This 30 credit module, taught across the academic year, aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of the UK Constitution and the foundations of judicial review. The module commences with examination of the basic features and principles of the United Kingdom constitution: the nature of the constitution; the structure of governmental power; the sources of constitutional rules; and the fundamental principles underpinning the constitution of the United Kingdom. The module then moves on to consider the powers and functions of the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. This will include discussion of need for accountability in relation to governmental power and the mechanisms through which this is achieved. Consideration of the judicial branch will include an introduction to judicial review. Finally the module will examine the framework for protection of human rights under the Human Rights Act 1998.