Module Information

Module Identifier

LDM0920

Module Title

Nature Conservation & Marine Environmental Law

Academic Year

2025/2026

Co-ordinator

Mr Gerald Schaefer

Semester

Distance Learning

Reading List

View example reading list on Aspire

Course Delivery

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT OF 6,000 WORDS	80%
Semester Assessment	VISUAL AND WRITTEN PRESENTATION	20%
Supplementary Assessment	WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT OF 6,000 WORDS TO BE SUBMITTED, IF FAILED	80%
Supplementary Assessment	VISUAL AND WRITTEN PRESENTATION TO BE DELIVERED, IF FAILED	20%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Assess the evidence regarding threats to biodiversity and the natural environment;
2. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the international agreements relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, wildlife and habitats, in both the terrestrial and marine environment;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role and effectiveness of European Union law and policy in the conservation of biodiversity, wildlife and habitats, in both the terrestrial and marine environment;
4. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken in UK law to implement European wildlife legislation, and the future of such measures;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the different legal mechanisms, including planning law, contractual mechanisms and regulatory mechanisms, which are used to implement nature conservation policy;
6. Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the law as a medium for protecting biodiversity, habitats and species;
7. Consider the impact of devolution within the UK on the protection of nature and biodiversity;
8. Access the relevant literature and legal instruments in the field and use them to engage in a critical discussion of the subject.

Brief description

The module will critically examine the role of the law in promoting nature conservation and marine environmental protection. It will consider the key international agreements and conventions, which affect biodiversity, nature and marine protection. It will also chart progress and development of the UK’s domestic regimes for species and habitat protection, noting the impact of devolution. The role and future of European Union law in the UK’s domestic regime will be considered.

Content

This module consist of 10 ‘units’ on the following topics:
1. Threats to biodiversity and the terrestrial and marine environments
2. International legal agreements for the protection of biodiversity, nature and the marine environment (1)
3. International legal agreements for the protection of biodiversity, nature and the marine environment (2)
4. European Union law and policy on nature and wildlife
5. Protection of wildlife habitats in the UK
6. Species protection in the UK
7. European Union regimes for the protection and management of the marine environment
8. Marine Fisheries Management
9. Marine Nature Conservation
10. Marine Planning

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	Gaining confidence in legal thinking and analysis
Communication	Assignment and oral presentation; participation with online discussion group
Improving own Learning and Performance	Studying the material and writing the assignment
Information Technology	Module requires the use of IT as a core resource for locating legal material
Personal Development and Career planning	Gaining confidence in legal thinking and analysis
Problem solving	Assignment and oral presentation
Research skills	The module seeks to further develop practical legal skills and a theoretical engagement with nature conservation law and policy
Subject Specific Skills	Apply generic skills to specific subjects of the theme through the assignment
Team work	Online discussion group

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7