7G001E - Critical Issues in Public Administration 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 7G001E
Module Title: Critical Issues in Public Administration
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Law
Faculty Sub Group: Law
Module Leader: Hannah Menard
Module Team: Adam Collins, Hayley Brain, Clare Lewis
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 10 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100485 - law
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

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

Module Aims

  • To develop knowledge of the public law principles, rules and accountability mechanisms governing public administration and decision-making.  

  • To develop an understanding and analysis of the legal and policy frameworks that regulate administrative action.  

  • To develop a critical evaluation of the legal and non-legal rules, policies and processes that shape public administration and public sector accountability. 

Content Summary

This module examines the legal principles and governance frameworks that underpin public administration and public sector decision-making. It moves beyond foundational concepts to develop a critical and analytical understanding of administrative law, accountability mechanisms and the standards of legality that govern the exercise of public power. 

Through scenario based learning, students will critically evaluate principles of procedural fairness, judicial review, discretion, liability, the duty to give reasons and ombudsman oversight, while considering their practical application within contemporary public administration. The module aims to develop students' ability to identify complex public law issues, apply legal principles to realistic decision-making scenarios, and evaluate the legal and policy considerations that shape administrative action. 

As part of the wider LLM Law and Intellectual Property, the module develops students' understanding of the legal frameworks that support transparent, accountable and defensible decision-making within regulatory and public sector contexts. Students will develop skills in legal analysis, critical evaluation and professional judgement, enabling them to assess the lawfulness and effectiveness of administrative decisions and governance processes. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 5
Practical Classes and Workshops 15
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 8
Total Hours Selected 100

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse the public law rules, policies and processes affecting public administration.
LO2 Critically evaluate the legal and non-legal rules, policies and accountability mechanisms affecting public administration.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Individual 60 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Essential Reading 

  1. Craig, P. (2021) Administrative Law. 9th edn. London: Sweet & Maxwell.  

  1. Endicott, T. (2023) Administrative Law. 5th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.  

  1. Elliott, M. and Varuhas, J. (2024) Administrative Law. 3rd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.  

  1. Jowell, J., Le Sueur, A., Sunkin, M. and Murkens, J. (2024) De Smith's Judicial Review. 9th edn. London: Sweet & Maxwell.  

  1. Oliphant, K. (2023) The Liability of Public Authorities in Comparative Perspective. Cambridge: Intersentia. 

 

Supplementary Text 

  1. Buck, T., Kirkham, R. and Thompson, B. (2018) The Ombudsman Enterprise and Administrative Justice. Farnham: Ashgate.  

  1. Nason, S. (2016) Reconstructing Judicial Review. Oxford: Hart Publishing.  

  1. Cane, P. (2021) Administrative Tribunals and Adjudication. Oxford: Hart Publishing.  

  1. Harris, M. and Partington, P. (2022) Administrative Justice in the UK. London: Institute for Government. 

 

Recommended Journals 

  1. Public Law  

  1. Legal Studies  

  1. Statute Law Review  

  1. Law Quarterly Review  

  1. Judicial Review  

  1. Public Administration  

  1. Modern Law Review