LL6P57 - Criminal Law Dissertation (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | |||||||||||||||
| Module title | Criminal Law Dissertation | |||||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | |||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | |||||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | |||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | |||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The Criminal Law Dissertation module builds on the Legal Research Methods module at Level 5. It requires the students to undertake detailed, critical research into a criminal law topic of their choice and write an essay of up to 8,000 words.
Students are assigned a supervisor based on their choice of topic.
The module is structured so that students are required to present a formative research plan, which then provides the infrastructure for their dissertation. Students are expected to engage with regular supervision throughout the process.
Students will develop an advanced understanding of their chosen specialist area of criminal law.
The aims of the module are to:
• allow students independently to research and develop an expert understanding of an area of law of their choice;
• improve both the research and independent study skills of the students;
• enhance the ability of students to develop critical arguments
By researching their chosen area of law, students will be equipped with specialist skills and knowledge, to help them stand out in the job market.
Prior learning requirements
LL5P50: Legal Research Methods
Syllabus
There is no prescribed syllabus for this module as it is largely an independent study module.
The students will receive guidance in: LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4
1. The importance of legal research
2. The choice of topic
3. Writing a research proposal
4. Primary and secondary source research
5. Writing a literature review
6. The choice of the right methodology
7. OSCOLA referencing
8. Structure and planning of the writing up
9. Writing a research essay
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
This is largely an independent study module.
There are a number of lectures and drop-in sessions that are offered for general guidance on how to structure an essay, refine the title and to reference using the OSCOLA style of referencing.
Students are also assigned a supervisor who will guide them through the process and provide feedback and feedforward on drafts.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Conduct independent legal research.
2. Synthesise large amounts of legal material in order to identify legal problems.
3. Compose a critical commentary on issues in the area of criminal law that they have chosen.
4. Write a research dissertation in an appropriate format, including OSOLA referencing.
Assessment strategy
Dissertation (up to 8,000 words)
A critical appraisal and analysis of issues in an area of criminal law chosen by the student.
Bibliography
The link to the Talis reading list will be provided when the module is due to start running.