contract as well as the fundamental principles of the subject, and to develop advanced analytical and critical skills that will help them to succeed in their Masters degree.

The lecturer has taught contract law for many years and has published extensively in the area.

Topics to be covered, principally through a series of case studies, include:

  • The evolution of the modern law of contract; the 'objective' approach; an overview of some current issues
  • Principles of contract formation: agreement; intention to be bound; consideration; certainty
  • The doctrine of privity of contract
  • Terms of the contract: express and implied terms; written contracts and their interpretation
  • Vitiating elements: misrepresentation; mistake; duress; undue influence; unconscionable bargain
  • Discharge of contracts: breach; frustration
  • Remedies for breach of contract: damages; specific performance

Intended learning outcomes

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should: 



  • Have a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of the common law of contract
  • Be able to evaluate critically those concepts and principles in the light of the function of the law of contract and the policy issues which underlie it
  • Have developed problem solving skills, skills of case analysis (including skills of fact analysis, identification of legal issues and critical appraisal of reasoning and outcomes) and other lawyering skills
  • Appreciate the interaction between the law of contract and other branches of the law of civil obligations
  • Have developed a facility in talking in public about law and legal problems and in responding to the questions and ideas of other people.

Generic skills

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills:

  • Mastery of the fundamental concepts and principles of the common law of contract;
  • The ability to evaluate critically those concepts and principles in the light of the function of the law of contract and the policy issues which underlie it;
  • Problem solving skills, skills of case analysis (including skills of fact analysis, identification of legal issues and critical appraisal of reasoning and outcomes) and other lawyering skills;
  • An appreciation of the interaction between the law of contract and other branches of the law of civil obligations;
  • The ability to talk in public about law and legal problems and to respond to the questions and ideas of other people.

Last updated: 18 December 2020