Overview

An indicative list of the topics the module will cover includes;

• using a Law Library,
• essay writing for Masters students,
• legal writing,
• identification and evaluation of sources,
• avoiding plagiarism, referencing correctly, compiling a bibliography,
• planning a dissertation project,
• writing a research proposal,
• identifying a dissertation research question,
• research methodologies,
• doing a literature review.

Assessment Strategy

-good -Good: B- to B+ (60-69%) High Standard: A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject. -excellent -A- to A* (70%+) Present highly competent work, display a critical awareness of empirical, theoretical and methodological issues as to topic, should put forward coherent arguments, and demonstrate awareness of contemporary debates with relevant literature. Well organised and thorough bibliographic information. -another level-C- to C+ (50-59%) An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop a critical understanding of the basic principles of research design and strategy, including formulating researchable questions, enabling students to make appropriate choices for their own research.

• Identify, and reflect critically upon the problems associated with legal research and develop appropriate analytical skills for their relevant LLM programme.

• Show a comprehensive understanding of the skills necessary to write an appropriate research project proposal, including adopting the appropriate research methodology and writing a literature review.

• Show mastery of the skills necessary to effectively submit a dissertation, a research proposal and other forms of legal writing appropriate to postgraduate level by displaying the ability to effectively use legal Welsh and/or English to communicate complex ideas, references sources correctly, and comply with any necessary submission requirements.

• Show mastery of the skills required to undertake legal research at the postgraduate level, including the ability to search for sources, critically appraise those sources, and reference those sources accurately.