Please note: there may be some adjustments to the teaching arrangements published in the course catalogue for 2020-21. Given current circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic it is anticipated that some usual arrangements for teaching on campus will be modified to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on campus; further adjustments may also be necessary, or beneficial, during the course of the academic year as national requirements relating to management of the pandemic are revised.

Dissertation In Law LAW4011P

  • Academic Session: 2022-23
  • School: School of Law
  • Credits: 30
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Available to Erasmus Students: No

Short Description

Submission of LL.B honours dissertation (10,000 words)

Timetable

The Dissertation course consists of independent research guided by a supervisor with expertise in the student's chosen research topic. Supervision consists of approximately three meetings between the student and the supervisor.

Requirements of Entry

none

Assessment

Coursework consists of the submission of a plan of 250-400 words to the supervisor by Friday of Week 2 of the first semester of the Senior Honours year and the submission of a dissertation of 10,000 words at by 2:00 p.m. on Friday of Week 10 of the second semester of the Senior Honours year. There are no examinations.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The aims of the course are:
· To instruct students in the skill necessary to complete a dissertation including relevant research and writing skills;
· To develop students' skills in legal research, including library and advanced IT skills;
· To develop students' ability to understand and be able to explain complex arguments relating to a chosen area of law and legal issues;
· To develop students' ability to offer a critical commentary on these arguments and their own view of the arguments;
· To develop students' effective management of time.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

At the end of the course students will:
· Be able to plan and successfully undertake an extended piece of independent research and deliver it on time, well presented;
· Be able to present a sustained argument;
· Be able to use library IT resources to an advanced level;
· Be able to understand and be able to explain complex arguments relating to their chosen area of law and legal issues;
· Be able to offer a critical commentary on these arguments and his or her view of the arguments.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

  none