Competition Law

Overview

This module will examine the EU competition law regime governing private market behaviour. Topics covered will include the aims and institutional framework of EC competition law; Article 81 of the EC Treaty prohibiting anti-competitive agreements between undertakings; Article 82 of the EC Treaty prohibiting abuse of a dominant position; enforcement of EC competition law and the approaches towards international competition law.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the module students will be able to:

L. 1 Explain the origins and general principles of competition law;

L. 2 Explain the role of the Commission and Courts in the application of Competition law;

L. 3 Explain and apply the provisions of Article 81 and Article 82 EC;

L. 4 Analyse the relationship between the Commission and the Member States’ Competition Authorities in the application of Articles 81 and 82 EC;

L. 5 Understand and appreciate the growing internationalisation of Competition law as a result of increasing economic globalisation.

Skills

By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate the following employability and personal development planning skills:

(1) Knowledge and Understanding

(a) Understand the theoretical basis of Competition law;
(b) Understand the competition provisions of the EC Treaty;
(c) Understand the scope for development in the internationalisation of competition law;

(2) Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding
(a) Apply legal knowledge and understanding to a wide range of legal problems drawing on a wide range of sources and coming to reasoned conclusions;
(b) Analyse the division of powers between the European Commission and Member States;
(c) Understand and analyse the internationalisation of competition law, including potential solutions to the growing problem.

(3) Generic Cognitive Skills
(a) Develop skills of investigation, interpretation and reasoning;
(b) Undertake critical analysis and evaluation of competition law concepts;
(c) Evaluate evidence based solutions/responses to defined and/or routine problems;
(d) Formulate evidence based solutions based on a range of approaches through personal responsibility and initiative.

(4) Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills
(a) Make formal and informal presentations in a variety of situations to a range of audiences;
(b) Communicate reasoned, analytical solutions to a range of legal problems relating to competition law.
(c) Use a range of routine legal skills and techniques in complex situations;
(d) Demonstrate ability to use a wide range of databases for independent research.

(5) Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others
(a) Exercise autonomy and initiative with appropriate guidance;
(b) Take account of individual and others’ performances and contributions in carrying out and evaluating tasks;
(c) Identify, reflect upon and address personal learning needs.

Assessment

Overall pass rate of 40% required to pass the module.