Internet Law and Regulation (M3111)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

This module will introduce you to the legal issues raised by the internet. The module will begin with a discussion of the various schools of thought about the application of law to the internet. It will also familiarise you with the history of communications legislation in the United Kingdom, as well as essential case law. You will be made familiar with the dual role of communications network users as both consumers and citizens, and the economic and human rights arguments pertinent to each category. This will prepare you for later discussion of the case law and legislation of the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as comparative analysis of US legislation and case law. The relevant domestic, European and international laws will be scrutinised so that you will gain an understanding of the major regulatory regimes applicable to the internet.

Teaching

52%: Lecture
48%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 21 hours of contact time and about 129 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2022/23. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: