This module offers us the opportunity to think deeply and critically using a justice perspective about animal welfare, rights, and interests. Engaging...

The Research Essay (RE) is a compulsory module for the LLM programme and makes up 45 of the 180 credits required to obtain the LLM degree.

The RE is an...

The Research Essay (RE) is a compulsory module for the LLM programme and makes up 45 of the 180 credits required to obtain the LLM degree.

The RE is an extended piece of writing which forms part of the assessment of a taught master’s programme. It should show that students have identified and understood the key issues in the selected topic and the relevant law and literature, and that they have a capacity for critical analysis in presenting a point of view. The very best essays show some originality in ideas or interpretation. Students at Master’s level are expected to acquire advanced research and writing skills. The best way to acquire these skills is to engage in the task: read the relevant literature, think about the arguments raised, formulate and plan the RE.

Students normally write an RE in an area that they are studying as one of their taught modules. Students may elect to research an area that is outside their taught modules but within a lecturer’s field of expertise, however students should realise that learning a novel area in the time allowed for the RE will rarely allow them to achieve the depth of understanding commensurate with a Master’s degree.

Students who have chosen to follow a specialist degree, must write their RE in an area connected with that specialism.

This module provides you with the opportunity to research and write an extended essay on a topic that you choose in consultation with an academic member of...

This module provides you with the opportunity to research and write an extended essay on a topic that you choose in consultation with an academic member of staff. Assessment is based solely on the essay submitted.

Before October, you approach potential supervisors and fill in a form with a provisional title and desired supervisor.

After the introductory lecture at the start of term 1, you will be allocated a supervisor whom you will meet to settle on a title and chapter plan and to discuss where your investigations should start. You then begin your research. Over the course of the year your supervisor will read and comment on two drafts of up to 3,000 words. There is no rule about when the drafts must be submitted; most students tend to submit the first one in the first half of term 2 and the second one in the second half of term 2. The essay is due in at the start of term 3.

If you already have an idea for your essay, you are welcome to contact potential supervisors to discuss it. If your choice of this module depends on a particular supervisor or topic, then you should contact the supervisor now regarding her or his availability and whether the topic is appropriate.

Supervisors do not normally supervise more than ten undergraduate law (LLB) research essays per year, and your first choice for supervisor might not be available.

The topic you choose cannot simply duplicate an area of law you have studied in other modules, but can build on aspects of those subjects that interest you.

Meetings:

October-November: Initial meeting to discuss topics.

Pre-Christmas: Meeting to agree title and plan your essay and discuss your planned research.

Pre-Reading Week of Term 2: submit draft of 3,000 with feedback

March : Receive feedback on second draft of 3,000 words