4B047E - Built Environment Economics and Law 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Jul 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4B047E
Module Title: Built Environment Economics and Law
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Built and Sustainable Environment
Faculty Sub Group: Built Environment
Module Leader: Shane Galvin
Module Team: Adam Collins, Bowen Yan
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100151 - construction management 100450 - economics 100485 - law
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 25 25

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Jul 2032

Module Aims

  • To analyse the economy in relation to the built environment, including key economic data sources and their influence on decision-making. 

  • To apply and evaluate financial concepts in relation to cost and value within the built environment. 

  • To examine and evaluate the legal frameworks, responsibilities, and stakeholder roles that govern the UK construction industry and built environment. 

Content Summary

This module provides students with an integrated understanding of the economic and legal frameworks that influence the construction industry and the wider built environment. It introduces key economic principles relating to market behaviour, economic activity, and government intervention, enabling students to interpret economic indicators and their influence on decision-making. Students will also explore the cyclical nature of property and construction markets, valuation methods, investment return, and risk analysis, supported by introductory financial calculations including compound interest and discounted cash flows. 

Alongside the economic dimension, the module examines the wide range of laws governing the UK construction industry, focusing on contractual obligations, health and safety requirements, procurement and environmental sustainability. Emphasis is placed on understanding the civil and criminal liabilities of stakeholders and the legal responsibilities that underpin professional practice. Students are also introduced to ethics, codes of practice, and professional standards that promote integrity and accountability in the sector. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes & Workshops 24
Groupwork 12
Active/Simulation-based 6
Demonstration 12
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Formative Assessment - Independent 16
Summative Assessment 60
Direct Study 84
Independent Study 84
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe and explain how economic activity, market behaviour, and macro-economic factors influence the built environment.
LO2 Explain the relationship between economic concepts and construction and property law.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Document analysis Online 0 2000 40 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Simulation (Onsite) Practical Assessment – Simulation (Onsite) 10 N/A 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Document analysis
Simulation (Onsite)

Reading List

Economics Essentials: Myers (2022), Gruneberg & Francis (2018),  

RICS market reports 

Financial Maths: Basic valuation, compound interest, DCF guides 

Law: Arvind (Contract Law), Witting (Torts), Hughes & Ferrett (H&S), environmental law sources 

Professional & Ethical Practice: RICS Rules of Conduct, CIOB Code of Practice