Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3047: Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of the Comparative Dissertation module is to give you the opportunity to develop further your independent research and argumentation skills, and to acquire knowledge on a discrete set of legal issues chosen by you. The module also aims to encourage and inspire you to engage critically with legal research and scholarship on a specific research question. It further aims to give you the opportunity to engage in comparative work, namely to identify, collect, and process research materials from the jurisdiction of England and Wales as compared with the study abroad jurisdiction in which you have spent your third year. It provides particularly good practice in carrying out and presenting legal research if you are considering post-graduate degrees.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Identify, define and construct a critical analysis of a discrete research topic in Law;
2. Identify and define key research questions and hypotheses about the chosen research topic;
3. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the selected legal issues acquired through independent research and study;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate ability to integrate and assess information from a comprehensive range of relevant legal materials;
5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of complex legal issues and their contextual implications, where relevant;
6. Evaluate critically the materials considered and used for the Dissertation;
Personal and Key Skills7. Demonstrate ability to plan and undertake tasks efficiently, to reflect critically on the learning process and to make effective use of feedback from the supervision process;
8. Demonstrate ability to work independently, to manage time efficiently and meet strict deadlines;
9. Develop and structure an argument over a sustained piece of writing and in an effective manner;