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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Law Masters Research Project
Reference LLM803 Version 1
Created January 2022 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved March 2017 SCQF Points 30
Amended September 2021 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the opportunity to plan and execute an extended research-based study into an approved topic and to report the findings through a short dissertation or report.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Identify a suitable topic for a research-based dissertation or report and carry out a comprehensive literature review related to this.
2 Formulate a research proposal and translate this into a feasible plan for its execution and completion within the timescale available.
3 Critically evaluate a range of appropriate research methods, and use the selected one(s) in a competent and professional manner.
4 Analyse and critically evaluate the results obtained from research.
5 Produce a 7000 word dissertation or report on the topic written to professional standards and, if required, orally present and defend the same.

Indicative Module Content
This will be specific to each individual dissertation/ report. Normally will involve: research proposal; research methods; literature review; critical analysis and evaluation of research material; findings/recommendations.

Module Delivery
The dissertation/ report is prepared under the direction of an academic supervisor.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 20 20
Non-Contact Hours 280 280
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 300 300
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description: Assessment will be based on the 8000 word dissertation or report, and if required, oral presentation.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 comprises 100% of the module grade. To pass the module, a D grade is required.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Satisfactory completion of the Pg Certificate and Pg Diploma Stages of the course.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
The subject specific bibliography will be determined by the dissertation topic.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Higgins, H. and Tatham, L., 2010. Successful legal writing. 2nd ed. London: Sweet and Maxwell.
2 Fink, A., 2010. Conducting research literature reviews: from the internet to paper. 3rd ed. London: Sage.
3 Fullerton, K.L., 2007. Legal research skills for Scots lawyers. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: W Green.
4 McConville, M. and Chui, W.H., 2007. Research methods for law. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. ebook
5 Salter, M. and Mason, J., 2007. Writing law dissertations: an introduction and guide to the conduct of legal research. Harlow: Longman. ebook
6 Ezeani, E.C., 2013. Success in law studies: the ten things you need to know. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
7 Finch, E and Fafinski, S., 2015. Legal skills. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
8 Webley, L., 2010. Legal writing. 2nd ed. Oxon: Routledge-Cavendish. ebook


Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781