Program Overview

Commercial Law (LAWS0023)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Laws
• Teaching department: Laws
• Credit value: 30
• Restrictions:
  • Students from UoL institutions must be in their final year of study and have a background in law.
  • Students from other UCL departments must have a 1st class performance in the 'Foundations of the English Legal System' pathway (LAWS0379 & LAWS0380).
  • Note that students on the non-Laws pathway will have to do significant additional reading to ensure they have the foundations necessary for this module.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Module Summary

Commercial law is a subject of immense importance, especially for those intending to practice law. It is also a dynamic and exciting area of considerable academic significance. If you enjoyed subjects such as Contract Law, Tort Law, Property I, and Property II, there is a good chance that you will also enjoy this module. You will see how core concepts of contract law, equity, and property law are applied in practice and will also study commercially important concepts such as assignment and agency. You will thus both deepen and broaden your knowledge of private law. You will also see how commercial law aims to provide the certainty that business requires whilst also evolving to keep pace with rapid changes in the commercial world.

Module Aims

Students will be expected to be able to understand and explain the topics covered. Indicative module topics include:

• Contractual Interpretation: how do, and how should, courts interpret commercial contracts?
• Agency: why is agency so important in practice; how can the acts of an agent bind a principal; how is a principal protected from misconduct of an agent?
• Property Rights: why are property rights so important in commercial transactions? What limits are there on the parties' ability to create such rights?
• Security Rights: how can a commercial party acquire a security right? Does the law provide the right balance between commercial convenience and the need to protect third parties?
• Assignment of Contractual Rights: is a chose in action, such as a debt, a piece of property that can be transferred? Should non-assignment clauses in contracts be enforced?
• Commercial Remedies: What remedies are available to a commercial party if, for example, a contractual partner fails to perform? Can the law protect a commercial party even if a breach of contract causes that party no loss?
• Torts: When might a commercial party be able to look outside contract law and instead seek protection under the economic torts? Should third parties be under a strict duty not to interfere with another party's contract?

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

Terms 1 and 2, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 6)

Teaching and Assessment

Mode of Study

In person

Methods of Assessment

100% Exam

Mark Scheme

Numeric Marks

Other Information

Number of Students on Module in Previous Year

35

Module Leader

Dr Magda Raczynska

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.