1. Independently identify and develop a research question relating to an area of law or legal practice which is suitable for investigation through the use of discipline-specific research methods.

Learning

2. Apply discipline specific research skills to address the research question, using a range of appropriate primary and secondary sources.

Application

Enquiry

3.¿ Analyse and evaluate sources in order to construct a cogent and well evidenced argument.

Knowledge and Understanding,

Analysis

4.Communicate research results clearly and persuasively.

¿Communication

This is a supervised piece of work which allows the student to develop their research skills and undertake a more sustained piece of writing, in an area of law in which they have a particular interest.

The final research project of 3,500 words should be presented in accordance with conventions of legal academic writing.

Directed and detailed guidance on the development of research skills
- Guidance on methods of carrying out a literature review
- Application of those skills in a specialised area of study presented in the form of a written project.
This will consist of research in pursuance of investigating the topic chosen for the project. This may include an area of doctrinal, socio-legal or legal practice.

The methods employed will be discipline specific, focusing on archival, library and textual research.

¿This module contributes to students’ employability by enhancing their¿problem-solving and research skills. For anyone considering an academic career it could be the first step in a research career. Key employability skills such as self-motivation, accountability, organising workload and meeting deadlines are built in as well as higher level research and writing.¿

This a supervised module. A live synchronous webinar will introduce the module. The learning materials will be presented online for the first 3 weeks of the module, to provide students with a strong understanding of the requirements of the module, including research skills, how to formulate a research topic, and the structure of the final assessed project.

Once a research topic has been chosen, students will work individually with their supervisors, and be able to organise a maximum of 3 feedback sessions. These can be a live online meeting or organised through written feedback, to suit the needs of the individual student.

It will be the student’s responsibility to arrange these meetings throughout the duration of their research.

The module leader and other staff eg library will be available throughout the module to support the students’ research strategies.

There will be no indicative reading for this module as the reading will depend on the subject which the student is researching.

However, it is suggested that all students might like to refer to a general guide about conducting legal research such as:

Emily Finch and Stefan Fafinski, Legal Skills,OUP, Latest edition (available on Law Trove)

Laura Lammasniewski, Law Dissertations: A Step-by-Step Guide, Routledge, Latest edition. ¿(available as an e-book in the University Library)

Gary Thomas, How to do your Research Project: A guide for Students, Sage Publishing, Latest edition

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources relevant to the topic chosen.