module specification

The module requires the students to undertake detailed, critical research into a law topic of their choice and write a Research Proposal (1,500-2,000 words) and a Dissertation (8,000 to 10,000 words).

Students are assigned a supervisor based on their choice of topic.

The module is structured so that students are required to present an assessed 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 law.
This module will specifically:
• allow students independently to research and develop an expert understanding of an area of law of their choice
• improve both their research and independent study skills
• enhance their ability 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.

Students must usually have passed the Common Professional Examination to achieve the Graduate Diploma in Law within the 10 years prior to enrolment. Exceptions to the time limit may be made for students who have been active in the relevant sector during that period.

There is no prescribed syllabus for this module as it is largely an independent study module. However, the following general skills will be addressed.

1. The importance of legal research - LO1
2. The choice of topic - LO1
3. Writing a research proposal - LO1
4. Primary and secondary source research - LO1 and 2
5. Writing a literature review - LO1
6. The choice of the right methodology - LO1
7. OSCOLA referencing - LO1 and 2
8. Structure and planning of the writing up - LO1 and 2
9. Writing a dissertation - LO1 and 2

This is principally an independent study module.

There are a number of online lectures that are offered for general guidance on how to structure a research proposal 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 OUTCOME 1

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to conduct independent legal research and to organise, assemble and synthesise large amounts of legal material in order to identify legal problems.

LEARNING OUTCOME 2

On successful completion of this module, students will be able critically to appraise, analyse and compose a commentary on issues in the area of law that they have chosen.

DETAIL OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

By researching and presenting the Research Proposal, students will develop the ability to:

• Identify an area/topic for the dissertation

• Identify and analyse the available literature in the field

• Identify and analyse the relevant primary and secondary sources

• Justify the title in terms of its relevance, topicality and originality

• Compose appropriate research questions and supporting evidenced material and examples suitable to address critical academic and professional issues in the area of law.

In writing the Dissertation, students will:

• Develop 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.

• Have 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 academic research on a subject related to the area of law.

Research Proposal (1,500 – 2,000 words)

Research proposal that forms the basis for the dissertation.

Dissertation (8,000 to 10,000 words)

A critically appraisal and analysis of issues in an area of law chosen by the student.

Core Texts on General Research

Knowles, J, Effective Legal Research, (Sweet and Maxwell)
Watkins, D and Burton,M, Research Methods in Law (2nd edn, Routledge 2017)
Salter, M and Mason, J, Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction And Guide To The Conduct Of Legal Research  (Longman 2007)

Academic Journals and subject specific online resources

Depending on the choice of topic

Online Resources

Westlaw database online
Lexis Library online
iLaw online
OSCOLA (Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities) www.law.ac.uk/oscola
The Oxford Handbook of Empirical Legal Research edited by Peter Cane & Herbert M Kritzer, Oxford University Press 2012