Newcastle University

Aims

To acquire relevant research skills to carry out original research in a chosen area of legal research endeavour
To acquire knowledge in a specialised topic, possibly outside the scope of the taught modules
To carry out an advanced piece of independent research in a legal or legally relevant topic

Original Summary:
This compulsory module comprise dissertation preparation in semesters 1 and 2, submission of a topic for approval at the end of semester 2 and researching/writing the dissertation in semester 3.

Outline Of Syllabus

Dissertation Preparation
Weekly lecture during semester 1 and 2 covering relevant skills; including Library based and Electronic/web based research tools and methods, introduction to qualitative research methods, dissertation structure and preparation, time management and literature reviews. Student presentations on their proposed dissertation research topics will be an integral part of the classes.
Dissertation
Semester 3, under supervision of a member of staff with relevant subject specific research experience.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation is intended to give students the opportunity to conduct a substantial and largely independent project of postgraduate research. The level of supervision is therefore designed to ensure that students are given sufficient guidance to avoid fundamental errors of judgment and that they can put into practice the skills of organising their work, discovering and evaluating relevant materials, and presenting their findings in a structured and analytical manner. The dissertation also gives students the opportunity to acquire a body of specialised knowledge in their chosen topic.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation is intended to test the ability of students to conduct a substantial independent project of postgraduate research. It allows them to demonstrate their skills in organising their work, discovering and evaluating relevant materials, and presenting their findings in a structured and analytical manner. It also allows them to demonstrate that they have acquired specialised knowledge in their area of research.