LWMTRM-Research Methods

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Registered for an LLM programme, or with permission of the Director of PGT in Law.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Aleardo Zanghellini
Email: a.zanghellini@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to assist students in the formulation of a research question appropriate to their chosen area of study and to develop the skills necessary to plan and execute their research programme within the time and resources available. The module aims to foster the practical, generic and personal transferable skills necessary to conduct independent research. Students will also be expected to gain an appreciation of the social, ethical and policy context of research. Finally, the module also aims to provide practical assistance for students in developing skills in using the internet, electronic library resources, and other documentary sources for undertaking research.

Aims:
This module aims to assist students in the formulation of a research question appropriate to their chosen area of study and to develop the skills necessary to plan and execute their research programme within the time and resources available. The module aims to foster the practical, generic and personal transferable skills necessary to conduct independent research. Students will also be expected to gain an appreciation of the social, ethical and policy context of research. Finally, the module also aims to provide practical assistance for students in developing skills in using the internet, electronic library resources, and other documentary sources for undertaking research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Assessable outcomes After completing the module, students will:

• have an appreciation of research and its relationship to practice and theory;


• be capable of formulating appropriate and relevant research questions;


• be able to formulate aims and objectives for their research;


• be able to design a research strategy appropriate to carrying out an independent research project;


• be able to select the research methods appropriate to the collection and analysis of data or evidence relating to the research question;


• be able to embark upon the preparatory work necessary for their LLM dissertations;


• be aware of the role of values in the research process, from problem formulation through data collection to dissemination;


• be able orally to present research findings in a lucid and informative way;


• be able to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of a range of legal research methods.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module will encourage the development of:

• High-level oral communication skills developed through reflective, analytical class discussion

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered primarily through a series of weekly seminars conducted over two terms. In addition to topics such as how to design a dissertation, and how to manage the supervisor-supervisee relationship, the seminars will cover a range of different theoretical and methodological approaches that students can employ to construct an argument in their dissertation. In the remaining seminars, the format will alter. Student presentations will form the basis of dis cussion. Each student will be expected to lead a discussion on his or her research topic for the dissertation requirement of the degree. Students thus will be expected to have embarked upon the process of research design and to subject their research plan and literature review to the judgment of their peers.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20	20
Guided independent study:	130	130
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• 20% Research Plan and Bibliography (research plan is maximum 4 pages)


• 50% Literature Review and Research Plan (maximum 12 pages)


• 20% Oral Presentation of Research (Spring term)


• 10% Attendance and Class Participation

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
See School of Law PGT Programme handbook

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023