module specification

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 Director.

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.

MODULE AIMS

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• write a level 7 dissertation of up to 12,000 words in length.
• demonstrate a grounded and evidenced understanding of appropriate research questions, materials and examples suitable for writing a dissertation in a legal area.
• employ appropriate techniques for information gathering, research and critical analysis of leading legal questions.
• adopt a structured approach to the production of a sustained and critical piece of academic research of between 10,000 to 12,000 words on a law related subject.
• practise the fundamental academic and professional skills necessary for practical and effective postgraduate study of law.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

The specific syllabus (content) for each individual will vary in accordance with the subject matter of the dissertation and its title.

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars and one-to-one supervision. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving. Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies and complex controversial issues relating to the sector. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate an expertise in an area of law, achieved by preparing for and writing the dissertation.
2. Demonstrate a capacity for independent evaluated research at postgraduate level
3. Adopt an appropriate research strategy and techniques to support a sustained academic and professional argument on critical issues within the chosen area of law.
4. Conduct independent legal research and organise, assemble and synthesise large amounts of legal material in order to identify legal problems.
5. Appropriately construct academic and professional arguments, including supported contextual and critical material suitable for inclusion and completion of a piece of sustained academic research of between 10,000 to 12,000 words on a law related subject.

A critical appraisal and analysis of issues in an area of law chosen by the student, presented in a written dissertation of between 10,000 to 12,000 words.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.

Assessment of the module will be by way of a dissertation.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on the assessment before it is due to be submitted.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/4CD5FA73-ABBC-552E-32AA-0DB5000F8763.html?lang=en-US&login=1