LWMPRO-Research Project

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Students taking this module are not permitted to take another research project or placement module
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LWMPLA Professional Placement
Current from: 2020/1

Email: e.m.l.aronssonstorrier@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module allows students to develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation through undertaking a major independent research project on a crisis, conflict, and/or disaster management related topic. Whilst the research topic will normally be legal in nature, subject to supervisor availability in other schools participating in the programme, it may be possible to undertake an interdisciplinary (law and non-law) research project.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation through undertaking a major independent research project on a crisis, conflict, and/or disaster management related topic.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

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


• critically analyse and evaluate the topic;


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


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


• evaluate the level of objectivity and relevance of different sources of research;


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


• use a recognised citation style;


• present the research project 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;


• 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 project of a maximum of 14 000 words. The title and topic of the project must be agreed with the module convenor and the proposed supervisor(s) in advance. Whilst the research topic will normally be legal in nature, subject to supervisor availability in other schools participating in the programme, it may be possible to write a project on a non-law issue and/or to undertake an interdisciplinary (law and non-law) research project. Students may undertake this mod ule either as a desk-based research project, or as a professionally-linked research project whereby they approach an organisation engaged in at least one of the fields of crisis, conflict, and/or disaster management (eg governmental, intergovernmental, private/corporate, or civil society/NGO) for advice on current topical research issues and request access to relevant staff and materials. For any students wishing to undertake a professionally-based research project, responsibility for making the relevant connections and accessing the necessary materials will lie entirely with the students. There is no requirement or expectation for students undertaking these research projects to be on placement within the selected organisation(s).

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. In addition, there will be two seminar sessions. The first in the autumn term introducing the module and how it relates to the Placement module in order to assist students in making a more informed decision on which module to take. The second seminar will take place at the beginning of spring term and will focus on methodology and giving advice on the selection and framing of suitable topics.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A research project of a maximum of 14 000 words (including footnotes and/or endnotes but excluding declaration, table of contents, bibliography and the abstract), formatted in accordance with the rules set out in the Regulations for PGT Dissertations in the PGT Handbook and meeting the assessment criteria.

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

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

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: 4 April 2020