LWMTDI-Dissertation

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Registered for an LLM programme, for which this Dissertation is a compulsory module, or with permission of the Director of PGT in Law.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Ruvi Ziegler
Email: r.ziegler@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this module is to develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation through conduct of a major independent research project and writing of the Dissertation.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation through conduct of a major independent research project and writing of the Dissertation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

After completing the module, students will be able to:

• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the topic of the dissertation;


• critically analyse and evaluate the topic;


• place the subject matter of the dissertation within a wider legal and/or socio-political context;


• access, take advantage of, and critically use different sources of research;


• evaluate the objectivity and relevance of different sourcesof research;


• construct an argument that can be sustained through a work of such length;


• use a recognised citation style;


• present the dissertation in a manner that is clear, logical and well-written.

Additional outcomes:

It is also expected that students will be able:

• to develop personal responsibility and initiative in planning, managing and executing a major research project professionally;


• to make decisions during unforeseen and complex situations as the research progresses and develop self-reliance and direction in addressing and solving problems.


• to navigate their way through research databases and other information technology that work on the same basis as those which they have used in their research.

Outline content:
Students will research and write a Dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words. The title of the Dissertation must be agreed with the module convenor and the proposed supervisor.

Students should note that some PGT programme specifications set down specific requirements for the Dissertation. For example, the Dissertation may need to relate meaningfully to the subject area of the programme in question (e.g. 'International Law'). Check the relevant programme specifications for this information.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching and learning takes the form of regular supervision at times agreed by the student and their supervisor.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision		2	3
Guided independent study:	24	73	498
Total hours by term	24	75	501
Total hours for module	600

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words (including footnotes and/or endnotes but excluding declaration, table of contents, bibliography and the abstract), formatted in accordance with teh rukles set out in the Regulations for PGT Dissertations in the PGT Handbook.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback given throughout the process by sueprvisor: in particular, the supervisor will review and provide feedback on at least one substantive draft chapter of the dissertation prior to submission.

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%

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