Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3111C: Legal Research Paper 2

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to undertake an independent study of a legal problem or topic of particular interest under supervision. The legal research paper takes the form of library research and is expected to address a research question, and therefore is designed as a platform for you to demonstrate evidence of ability critically to evaluate primary and secondary legal materials and material from other sources as appropriate.

The Legal Research Paper aims to provide evidence of your ability to produce in-depth analysis in a clearly structured extended piece of legal writing such as is found in academic legal and socio-legal journals within a contained period of study (one term). As such, the module is an excellent platform for students contemplating further study at postgraduate level, but also provides good evidence of an individual’s research skills, innovation, intellect, reliability and self-motivation.

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 detailed knowledge of the selected legal issues acquired through independent research and study;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Integrate and assess information from an extensive 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. Plan and undertake tasks efficiently, to reflect critically on the learning process and to make effective use of feedback from the supervision process;
8. Work independently, to manage time efficiently and meet strict deadlines;
9. Develop and structure an argument in a longer piece of writing and in an effective manner;

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Students will be asked to select their field of study from a range of subject areas offered by staff. Having reached agreement with staff over supervision, students will undertake a research phase to narrow down and refine their field of study to a specific title.

Students will meet with their supervisor on a mutually agreed basis (not less than three meetings during the term) to plan and discuss their research, analysis and writing.  Students will also be supported by specific teaching materials (which may include group workshops) for guidance and advice on: managing and structuring the paper; research using databases and library resources; preparing the Progress Report (see below); referencing; and effective writing. Students will receive regular formative advice and feedback through the individual and group supervision activities.

Midway through the module, students will submit a Progress Report (1000 words).  This work is summatively assessed and enables students to demonstrate and test their interim progress with their Legal Research Paper.  The Progress Report will take the form of an abstract of the paper setting out the aims of the paper and summarising the strands of discussion that will be covered in the final paper.  It will include a short indicative bibliography.

Thereafter, it is anticipated that students will focus on independently developing and writing up the final paper with support from their supervisor, group sessions and independent planning. Students will be expected to prepare their final submission as if they are submitting their work to a peer-reviewed journal and the assessment will include consideration of how the journal reviewers might consider the submission.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
11.5138.50

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities1.5Individual Supervision meetings; a minimum of three hours contact is expected over the term.
Scheduled learning and teaching activities108 hours of training sessions on research preparation, skills and legal academic writing and one 2 hour facilitated peer support session.
Guided independent study18.5Identifying and locating research materials.
Guided independent study60Carrying out research, reading and taking notes
Guided independent study60Drafting and writing up

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).