Newcastle University

Aims

(1) To present an opportunity to undertake research on a specific legal, socio-legal or legally related topic working largely alone, and to present in a structured form the results of that research. The research may be of an empirical or library based nature, or be a combination of each.
(2) To give an opportunity to profit from pursuing studies outside of taught courses; to develop the student's interest in areas of and approaches to legal study which may not be covered in taught courses.
(3) The opportunity to be assessed on the basis of skills different from those required for a traditional examination
(4) To provide an opportunity to demonstrate organisational and planning skills together with initiative.

Original Summary:
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Outline Of Syllabus

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Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Dissertations require, in various measure, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and criticism of the work of others. The format of the dissertation is fully compatible with achieving the subject specific and cognitive skills as outlined above. The rationale for this teaching method is to promote analytical, argumentative and critical skills. The learning methods will rely on directed independent study which will bring together the knowledge, cognitive, research and the assessed key skills. Please note that the Dissertations will be blind double marked.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation assesses the ability to produce an extended piece of written research in the chosen area.