Legal Research Skills module (LW50108)

You will learn the key elements of legal research techniques. This involves academic writing at postgraduate level. It aims to support the gaining of transferable skills, which are necessary to succeed in the LLM. You will also learn the requirements of academic referencing and citation.

In this module you will:

• learn various legal research techniques and methods
• gain the skills for postgraduate-level academic writing
• learn successful assignment and dissertation writing skills
• identify relevant sources and enhance research skills
• learn academic referencing and OSCOLA citation standards
• develop critical reading and writing abilities
• develop public speaking skills through group work

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• do legal research using different techniques and methods
• write essays and dissertations at the required academic level
• collaborate with peers from diverse legal backgrounds
• understand how a team works well

Assignments / assessment

• essay (50%)
  • case analysis
  • due in first semester
• group exercise (50%)
  • preparation of a magazine article and a presentation
  • due in second semester

If you are attending this module for a single semester you will do an individual assignment in place of the group exercise.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• workshops
• independent study.

At the start of each semester, general material will be provided in the first week of induction.

In the spring semester, there are additional classes for you to prepare for your dissertation. These include seminars delivered by Library Services staff.