Learning Outcomes:
At the successful completion of this module students should be able to:
i) Identify a relevant research topic and formulate a focused, viable and appropriate research question;
ii) Develop a detailed and coherent research proposal, demonstrating the relevance, originality and feasibility of the proposed research;
iii) Independently design and execute a substantial piece of advanced legal research, selecting and applying research methods appropriate to the research question and objectives;
iv) Identify, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant primary and secondary sources, academic literature and, where appropriate, other high-quality research materials;
v) Produce a well-structured dissertation that develops and sustains an original, coherent and critically informed argument, supported by appropriate evidence and sources and demonstrating high standards of academic and research integrity, and, where applicable, research ethics;
vi) Develop and manage a viable research and writing plan, with appropriate milestones, to complete an extended independent research project over several months alongside other academic and personal commitments.
Indicative Module Content:
The module supports students through the different stages of designing, researching and writing an independent LLM/MSc dissertation. It begins with the development of a viable research topic and research question and progresses through the preparation of the research plan and proposal, literature review, methodology and research ethics. Particular attention is paid to ensuring alignment between the research question, research objectives, methods, sources and overall dissertation structure.
Key topics addressed include:
-identifying and refining a research topic and research question;
-conducting a literature review and identifying the originality and contribution of the proposed research;
-developing a feasible research plan and research proposal;
-legal and interdisciplinary research methods, including doctrinal, comparative, socio-legal and empirical approaches;
identifying research objectives and distinguishing descriptive, evaluative, explanatory, recommendatory and theory-building research;
-normativity, theoretical frameworks, reflexivity and positionality;
-research ethics and research data management;
-legal research strategies and effective use of library databases and other research resources;
-identifying and critically evaluating primary, secondary and grey literature;
-academic integrity, plagiarism, paraphrasing, quotation and appropriate referencing; and
-the use of OSCOLA / HARVARD referencing systems and reference-management software.
The module also develops the skills required to produce a clear, coherent and analytically rigorous dissertation. Students consider how to construct and sustain an argument across an extended piece of research; organise chapters around the research question; move from description towards analysis, evaluation and, where appropriate, recommendations; use effective paragraph structure and signposting; and critically review and revise their own writing.
The module approach to teaching and learning combines lectures, guided independent work, practical exercises, peer discussion and dissertation-focused workshops, alongside individual supervision by the dissertation advisor.