The module is taken over one term. Students will attend a small number of lectures introducing the trajectory of a research project, the use of library resources, primary and secondary material, use of citations and constructing a bibliography etc. The main experience of the module is found in the supervision process between supervisor and student, who between themselves decide on the specific plan for the research programme.
Total study hours: 150
Contact hours: 7
Private study hours: 143
All Law programmes. Not available to non-law students.
Main assessment methods
The module will be assessed by 100% project as follows:
A dissertation, 6000-8000 words (100%)
Reassessment method
The module will be reassessed by a reassessment instrument of a dissertation for 100%. The reassessment will test all of the learning outcomes as indicated in section 14 below.
Bell, J, Doing your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers 6th Ed, (Open University Press, Maidenhead 2014)
Cottrell, S, The Study Skills Handbook (Palgrave Study Skills) 4th Ed, (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013)
Crème, P & Lee, M, Writing at University 3rd Ed, (Open University Press, Maidenhead 2008)
Denscombe, M, The Good Research Guide: For Small Scale Research Projects 5th Ed, (Open University Press, Maidenhead 2014)
Denscombe, M, Research Proposals: A Practical Guide, (Open University Press, Maidenhead 2012)
Girden, E, Evaluating Research Articles from Start to Finish 3rd Ed, (Sage, London 2010)
May, T, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Research 4th Ed, (Open University Press, Maidenhead 2011)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
8. The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Explain and justify the significance of their research
2. Be familiar with the literature relevant to their research
3. Be familiar with the theories, concepts and methods relevant to their research
4. Examine and critically evaluate legal issues within a social and critical context as evidenced by and within their dissertation projects, and
be able to support the evaluation with evidence and reasoning
5. Conduct research independently by drawing on feedback from academic supervisors, by exercising reflection and self-criticism, and by
managing time and resources effectively
6. Communicate the findings of their research effectively and fluently in an extended piece of writing (a 6-8,000 word dissertation)
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Be familiar with the research process – from formulating meaningful and feasible research questions, through undertaking research using
appropriate literature (whether primary or secondary)
2. Undertake analysis of complex areas of knowledge and make carefully constructed arguments
3. Have independent learning ability required for further study or professional work
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