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Automated and Autonomous Transport: Cars and Ships

Module description

Technology and automation are likely to change the way we move in society. Automated cars, for example, are likely to be common on roads across a number of jurisdictions in the coming decade, changing the driver into a passenger. Similarly, the current legal landscape in shipping is likely to be significantly altered by Autonomous Shipping.

In this module, you will learn about Automated and Autonomous Transport, identify the different areas of the law affected by this new technological development, and discuss the legal challenges that arise.  

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to provide you with detailed knowledge and understanding of the legal challenges facing the introduction of Autonomous Vehicles and Ships with emphasis on both national and, where applicable, international, law. It will also aim to provide you with current knowledge as to reform proposals at both national and international levels.

This module will be of particular interest for students interested in the technology law fields. It will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge that law firms specialising in this fast-growing area of the law look for.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. To demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the technology in this area and potential impact on society
• 2. To demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of some of the key legal challenges in relation to automated and autonomous transport

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 3. To demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the wider context in which automated and autonomous transport operates and of the breadth of legal challenges that arise in this context.
• 4. To demonstrate the ability to critically analyse the different proposals for legal reform in the area of automated and autonomous transport.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 5. To independently collect, evaluate and apply relevant legislation, case law and literature related to a complex legal problem.
• 6. To communicate and engage in debate about key legal issues confidently, effectively and autonomously, in a manner appropriate to both legal and professional audiences.
• 7. To manage relevant learning resources, learning strategies and your own time confidently and independently, and develop your own arguments and opinions at a professional level.

Syllabus plan

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

• Autonomous and Automated Transportation- The Technology and Societal Impact
• The current and historical regulatory environment of cars and ships
• Automated Vehicles: Liability and Insurance
• Automated Vehicles: Data Protection and Cyber Security
• Automated Vehicles: Road Traffic Law
• Automated Vehicles: Intellectual Property
• Autonomous Shipping: International Conventions and Regulations
• Autonomous Shipping: National Law
• Autonomous Shipping: Liability and Insurance

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

• Law Commission, ‘Automated Vehicles: Joint Report’ (Law Com 404 , 2022)
• Henrik Ringbom, Erik Røsæg and Trond Solvang, ‘Autonomous Ships and the Law’ (Routledge 2020)

Key words search

Automated Vehicles, Autonomous Ships, Transportation