LLM Dissertation in Law

Key information

Start date
End date
Duration
Full
Module code
15PLAD178
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
60
Department
School of Law, Gender and Media

Module overview

The dissertation is a supervised piece of research on a topic to be agreed between the student and the chosen supervisor. The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to develop an original piece of academic work in an independent, albeit supervised, way.

The topic of the dissertation can relate to any subject-area covered in any of the modules of the LLM programme. Typically, the dissertation aims to tackle a theoretical, doctrinal, jurisprudential or policy issue that is relevant in contemporary legal scholarship and/or legal policy affairs. As such, students are invited to propose a topic for the dissertation that closely matches their study interest, or practical actual or prospective work or professional experience.

Typically, the dissertation is expected to be bibliographic, on the basis of library, internet, and archival research. In exceptional cases it may contain some original empirical evidence, that the student is expected to collect and analyse independently, subject to supervisor's approval and the student's capacity in the relevant research methodology.

The dissertation entails that the student will develop and demonstrate their analytic, argumentative, writing and presentation skills. The length of the dissertation will be maximum 12,000 words.

Objectives and learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

  • Acquisition of detailed knowledge in a particular topic
  • Development of critical understanding of a particular topic
  • Development of the capacity to plan and carry out independent research work

Method of assessment

  • Dissertation: 100% (12,000 words due in September)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.