Module Catalogue 2023/24

LAW3098 : Dissertation in Law

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Christine Beuermann
  • Owning School: Newcastle Law School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 20.0
Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

n/a

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

n/a

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.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is a research module and as such does not contain involved teaching of a prescribed syllabus content.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Specific to approved title

Intended Skill Outcomes

Subject Specific Skills

(1) Ability to write with care and precision in the analysis and synthesis of the law.

(2) Ability to structure argument and analysis.

(3) Ability to identify issues for research and to retrieve accurate and relevant legal and other sources in primary and secondary form, both in paper and digital formats.

Cognitive Skills

(1) Analysis. Identifying and ordering issues by relevance and importance

(2) Synthesis of materials from diverse sources.

(3) Critical judgment. Discernment between the merits or otherwise of particular arguments.

(4) Evaluation. Making a reasoned choice between competing solutions or arguments.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture61:006:00In person lectures on substantive class content (FLEX – could be moved to synchronous online)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1388:00388:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision61:006:00In person one-to-one supervision (FLEX – could be moved online)
Total400:00
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.

6 initial lectures are provided on research methods in order to facilitate the significant amount of independent study required on the module, and which is supported by 6 supervisory sessions.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Dissertation2M10012000 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.