Both assessments are FINAL assessments assessed as ‘COMPETENT / NOT YET COMPETENT’

• One summative assessment consisting of a research proposal (3,000 words) assessing learning outcomes (1-5)
• One 5mins video presentation of the research proposal submitted in the assignment (assessing learning outcome 2)

You are required to show an informed and at the same time critical understanding of the fundamental legal principles which apply to research, including a consideration of:

- Undertaking a range of advanced research activity related to Law including a comparative element.
- Developing advanced level skills in writing, summarising and critical assessment.
- Reaching a critical understanding of research strategies through the comparison, evaluation and justification of quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
- Appropriate management of research ethics.

This module will be delivered through a series of 10 x 1-2 hour seminars supported by your research and personal study. Formative assessment on the online discussion forum will be used to encourage research on the subject area.

SCHEDULED LEARNING & TEACHING ACTIVITIES
20 hours of online seminars. You will be expected to post answers onto the discussion forum in advance of the seminar to enable wider discussion of the topic. A live 'Webinar' will be held during each seminar session (10 x 1-2 hours synchronous contact) based on the posted answers in order to give you generic and personal feedback and to facilitate further discussion on the topic.

GUIDED & INDEPENDENT STUDY
Principally this will consist of study to consolidate and develop an understanding of material presented in whole group and online sessions, preparation for work to be undertaken prior to the webinars, and research and preparation relating to the coursework assignment. Guided study will involve the utilisation of information technology (specifically the module blackboard pages and use of relevant legal electronic databases such as Westlaw, Lexis, LawTel etc) which enables interaction with relevant material, at a pace and time convenient to the user. You will be provided with general guidance in the module study guide and receive specific guidance and training where needed.
(280 hours)

Access to appropriate texts and material via module Blackboard site

• A Bryman, SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS (OUP, Oxford, 4th edn, 2013)
• J Holland & J Webb, LEARNING LEGAL RULES: A Student’s Guide to Legal Method and Reasoning (OUP, Oxford, 8th edn)
• WC Booth, GG Colmb, JM Williams, THE CRAFT OF RESEARCH (University of Chicago Press, 3rd edn: 2008)

1. IDENTIFY AND JUSTIFY A SOUND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ADOPTED FOR YOUR PROPOSED RESEARCH (Learning, Knowledge & Understanding, Problem-solving)

2. USE APPROPRIATE COMMUNICATION AT AN ADVANCED LEVEL TO FIND INFORMATION AND TO EXPLAIN, DEBATE, AND PRESENT HIGHLY COMPLEX ARGUMENTS, PROPOSALS AND IDEAS (Communication)

3. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE ETHICAL CONCERNS AROUND CONDUCTING AND MAKING USE OF RESEARCH (Application, Reflection)

4. DEMONSTRATE INITIATIVE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN IDENTIFYING AND INTEGRATING RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL LITERATURE TO ENHANCE AND SUPPORT ADVANCED LEVEL STUDY(Analysis, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Reflection)

5. IDENTIFY AND ASSESS THE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES NECESSARY FOR MASTERS-LEVEL STUDY, DEMONSTRATING SELF-DIRECTION AND A REFLECTION ON YOUR PROGRESS IN DEVELOPING THESE ATTRIBUTES (Application, Reflection)