CE5597: Environment Law and Policy
| School | Continuing and Professional Education |
| Department Code | LEARN |
| Module Code | CE5597 |
| External Subject Code | 100485 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Sara Jones |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2025/6 |
Outline Description of Module
This course introduces students to the main aspects of environmental law and policy in England and Wales. The course focuses on the following areas:
1. Background to environmental law - definitions, civil and criminal law, the court system and sources of law in England and Wales.
2. Nuisance - public, private and statutory nuisance.
3. The role of the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
4. Environmental Impact Assessments
5. Environment Act 2021
6 Town and Country Planning Act 1990
7. Planning Act 2008
8. Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
9. Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2015
10. Water Resources Act 1991.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
1. Describe the background to environmental law in England and Wales.
2. Distinguish between civil and criminal law.
3. Explain the court system and sources of law in England and Wales.
4.Describe the role of the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
5.Explain and assess the effect of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
6.Recognise and evaluate the effectiveness of relevant legislation.
How the module will be delivered
The module will be delivered in person in a classroom setting using Power-Point slides and video content. Classes will be a mixture of lectures and group-based discussions on the specific topics covered each week. Homework tasks will be set on each topic. Each week, teaching and learning activities will enable students to build up their knowledge of environmental law and policy. Course materials will be made available on Learning Central.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Students will be encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills through:
Reflection on their existing and acquired knowledge each week.
Engagement in class discussion and debate.
Carrying out further research into topics discussed to enhance legal knowledge and understanding.
How the module will be assessed
Completion of an assignment task in relation to the role of the statutory bodies (Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales) and Environmental Impact Assessment and relevant legislation.
Completion of case studies in relation to public, private and statutory nuisance and relevant legislation.
Type of assessment
Summative 50% Assignment
Summative 50% Case Studies
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Written Assessment | N/A |
Syllabus content
.Background to environmental law
2.Civil and criminal law
3.Court system in England and Wales
4.Sources of law in England and Wales
5.Public, private and statutory nuisance
6.Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales
7.Environmental Impact Assessment
8.Environment Act 2021
9.Town and Country Planning Act 1990
10.Planning Act 2008
11.Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regs.2016
12.Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regs.2015
13.Water Resources Act 1991.