Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Communicate arguments in writing and reference sources appropriately.
• Work to a strict time schedule.
• Analyse complex written texts and evaluate different types of arguments.
• Undertake independent research project and access primary and secondary sources effectively.
• Construct arguments and solve problems based on premises drawn from various sources.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• A range of legal principles and processes drawn from private or public law.
• The policies or values underlying these principles or processes .
• A specific legal area of private or public law.
• The legal framework governing the relevant area of law.
• The legal research methods, such as case analysis, statutory review, and consideration of international materials.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify and critically evaluate key legal and policy issues.
• Source, interpret and analyse relevant legal materials, including, where appropriate, international conventions, statutes, case law, soft law or standard form contracts.
• Produce an extensive written discussion that coherently communicates an argument on a specific legal subject-matter.
• Identify, evaluate and apply key legal principles in solving complex problems.
• Communicate legal arguments clearly, accurately and objectively.

The dissertation is an opportunity for you to pursue a piece of independent legal research on an issue of interest to you which may arise from one of the other units studied by you or as a result of your own curiosity concerning a particular legal problem.

The Dissertation module consists of the following three parts:

(1)Week 1 of Semester 1: 12 hours ‘Introduction to Legal Studies’

The lectures provide an intensive legal skills programme that introduces you to the common law system, the interactions of statute and judge-made law as well as the impact of international conventions and model laws on national law. During this week, you will also be introduced to the law library and the many legal databases and other resources we hold. The programme will provide you with the foundations for taking the specialised modules.

(2)Early in Semester 2: 4 hours ‘Research Methods & Writing Skills’

(3)May – August: Writing the Dissertation (under the supervision of a member of staff)

Teaching methods include

• The essence of the module is independent research under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Induction classes incorporating fundamental aspects of English, EU and international law and legal method.
• A series of lectures on identifying a topic, selecting relevant sources and on writing and citation.
• Meeting with the dissertation supervisor for guidance on structuring and planning the research project.
• Meetings with the supervisor to discuss draft Chapters and progression.

Learning activities include

• Formulating an issue;
• Preparing and refining a plan of work;
• Identifying the primary and secondary materials relevant to the issue under consideration;
• Searching for and accessing electronic and other legal resources;
• Synthesising the materials gathered;
• Reviewing, absorbing, and critically analysing those materials;
• Preparing draft Chapters;
• Structuring Chapters into a coherent complete dissertation;
• Writing in a clear formal style appropriate to legal writing with legal referencing.

Teaching/Independent Study

Teaching will include:

• lectures: introduction to legal studies (semester 1)
• Research methods and writing skills (semester 2)
• Supervision contract (May/August)

Independent study will include:

• preparation for scheduled sessions
• follow-up work
• wider reading or practice
• completion of assessment task

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Dissertation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Through comments on the your plan for the dissertation and assistance with the development of that plan; Through responding to queries from you on the identification of the primary and secondary resources appropriate to the topic under consideration; Detailed comments and feedback on draft Chapters/dissertation as the work progresses.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.