LW4CAP: Legal Practice Project and Portfolio (MLaw)

Module code: LW4CAP

Module provider: School of Law

Credits: 120

Level: Level 4 (Undergraduate Masters)

When you'll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Professor James Devenney, email: j.devenney@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): When taking this module, you must also take MLaw SQE 1 modules and MLaw SQE 2 module (not for separate credits). (Open)This module is only available to Part 4 MLaw students. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The aims of this capstone project are for students to (a) in line with the principles of autonomous 'deep' learning, reflect on learning across the SQE preparation modules delivered by the University of Law; (b) build on the skills and knowledge acquired through the MLaw to execute a substantial piece of applied legal research on a realistic contemporary client-based problem/situation; and (c) in line with the principles of autonomous 'deep' learning reflect on the experience of undertaking a significant group project.

This programme provides teaching and preparation for the SQE exams but not the exams themselves. If students wish to take the SQE exams, this cost is additional and is met by the student independently. The SQE 1 will cost £1,158 and SQE 2 will cost £2,422. The combined cost is, therefore, £3,980 (2023). The SQE exams and costs do not form part of this programme and students can complete the MLaw without taking the SQE exams.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the legal and practical issues involved in advanced applied legal research project;
2. Deploy appropriate strategies and methodologies to complete a substantial piece of applied legal research within the required timescale;
3. Demonstrate a detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of the relevant areas addressed by the project;
4. Present a project in a manner that is clear, logical, accessible to a client and well-written;
5. Construct arguments/solutions/recommendations during the course of the project;
6. Demonstrate an ability to work in a team and deal with unexpected problems as well as using effective communication skills; and
7. Self-evaluate learning and work in line with the principles of autonomous 'deep' learning.

Module content

This module builds on the SQE preparation modules which students take, not for separate credit, with the University of Law. The module provides students with an opportunity to reflect on those modules and this provides the foundation for the centrepiece of this module, which is a substantial piece of applied legal research on a realistic contemporary client-based problem/situation which crosscuts the knowledge and skills developed on the programme.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning takes the form of (a) introductory lectures on project, (b) module members undertaking SQE preparation modules with the University of Law; (c) in consultation with module convenor, the selection of a realistic contemporary client-based problem/situation; (d) group work (independently of supervisor); (e) regular supervision at times agreed by the students and their supervisor; and (f) reflective exercises.

Study hours

At least 11 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve all of the following to pass this module:

1. A mark of 50% in each assessment
2. An overall module mark of 50%

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

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

Reassessment

Additional costs