LW2RP-Research Project

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LW2LWC Legal Writing Credit
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Henry Hillman
Email: h.d.hillman@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Suitability: Students wishing to do a dissertation (LW3DUG) are strongly advised to take this module

Aims:

• To provide students with a hands-on experience of the academic research process, from the formulation of a research question through to the production of a research output;


• To provide a forum for the development of key skills relating to the presentation of ideas in written form;


• To give students the opportunity to obtain an in-depth understanding of a specific topic.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the research process


• Develop an ability to identify, refine, and address a research question;


• Demonstrate an ability to utilise different methodologies of legal research within the context of a wider project;


• Formulate, develop, and evaluate critical arguments about legal issues via independent research;


• Apply the relevant law so as to reach clear and supportable conclusions;


• Produce well-written and well-presented research outputs.

Additional outcomes:

• An ability to work with others and respond to supervision as part of a broader research project;


• Initiative and problem-solving skills;


• Independent research skills, including the capacity to use library and IT resources to locate and access relevant research materials.

Outline content:

Students will be allocated to work with a supervising member of staff on a research project. After induction into the aims of the module and the skills required to undertake legal research, students will work with the supervisor to produce an individual written research output. This will be supported via a series of workshops, each of which will address a different element of the process.

The substantive topics will typically include (but not be limited to):

• Company law


• Migration


• Miscarriages of Justice


• Comparative Criminal law 


• Jurisprudence


• Family law

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

3 lectures and 2 workshops in the autumn term, covering both substantive material and research skills and methods, and 1 further workshop in the spring term, focusing on the writing process. Independent research on the topic set for the assessed work.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	3
Practicals classes and workshops	2	1
Guided independent study:	95	99
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An essay of no more than 10 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law Assessed Work Rules, as set out in the Law School Guide and LLB Programme Handbook.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be required to bring and present a piece of preparatory work in workshops (e.g. research proposal) as requested by their supervisor. These will form the basis of discussion during the workshop and students will receive some form of feedback on their performance to date (this may include peer feedback).

Penalties for late submission:

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:

40% Overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of the essay in August.

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: 13 October 2022