module specification

The Concise Legal Dissertation module requires you to undertake detailed, critical research into a law topic of your choice and to write a research proposal (500 words) and a research-based essay (1,500 words).

You will be assigned a supervisor based on your choice of topic.

The module is structured so that you are required to present an assessed research plan, which then provides the infrastructure for your extended essay. You are expected to engage with regular supervision throughout the process. You will develop an advanced understanding of your chosen specialist area of law.

The aims of the module are to:
• allow you to independently research and develop an expert understanding of an area of law of your choice;
• improve your research and independent study skills;
• enhance your ability to develop critical arguments

This module supports graduate opportunity and employability by giving you key knowledge of a subject which is practised within the professional legal sector; and by giving you a host of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking and communication.

This module supports graduate opportunity and employability by giving you key knowledge of a subject which is practised within the professional legal sector; and by giving you a host of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking and communication.

There is no prescribed syllabus for this module as it is largely an independent study module.
The students will receive guidance in:
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

All these subjects pervade each of the Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

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. These lectures provide you with the tools necessary to undertake independent research and write up a law research essay.

Students are also assigned a supervisor who will guide them through the process and provide feedback and feedforward on drafts.

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

1. Conduct independent legal research and synthesise large amounts of legal material in order to identify legal problems
2. Compose a critical commentary on issues in the area of law that you have chosen
3. Write a research essay in an appropriate format, including OSCOLA referencing

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/9FFCE2CF-B591-123A-3003-3DD9554C36BC.html

CORE
Legal skills, by Lisa Cherkassky; Julia Cressey; Christopher J. S. Gale; Jessica Guth; Ilias Kapsis; Robin Lister; William Onzivu; Steve Rook, 2011
How to write law essays & exams, by Stacie Strong, 2022, 6th edition
ADDITIONAL
• 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)
• Strong, S.I., How to Write Law Essays & Exams, 4th ed. OUP, 2014
• Webley, L., Legal Writing (2nd ed, Routledge 2009)
• Higgins, E., Successful legal writing (2nd ed, Sweet and Maxwell 2011)

DATABASES
Westlaw Edge UK
Lexis+ UK