module specification

Legal Research Methods, which is offered in both the autumn and spring semesters, provides a detailed understanding of how to prepare for writing a dissertation or thesis on a legal topic.
You 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, you will be preparing yourself for conducting legal research in both an academic and professional field, as well as for writing a research dissertation at Level 6.
The aims of the module are as follows:
1. You will acquire 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.

2. You will develop 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.

3. You will enhance 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).

1. The importance of legal research
2. Choice of Topic
3. The Research Stage
4. Writing a Literature Review
5. Writing a Research Proposal
6. Critical Writing
7. OSCOLA Referencing  

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

Learning & Teaching Strategy
Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.

The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.

The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Plus, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Conduct independent legal research, using primary and secondary sources;
2. Conduct and write a literature review in the context of a chosen area of legal research.
3. Produce a compelling research proposal, including a viable title.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/D4774263-1339-0FCF-CE97-DB55F4B4A781.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
• Strong S, How to Write Law Essays and Exams, (5th edn, Oxford University Press 2018)
• Emily Finch and Stefan Fafinski, Legal Skills, (8th ed OUP. 2021).
• Foster S, How to Write Better Law Essays, (4th edn, Pearson Education 2016)
• Bradney, A, Cownie, F and Mason J, How to Study Law, London, (9th edn, Sweet and Maxwell 2021).   
• Knowles J and Thomas P, Effective Legal Research (4th edn, Sweet & Maxwell, 2016)
• Powell, D and Teare E, Writing for Law (Palgrave Macmillan 2010)
• Higgins E and Tatham L, Successful Legal Writing (3rd edn Sweet & Maxwell, 2015)
• O’Leary Z, The Essential Guide to Doing Research, (London, Sage Publications Ltd, 2004)
• O’ Leary Z, The Essential Guide to Doing your Research Project, (4th ed. London, Sage 2021)
• Hart C, Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination, (2nd ed. London, Sage, 2018)
• Jesson J.K., Matheson L. and Lacey F.M, Doing Your Literature Review: Traditional and Systematic Techniques (London, Sage Publications Ltd, 2011)

DATABASES
Westlaw Edge UK
Lexis+ UK