module specification

Research Methods for Lawyers, which is offered in both the autumn and spring semesters, provides a detailed understanding of how to prepare for writing a dissertation on a legal topic.

Students will be given practical guidance on how to conduct advanced legal research from both primary and secondary sources; how to choose a viable research topic; how to write a research proposal; how to conduct a literature review; and how to choose the right methods and methodology for the dissertation.

In doing this, the students will be preparing themselves for conducting legal research in both an academic and professional field, as well as for writing a research dissertation at Level 7.

MODULE AIMS

On successful completion of this module, you will have:

• acquired advanced knowledge of how to conduct independent legal research and how to organise, assemble and synthesise large amounts of legal material in order to identify legal problems.
• developed several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of writing a research dissertation, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources.
• enhanced your employability by the development both of these skills, and by the practice of written communication activities (including summative) and oral communication activities (formative only)

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

1. The importance of legal research
2. Primary and secondary source research
3. The choice of topic
4. Writing a literature review
5. Writing a research proposal, including a viable title, and the structure and planning of the writing up

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. Conduct independent legal research, using primary and secondary sources;
2. Synthesise large amounts of legal material;
3. Identify a complex and/or controversial legal issue, which can be critically discussed in the context of a dissertation.
4. Conduct and write a literature review in the context of a chosen area of legal research.
5. Produce a compelling research proposal, including a viable title.

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 research proposal incorporating a literature review.

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/5BF03D5A-6575-7DD2-D051-7280106310A7.html?lang=en-US&login=1