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European Union Law

Module description

This module begins with the origins of the European Union in the aftermath of the devastation of World War II. It traces the evolution of the EU’s institutions and its ‘constitution’, that is, the way in which laws are made and challenged, and the relationship between EU law and national law. You will also be introduced to some substantive EU law, in particular the free movement of goods and workers.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module is only available to students studying for the JD on the HKUST-Exeter Programmes in Law. EU law remains important to English lawyers. First, until Brexit, we remain part of the EU and subject to its regimes. Second, the EU has been a source or inspiration for a considerable amount of law applied in England over the past five decades. Third, even after Brexit, the EU will remain our neighbour and significant partner for the foreseeable future. So the purpose of this module is to provide you with a foundational understanding of EU law, which will help elucidate aspects of English law, and which will provide you with the knowledge and perspective needed for an outward-looking and globalised practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. demonstrate knowledge of EU law and a range of major concepts, values and principles relevant to its application
• 2. demonstrate ability to identify, explain and discuss key issues in EU law and to apply relevant rules and theories;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. demonstrate knowledge of legal concepts and their contextual, social, and political implications;
• 4. demonstrate ability to select and present in a coherent way in writing, relevant law and legal or theoretical arguments;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. communicate effectively and accurately in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline;
• 6. demonstrate ability to work independently and to manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities, exercises and assessments.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Introducing the European Union: history and evolution.
• EU institutions: The Commission, Council of the EU, European Council, European Parliament and the Court of Justice of the European Union.
• Sources of EU law: transfer, competence and law making.
• The EU legal system: The Treaties, primary and secondary legislation. General principles.
• Doctrine of supremacy. Reception of EU law by member states.
• Direct and indirect effect. State liability.
• Preliminary Rulings. Actions against Member States.
• Free movement of goods – tariffs and fiscal barriers.
• Free movement of goods – non-fiscal barriers.
• Free movement of workers.
• EU citizenship.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

This reading list is indicative, providing an idea of textbooks that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not a confirmed or compulsory reading list:

The latest editions of:

Craig  and de Burca, EU Law: Text, Cases and Materials (Oxford)

Chalmers, European Union Law (Cambridge)

Barnard, European Union Law (Oxford) 

Key words search

European Union Law, EU law, HKUST, JD