Details:-
Preparation of a portfolio of current issues - literature review (counting for 40%) (Learning Outcomes 1 and 5)

Preparation of an article on a current area of practice related to the module content suitable for publication in a professional journal (counting for 40%) (Learning Outcomes 2 - 8)

Preparation of a research proposal (counting for 20%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 5,7 and 8)

Learning outcomes 6,7 and 8 are primarily assessed at dissertation stage where the advanced status is also achieved

Assessment Criteria

Fail
Exhibits some knowledge but little understanding, limited evidence of research or appropriate reading. Primarily descriptive and/or contains irrelevant material. Poor spelling or other grammatical errors.

Pass
Exhibits knowledge and a degree of understanding but contains little in the way of critical analysis. Some evidence of research or appropriate reading, lacking in structure but contains relevant material. Satisfactory referencing, citation and bibliography.

Merit
Illustrates good knowledge application and comprehension. Material wholly relevant to the question. Good presentational skills, well structured arguments. Evidence of depth and breadth of research as well as a degree of independent judgement. Demonstrates a clear ability to analyse, think critically and synthesise ideas.

Distinction
Illustrates extensive reading and research appropriate to the question. Illustrates a clear understanding of the interrelationship of concepts, ideas, theories and arguments, contains strong critical and analytical evaluation of material using a wide variety of sources. A degree of originality. Excellently presented in terms of structure, style and referencing.

Students are required to develop a fuller understanding of the leading edge in substantive law, procedure and case control and management, the relationship between efficient and effective case management and effective legal practice and the necessity for analytical clarity in dealing with conceptual and methodological issues in legal research and its application to effective legal practice. Within these aims students select from a range of courses covering

1 Procedural and substantive issues of subject area.
2 Areas of conceptual challenge.
3 Areas of challenge in substantive law interpretation and application.
4 Areas of difficulty in practical application including problems of procedure, time, and costs.
5 Issues of case control and management.
6 Academic and practical legal research skills and their relationship and application to effective practice.

No set texts

Well stocked library
Computer facilities with internet access

Solicitor, barrister or equivalent with current practice experience enrolled on CLT Collaborative Masters Programme

This module is strongly student centred. Delivery is by way of 16 hours of lectures and/or workshops involving issues of substantive and procedural law, management issues, and associated skills. In addition, students undertake research exercises aimed at improving academic and practical legal research skills and involving practical, conceptual and strategic issues.

Students have access to on line materials and tutor support but need to be disciplined in their approach to study