module specification

LL7P04 - LLM in Maritime Law Top-Up Dissertation (2018/19)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2018/19
Module title LLM in Maritime Law Top-Up Dissertation
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 60
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Total study hours 600
 
420 hours Guided independent study
180 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Dissertation 10,000-15,000
Running in 2018/19

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester LMET Distance Learning Not applicable Not applicable
Year LMET Distance Learning Not applicable Not applicable

Module summary

This module is a supervised research-based dissertation in a relevant subject of the student’s own choice, subject to the approval of the Course Directors.

The dissertation module comprises support and interactive ‘one to one’ supervision between students and supervisors. The minimal expectation for contact between student and supervisor is around 5 hours, but this can be greater depending on the individual dissertation and specific needs of the supervisor.

Prior learning requirements

Must have passed the PG Diploma in Maritime Law

Module aims

The aim of this module will be to enable and facilitate students to write a Level 7 dissertation of up to 15,000 words in length.

This includes:

Providing students with a grounded and evidenced understanding of appropriate research questions, materials and examples suitable for writing a dissertation in the area of Maritime Law.

Providing students with appropriate techniques for information gathering, research and critical analysis of leading questions in the area of Maritime Law.

Providing student with a structured approach to the production of a sustained and critical piece of academic research of between 10,000 to 15,000 words on a subject related to Maritime Law.

Syllabus

The specific syllabus (content) for each individual will vary in accordance with the subject matter of the dissertation and its title. However the following key issues will be considered by all students:

  • How to choose an appropriate dissertation title
  • How to conduct primary and secondary source research at Level 7
  • How to conduct a literature review
  • How to write a Research Proposal
  • How to use OSCOLA referencing
  • Research ethics
  • Writing a level 7 dissertation

Learning and teaching

The module will be taught entirely by one to one sessions between individual supervisors and supervisees. However, a dedicated VLE will support this teaching.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will have:

  • Obtained a grounding in Level 7 research techniques
  • Identified an area/topic for their dissertation
  • Identified and analysed the available literature in the field
  • Identified and analysed the relevant primary and secondary sources
  • Justified the title in terms of its relevance, topicality and originality
  • Composed appropriate research questions and supporting evidenced material and examples suitable to address critical academic and professional issues in the area of Maritime Law.
  • Acquired an expertise in an area of Maritime Law, achieved by preparing for and writing the dissertation.
  • Developed a capacity for independent evaluated research at postgraduate level
  • Become able to develop a methodologically sound critical discussion which is presented as a critically discursive analysis of the dissertation topic achieved by supervised dissertation writing.
  • Adopted an appropriate research strategy and techniques to support a sustained academic and professional argument on critical issues within the area of Maritime Law.
  • Appropriately constructed academic and professional argument, including supported contextual and critical material suitable for inclusion and completion of a piece of sustained academic research of between 10,000 to 15,000 words on a subject related to the area of Maritime Law.

Assessment strategy

This will be by 100% dissertation

Bibliography

  1. Westlaw database online
  2. Lexis Library online
  3. iLaw online
  4. Hein Online
  5. OSCOLA (Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities) www.law.ac.uk/oscola
  6. The Oxford Handbook of Empirical Legal Research edited by Peter Cane & Herbert M Kritzer, Oxford University Press 2010