module specification

LL6P60 - Criminal Law Extended Essay (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Criminal Law Extended Essay
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Total study hours 150
 
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
114 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 30%   Research Proposal (500 words) A research proposal that forms the basis for the Research Essay
Coursework 70%   Research Essay (1,500 words) A critical appraisal and analysis of issues in an area of criminal law chosen by the stude
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Monday Morning
Autumn semester North Monday Morning

Module summary

The Criminal Law Research Essay module requires the students to undertake detailed, critical research into a criminal law topic of their choice and write a research proposal (500 words) and a research-based essay (1,500 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 essay. 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 criminal 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 criminal law, students will be equipped with specialist skills and knowledge, to help them stand out in the job market.

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 essay in an appropriate format, including OSOLA referencing.

Bibliography

The link to the Talis reading list will be provided when the module is due to start running.