LW3090 Dissertation

MODULE AIMS

To provide students with the opportunity to undertake an independent piece of research on a legal topic of their choice,

To allow for the development of research culminating in a detailed evaluation of the law in the chosen area

To facilitate demonstration of an ability to select and organise material from which appropriate conclusions can be elicited and presented through independent research.

To provide students with the opportunity to present the progress of their research and articulate their learning experiences in an oral forum.

To enable the students to appreciate the range of available research methodologies and to deploy a methodology appropriate to their chosen legal topic,

To foster awareness of the practices to be pursued or avoided when undertaking an independent research dissertation,

To promote the acquisition of transferable skills with which to enhance their confidence and employability in the workplace.

MODULE LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

The module will utilise a variety of learning strategies designed to place the student at the centre of the learning process. The module will encourage student learning by participation and independent research as well as enhancing problem solving and analytical skills. A key element of this module is that the student should demonstrate and develop the skills of independent learning and research.

Pre-recorded sessions will be provided to the students which will cover the requirements for effective self-study, time management, co-operation with supervisors, and recommended practice and research methodology, which you will find it useful to deploy when writing your Dissertation.

At the start of the Dissertation process supervisors will provide guidance on the Ethical Clearance process and offer general assistance/guidance. Formative feedback will also be provided upon draft chapters of the Dissertations which are submitted.

The presentation enables the student to assess progress, analyse and evaluate research findings, and consolidate and plan for the remaining portion of the module-the dissertation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Number of

Assessments

Form of

Assessment

%

weighting

Size of Assessment

Category of

assessment

Learning Outcomes

Being assessed

1

Presentation

20%

20 minutes

Practical Assessment

2,3,5

1

Dissertation

80%

6,700 words

Coursework

1,2,3,4,5

Assessment Deadlines

Presentation: (exact date/time to be confirmed/posted on Blackboard)

Dissertation: (exact date/time to be confirmed/posted on Blackboard)

MODULE PASS REQUIREMENTS

The aggregate mark must be a minimum of 40% to pass the module.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

1.

Plan and produce an independently created piece of legal research that demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge and critical awareness of the chosen area of legal interest

2.

Select and apply a relevant research methodology to your chosen area of research and evaluate, both orally and in writing, its strengths and limitations

3.

Work co-operatively with others

4.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your research strategy by reference to relevant sources.

5.

Demonstrate the use of research and IT skills for information retrieval in creating relevant footnotes and a bibliography of evidence in support of your argument.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND LEARNING SUPPORT MATERIAL

Reading will depend largely on the topic chosen, and it is the responsibility of the student to select appropriate materials for their Dissertation. However, there is the LW3090 Reading List online and Supervisors may suggest other topic related resources

** MANDATORY DISSERTATION TOPIC PROPOSAL FORM

All students must complete the Ms form LW3090 Dissertation Topic Proposal Form, which is on Blackboard in the folder: Important Forms to Complete & may have been emailed

In order of preference, you are required indicate THREE different/distinct broad areas of research, which must fall within the scope of your course. For example: [Option 1] Human Rights Law [Option 2] Alternative Dispute Resolution; [Option 3] Company Law

Please note:

Please do not approach individual tutors to become your supervisor.

Please do not email your topic preferences to the module leader or individual tutors.

We aim to accommodate your choices in order of preference, but it may not always be possible, and we aim to confirm your approved topic and Supervisor as soon as possible.

** MANDATORY ETHICAL CLEARANCE AND RESEACH METHOD

There are two broad types of research. Primary/Empirical (where you collect information yourself by surveys, interviews, observations, etc.) and Secondary/Desk-Based (searching for and reviewing data/literature compiled from previous findings, case law, publications).

Due to time constraints, the short word limit, and the absence of training around ethics and research methodologies, students will not be granted ethical clearance for conducting primary/empirical research [collecting their own primary data from issuing questionnaires/conducting interviews etc].

This means, all Dissertations must be based on a critical review of the law, academic/official commentary and data from existing documents and previous research by printed and electronic means.

Students not complying with the Ethical approval process and dissertations indicating students have conducted empirical research will not be marked and a grade of 0% will be entered.

** MANDATORY PORTFOLIO OF PROGRESS AND RECORD OF SUPERVISION

As part of this Dissertation, you are required to maintain and submit a brief portfolio evidencing your attendance at supervisory sessions and co-operation with your supervisor including any comments, recommended actions to take following that meeting and confirmation of your compliance. You will find a copy of the Portfolio of Progress/Record of Supervision on Blackboard.

The completed Portfolio of Progression and Record of Supervision must be appended to your finished dissertation. Unless they are attached and deemed by the Supervisor to be accurate/ satisfactory, you will be unable to pass the module.

** MANDATORY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY TRAINING

This online course provides an overview of what is meant by ‘academic integrity’. It will help you to understand what is expected of you when submitting coursework for assessment. ALL students MUST complete this course [the link being on Blackboard] even if you think that you already know a lot about academic integrity. Developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) are making a big impact on education, and it is important that all students are aware of the expectations we have of you when submitting coursework at university.  At the start of the dissertation process, students MUST have completed the course, and provided a copy their Certificate of Completion to their dissertation supervisor.

** WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR SUPERVISOR

• General guidance at the start of the Dissertation such as assisting you with the approved topic and the formulation of the main questions to be considered.
• One review of drafts of chapters submitted in a timely manner.
• Constructive criticism of your work e.g., that the work is too shallow or too detailed
• Helping you to set and keep a realistic timetable
• Availability to discuss your progress throughout the year

It is not your supervisor’s job to make detailed comments either on the text which you produce or the final version before it is submitted. The responsibility for production of the work and for its quality rests with you and not the supervisor.

** WHAT YOUR SUPERVISOR EXPECTS FROM YOU

• Engagement with Dissertation Resources/Recordings
• Adherence to the principles of Ethical Approval for your research
• Evidence of completing the mandatory Academic Integrity Training
• Production of legible written work in accordance with your timetable of work
• Consideration of any comments you invite them to make.
• Enthusiasm
• Consideration of their other commitments
• Independence and final responsibility for your own success or failure

GETTING STARTED ON YOUR DISSERTATION

CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR DISSERTATION

Break the Dissertation into short sections. Chapters will often be appropriate. For each chapter, do the following:

1. Detailed intelligence-gathering. Read and re-read articles and texts that explore the particular area the section / chapter focuses on.
2. Read primary sources such as parliamentary papers and government reports related to this area.
3. Critically analyse your sources (do they support or go against the argument you are making) and begin to formulate an argument. If you find that more sources and information would be helpful, undertake further fact finding.
4. Write the section/chapter of your Dissertation.
5. Write in a neutral academic style throughout.
6. Proofread your work at intervals to assess whether or not you are satisfied with its quality and content and ensure it flows with the whole Dissertation.

Put the sections/chapters together and precede your sections/chapters with a brief/strong introduction that guides the reader and complete the Dissertation with a clear conclusion that draws all your arguments (form each section) together. You should ask yourself whether your work is clear and concise and the point which you wish to make is apparent throughout. Be self-critical. If you find that more work is necessary, do it. Do not try to gloss over any weaknesses which you recognise.

Referencing: You should pay particular attention to the way in which you use other people’s ideas and quotations in your text. If you use an idea, you have read or if you quote a passage from someone else’s work, you must give full credit (using appropriate OSCOLA referencing conventions) to avoid any danger that your work could be regarded as plagiarism. It is crucial that your work is well referenced with use of footnotes and a full bibliography which complies with OSCOAL convention is included. Any form of unfair practice to enhance performance could result in loss of marks and other disciplinary action

Appendices should come after the main body of the text and should contain any statistical information, tables, graphs and diagrams and further ancillary information. The appendices will not count towards the word-limit but any materials central to a particular argument or highly relevant to one section should be included in the main body of the text

You should remember that the overall presentation of your Dissertation is part of the academic exercise and that it will be judged accordingly. Pay attention to your spelling, punctuation, and syntax.

Time Management: Double check your authorities/references thoroughly. Remember that it could be some time since you worked on the earliest section. Leave yourself sufficient time for a final rewrite and submit in good time.

FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR DISSERTATION

Word Limit – maximum of 6,700 words [excluding, the Front Page, Progression/Record Sheets, List of Contents, the Abstract, subheadings, footnotes, Appendices, Bibliography]                       

You should aim to achieve as near as possible to the above word count. If you fall substantially below the prescribed word limit, you will probably not have done full justice to your chosen topic.

Stylistic Points

The following must be noted and implemented. Failure to do so may result in penalties being imposed:

• All pages should be numbered.
• Size 12 font, double-spaced and justified text
• The front page of your Dissertation should contain the following information:
  • your full name
  • degree course
  • module
  • year
  • supervisor
  • title
  • An abstract of the work comprising no more than 250 words should appear at the beginning of the Dissertation immediately after the title page. The abstract should provide a summary of the Dissertation.
  • After the abstract, there should appear:
    • A list of contents
    • The main/substantive chapters of your Dissertation
    • Appendices (if you have any)
    • Bibliography

** KEY DEADLINES/CONSIDERATIONS

Start: Complete/Submit the Dissertation Topic Proposal Form. This is an absolute deadline because you need to have sufficient time to research your topic and write your Dissertation once you have secured a topic area, ethical approval, and a supervisor.

Submit your 20-minute-long Presentation based on your dissertation research and presented in line with the guidance in the separate Presentation Handbook which will be available via Blackboard. The Presentation takes the form of PowerPoint slides and accompanying voice recording of your oral presentation/or live presentation. Both must be submitted online at the same time and both submissions are required for the presentation to be assessed.

The exact date and time of submission will be confirmed on Blackboard and If either of those submissions is received after the deadline then this will be considered a late submission. Please note: Dissertation Supervisors and/or the Module/Course-Leader can not accept submissions via email.

Supervisors will confirm the last week outstanding final chapters [not work previously advised on or a whole dissertation] can be submitted to supervisors for feedback. Members of staff are not permitted to consider drafts of Dissertations submitted after a specified/confirmed date

Supervisors will confirm the last week supervisors will feedback/hold supervisory sessions This will enable students to continue completing their dissertation before the final submission deadline.

The final deadline for submission of your Dissertation is different for each cohort and will be confirmed.

The University operates a universal penalty scale for unauthorised late submission of any form of assessed work including the dissertation. You are referred to the Academic Regulations and Appendices on the University website.

If nearer the time you find you will have difficulty in meeting the final submission deadline due to verifiable mitigating circumstances which are unexpected, serious and exceptional, you may submit a case for consideration in accordance with the University’s Mitigating Circumstances Procedure.  Please note: Supervisors, the Module/Course-Leader cannot grant extensions.

Dissertation assignments will be assessed in accordance with the School of Law and Policing’s Assessment criteria which is available via Blackboard. They will be internally assessed by the supervisor and a second marker within the school. If deemed relevant, the internal assessors are also at liberty to require an oral examination of the work submitted. Dissertations are also assessed by the External Examiner.

Results and feedback will be formally released/published in accordance with the schedule of the Programme Boards and Academic Calendar