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Dissertation

  • Module code: LL6606
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: Cannot be taken with LL6604

Summary

This module is a core module at level 6 for students taking the LLB (Hons) International degree. The module allows students to study in depth a specific area of international law or a single legal issue with an international dimension over two teaching blocks.

Aims

The aim of the module is to allow students to undertake independent research into, and write in considerable depth and detail about, a legal subject with an international dimension which interests them and which they would not otherwise have the opportunity to study. It enables students to develop the ability to research, and translate the fruits of that research into a 10,000 word essay, developed over the academic year, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.

At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Research an issue in depth
  • Construct a reasoned argument and analysis of that issue
  • Produce a well-balanced, attractively presented essay of 10,000 words 
  • Come to a reasoned conclusion on their issue

Learning outcomes

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

  • Define a specific area of law or a legal issue appropriate for a dissertation and identify appropriate research methodology
  • Submit a clear and focused dissertation proposal and abstract
  • Critically evaluate the relevant law and legal issues
  • Write a coherent, well-argued, well-reasoned, word-processed piece of work in an appropriate form 

Curriculum content

  • The course begins with a briefing session from the module leader. This is followed by four workshops and regular meetings with the appropriate supervisor until the project is complete and handed in.

Teaching and learning strategy

The module consists of a briefing session, followed by four workshops and several one-on-one supervisions over the course of the academic year, and a great deal of personal research and writing.

Due to the experiential nature of the learning on this degree, and the importance of professional development enabling students to develop practical skills, learn from and interact with others, attendance is compulsory. Any students not attending a minimum of 80% of their timetabled sessions will be at risk of academic failure or termination from the course.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching One briefing session and four workshops 5
Guided independent study 295
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Define a specific area of law or a legal issue appropriate for a dissertation and identify appropriate research methodology Formative
(2) Submit a clear and focused dissertation proposal and abstract Formative
(3) Critically evaluate the relevant law and legal issues Summative: coursework
4) Write a coherent, well-argued, well-reasoned, word-processed piece of work in an appropriate form Summative: coursework

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework Dissertation 100
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It is a requirement that the major categories of assessment are passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

M Salter, Writing Law Dissertations: an Introduction and Guide to the Conduct of Legal Research (Longman)

Bibliography recommended reading

B Greetham, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation (Palgrave Macmillan)

D Swetnam, Writing Your Dissertation: the Bestselling Guide to Planning, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work (How To Books)

N Walliman, Your Undergraduate Dissertation: the Essential Guide for Success (Sage Publications)

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