The dissertation is an independent research essay of up to 12,000 words. The model for the dissertation is the law journal article or law review essay. This is...

The dissertation is an independent research essay of up to 12,000 words. The model for the dissertation is the law journal article or law review essay. This is different from doctoral research. The student is not expected to develop an original thesis, but when finished should demonstrate a solid understanding of a particular aspect of law and the ability to explain and criticise it convincingly. The LLM dissertation does not merely describe the law, but presents an argument.

This module is a fundamental core element of the programme giving students an opportunity to pursue a piece of research of 20,000 words under supervision on a...

This module is a fundamental core element of the programme giving students an opportunity to pursue a piece of research of 20,000 words under supervision on a topic of interest to them.

The main aim of this module is to develop student’s ability to plan and carry out a substantial piece of research; to apply skills acquired during the programme; to develop independent critical thought; and to enable students to produce a piece of work which will provide the basis for a PhD thesis or work as a researcher or analyst in non-academic environment.

The literature review, which forms part of the dissertation, draws on skills gained in Understanding Research. The completion of a piece of empirical work helps students to consolidate their learning and facilitates assessment of their understanding of the issues addressed in the Undertaking and Disseminating Research modules and also draws on skills gained Analysing data as well as Advanced Research Theory and Practice module.

Each student is assigned a dissertation supervisor and in consultation with the supervisor, the student will develop a research question that is appropriate in scope and complexity. There will be also two two-hour workshop (online or face-to-face).