Module overview
The Legal Writing module is an optional final year unit. It is examined through the writing of a dissertation on the topic your produced a proposal for in the Legal Research module. The module builds on the research and writing skills you have developed during your degree programme and provides you with a vehicle to evidence to employers your legal and transferable skills. There will be an introductory lecture on how to structure a written dissertation and then you will have two 1:1 meetings with a member of staff who will advise you on your dissertation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- develop a clear and coherent framework of analysis;
- sustain a clear and persuasive argument, showing understanding, critical awareness, independent thought and appropriate use of the concepts and sources;
- communicate effectively your views in writing.
- formulate original ideas (i.e. ideas not simply reliant on those already available in the literature or from teaching staff);
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- plan and carry out thorough research in your chosen area of law;
- develop, explore, refine and justify your personal views on a research problem;
- demonstrate capacity for independent learning.
- self-manage (e.g. time management);
- utilise written communication;
- identify, locate and evaluate primary and secondary source material;
- critically analyse, problem analysis and problem solving;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- a demonstrable understanding of the area in question (c/f summary of the marking criteria provided to students in the module handbook);
- the issues raised within your chosen field, the possibilities of/for resolution, and their significance.
- the relevant primary and secondary legal sources for your chosen topic/field (including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different types of legal research);
Syllabus
The topic of the dissertation will be informed by the research proposal you produced in Legal Research.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module begins with a lecture informing you how to structure a dissertation and how to meet the assessment criteria, for example by ensuring you demonstrate critical evaluation and independent thought. You will then have two 1:1 meetings of 30 minutes each with your assigned dissertation advisor. In the first of these meetings, you should share your planned structure with your advisor and discuss how you will transform your proposal into a piece of writing. The second meeting takes place later in the semester and will discuss feedback on a short submission shared with your advisor beforehand.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 117 |
| Project supervision | 1 |
| Assessment tasks | 30 |
| Lecture | 2 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
5000 word max dissertation. 100% weighted.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 75% |
| Viva | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Viva | 25% |
| Dissertation | 75% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Viva | 25% |
| Dissertation | 75% |