A project (5,000 words) weighted at 100% assessing learning outcomes (1-4). The project will be contextualised to the named award and represent an amplification of an existing area of study

You are required to show an informed and at the same time critical understanding of the key skills and attributes within your discipline and to apply these skills in in order to create an appropriate research artefact. In particular, this will necessitate:

- Undertaking a range of advanced research activities and methodologies
- Developing advanced level communication and presentation skills

This module builds on the research skills introduced in the Legal Research Methodology module, in particular through the application and contextualisation of the generic research skills to a specific research project.

You will be expected to design and gain approval (legal, supervisory and ethical) to conduct a small-scale research project. This process will be facilitated through up to five individual and group seminar sessions and a variety of formative research and communication tasks.

1. DEMONSTRATE SUBSTANTIVE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE AREA OF LAW CONSIDERED INCLUDING THE NEED TO UNDERTAKE EFFECTIVE AND ANALYTICAL RESEARCH INTO LEGAL CASES, STATUTES AND TOPICS
Learning
Knowledge & Understanding
Enquiry

2. ANALYSE COMPLEX LEGAL PROBLEMS WITH A VIEW TO SUGGESTING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Problem-Solving
Enquiry
Analysis

3. USE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION AT AN ADVANCED LEVEL TO FIND INFORMATION AND TO EXPLAIN, DEBATE, AND PRESENT HIGHLY COMPLEX ARGUMENTS, PROPOSALS AND IDEAS
Communication

4. UNDERSTAND THE ETHICAL CONCERNS AROUND CONDUCTING AND MAKING USE OF RESEARCH Enquiry
Problem-Solving

As the focus of this award is on independent directed study, the specific details of the project and methodology needs will vary from student to student.

The project will be a piece of independent research, amounting to 5,000 words, carried out by the student under the supervision of a suitably qualified member of staff of the Law School. Students will be expected to be in contact with their supervisors as appropriate.

(150 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)