| Unit name | Research Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAWDM0106 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Bell |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
LAWDM0061, Law of Contract |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | University of Bristol Law School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The aim of the research project is for students to demonstrate that they can carry out independent legal or socio-legal research, critically engage with a topic area, and construct and sustain a coherent argument through an extended essay.
Students who elect to write a research project are required to either choose a topic for their research project from a list made available in June before they commence their second year of study. In the alternative, a student may select their own topic and consult with a member of academic staff who is available to supervise them. The Programme Director will approve research project titles and supervisors in July. Students will meet with their supervisor twice in the autumn term and then submit a summary of their research project (of not more than 500 words) and an extract from their research project (of not more than 1,000 words) for feedback and comment in January. They will receive the feedback by the end of January and are required to submit their research project of 6,000 words in April.
For this project it is expected that the primary sources will be texts: books, journals, newspapers and other research papers, generally accessible through the University's libraries, and the libraries of other academic institutions. For some topics it may be relevant to carry out archive research. It is not intended that students use empirical research methods such as interviewing or other methods that involve live human subjects.
The learning outcomes are intended to be as follows: Well-defined research question The student must construct a coherent research question that takes account of the chosen research topic but is sufficiently defined to be answered within a 6,000 word essay. The essay must address the research question. Well-structured The writer must explain what s/he is arguing in the essay, and demonstrate a coherent argument throughout in such a way that the reader can follow the argument at all times. Accuracy of knowledge The material used must be accurate and appropriate. The essay should demonstrate awareness and understanding of relevant contextual material, for example, historical perspectives, policy development and relevance, current academic discussion and disputes, law reform proposals. Relevant use of material The student must have found a range of material relevant to the topic. The selection of material should reflect the range of views/opinions about the research topic, engage with recent developments (if appropriate) and reflect issues of controversy. There must be evidence of an ability to evaluate the relative significance of these materials, and an awareness of trends or movements within the particular topic area. Analytical skills The essay must be more than a description of the topic area. The student must demonstrate an ability to analyse the material and construct their own argument, appropriately referencing the ideas and work of others. Good use of English The use of grammar must be correct. Students must also use punctuation correctly. Sentences should be logically constructed and easy to follow. There should not be too many long sentences with sub-phrases and sub-sub-phrases. Use of jargon and acronyms should be kept to a minimum, and should be explained in the text or footnotes. The essay should be proof-read to minimise spelling mistakes and typographical errors. Appropriate use of referencing and authority The essay must use a form of referencing consistently. All quotes must be referenced, and the student must adequately acknowledge where s/he has used source material through appropriate references. Abstract, bibliography, table of cases An abstract is compulsory but together with bibliography and table of cases etc add to the completeness of the essay and are proof of good scholarship.
Five introductory lectures and structured contact with Project Adviser.
One 6,000 word project (100%), meeting the Intended Learning Outcomes.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. LAWDM0106).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
