Overview

This module consists of researching and writing a dissertation project in the field of Law. The Dissertation will be 15,000 to 20,000 words in length. The dissertation topic will be confirmed in consultation with the supervising tutor and the Director of Postgraduate Studies.

The student will be expected to clearly understand the literature in their chosen field of study (primary and secondary sources). Should the project involve empirical research, then familiarity with techniques of data collection and analysis will be expected.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C- to C+ (50-59%) Displays ability within a specialized area of knowledge and skills, employing appropriate skills to conduct research. Work at threshold quality demonstrates an adequate knowledge and understanding of current issues in this field of study. It shows a critical awareness of current problems, some of which is informed by thinking at the forefront of the academic discipline. Work at this level shows a developing understanding of techniques applicable to the student’s own research. It shows an ability of apply knowledge in an original way, and to use established techniques of research and enquiry to interpret knowledge in the discipline. The conceptual understanding evidenced by the work indicates that the student can evaluate scholarship in the field.

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%) Displays accomplished ability within a specialized area of knowledge and skills, employing good quality skills to conduct research. Good work in this module will demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of current issues in this field of study. It shows a critical awareness of current problems, much of which is at, or informed by thinking at, the forefront of the academic discipline. Work at this level shows a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to the student’s own research. It shows an ability to apply knowledge in an original way, and to use established techniques of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. The conceptual understanding evidenced in the work indicates that the student can evaluate advanced scholarship in the discipline. The work shows an ability to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, and, where, appropriate, propose hypotheses.

-excellent -A- to A* (70+%) Displays mastery of a complex and specialized area of knowledge and skills, employing advanced skills to conduct research. Excellent work in this module will contain the qualities recognized in good work, but will show them in a more consistent way, and at all points. It will demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of current issues in this field of study. It shows a critical awareness of current problems, much of which is at the forefront of this academic discipline. Work at this level shows a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to the student’s own research or to advanced scholarship. It shows throughout an ability to apply knowledge in an original way and to use established techniques of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. The conceptual understanding evidenced in the work indicates that the student can critically evaluate advanced scholarship in the discipline, and do so in a consistent manner. The work shows an ability to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, and, where appropriate, propose hypotheses.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise law, policy and other doctrines to an advanced level, demonstrating a comprehensive and deep understanding of the chosen area of study suitable for a dissertation at the postgraduate level, where appropriate, providing original analysis, criticism and proposals for reform.

• Demonstrates the ability to develop appropriately incisive research questions, which logically develop the hypothesis as advanced by the dissertation within the chosen area of study.

• Demonstrates the advanced level of skills necessary to investigate the chosen area of study in-depth, including the ability to search, synthesise and appraise the relevant literature, and appropriately referencing that literature.

• Demonstrates the use of an appropriate methodology to explore the hypothesis advanced by the dissertation as relevant to the chosen area of study.

• Displays a manifest ability to communicate effectively in Welsh or English the findings of a significant legal research project, including organising those findings coherently and logically and using appropriate and consistent terminology appropriate to the chosen area of study.