Law

This degree programme is primarily research-based but also contains two taught components (Research Methods in Law and Foundations for Postgraduate Study and Research). During the programme students attend regular classes, present seminars on their work in progress, and meet with their supervisors.

LLM by Research is aimed at students completing a dissertation that addresses legal, academic or doctrinal work (i.e. substantive or 'black letter' law, or developing a socio-legal perspective).

One element of the programme is Research Methods in Law. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the main elements of researchdesign and methodology in law so as to prepare students for carrying out asignificant piece of individual research at postgraduate level. The Foundations for Postgraduate Study and Research, on the other hand, is intended to providestudents with the tools for critical thinking and evaluation in relation to thereading and writing of texts. The course focuses on "reasoning" and "rhetoric"in academic argument and seeks to develop the student's own ability to developargument and understand the limitations of argument. In this way, it complimentsthe Research Methods in Law course.

As a preliminary to applying for this programme, the student must submit an outline of the proposed research topic of approximately 500 to 1,000 words to the programme leader, who considers whether the topic is viable for research at LLM level and falls within the areas of expertise of members of staff in the Department of Law & Criminology. The student may be invited to expand on their chosen topic of research at an informal meeting prior to submitting a formal application. Accepted applicants produce a 30,000 word dissertation.

Aims of the programme

• To develop students' critical understanding of legal concepts and methods
• To develop their further learning and skills related to legal problems and issues
• To give them the skills amd knowledge to compare legal systems

Content

• Research Methods in Law
• Foundations for Postgraduate Study
• Research
• Dissertation of 30,000 words on a topic to be chosen by the student with approval from the Department of Law