Consumer Law (Level 5)

Overview

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Dr Heather Allansdottir
• Assessment: an in-person MCQ exam (100%)

Module description

In this module we introduce you to various types of complaints a consumer may make against suppliers of goods and services. We will consider the civil and criminal law remedies available to consumers.

The module is designed to focus on the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (which has now been amended by the Consumer Credit Act 2006) and Regulations in relation to online transactions. We will also consider claims for misrepresentation and unfair terms.

Indicative syllabus

• Consumer rights, interests, education, and enforcement
• Unfair contract terms
• Unfair commercial practices
• Consumer sales
• Consumer protection and specific sales techniques
• Product safety
• Financial consumer protection
• Consumer protection in other specific sectors
• Revision

Learning objectives

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Identify and explain the main principles, concepts and rules of consumer law.
• Demonstrate a sound working knowledge of key areas of consumer law, including unfair terms, unfair commercial practices, consumer sales, distance and off-premises selling, and the enforcement of consumer rights.
• Explain the legal framework governing consumer law and the relationships between its principal concepts, rules and underlying values.
• Interpret, analyse and apply relevant legal rules and principles to factual scenarios.
• Analyse legal issues arising in consumer law and develop reasoned responses supported by relevant legal authority.
• Identify relevant political, economic, commercial and social factors that influence the development and operation of consumer law.