Module LAWM640 for 2023/4
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
LAWM640: Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Although the precise content and delivery of the module may vary, it is anticipated that the syllabus will cover research design, methodologies, writing skills and academic integrity to assist with the formation and development of a dissertation topic.
In addition, all students will have three individual research meetings with their appointed supervisor. Although the precise content of such meetings will vary according to the particular needs of each individual student, it is expected that the meetings will cover three important steps towards a successful dissertation: namely (1) devising adequate research question(s); (2) refining a structure; and (3) feedback on a sample chapter for advice on academic writing. In addition, students can liaise with their supervisors for ad hoc advice as and when required.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 591 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 6 | 3 x 2 hours interactive sessions: - Design and structure of a dissertation. - Research methodology. - Writing skills and techniques. All these sessions will cover good academic practice and academic integrity. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 3 | 3 x 1 hour research meetings. Each meeting is designed to guide the students on 3 important steps to a successful dissertation: 1. Devising adequate research question(s), 2. Refining a structure, and 3. Feedback on a sample chapter for advice on academic writing skills |
| Guided independent study | 591 | Independent study, with the help of the supervisor as and when needed. Such hours will be spent to carry out the necessary research as well as the writing up of the dissertation, a symbiotic process, under the guidance of the supervisor. Although the precise organisation of the work will differ for each student, it is expected that a student should spend: - 50 hours on devising the research question, - 50 hours on refining the structure and undertaking any fieldwork, - the rest divided equally among reading/analysing the material/data and writing up the dissertation. |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
ELE – vle.exeter.ac.uk
