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LAW-40082 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

LAW-40082 - Dissertation (LLM Criminal Law & Criminal Justice)
Coordinator: Sotirios Santatzoglou Tel: +44 1782 7 34216
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 7
Credits: 60
Study Hours: 600
School Office: 01782 733218

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Students must have obtained 120 credits from M level modules

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

The dissertation module enables you to conduct your own research into a question of your choice relating to criminal law and criminal justice. You will attend a research training day at the start of the year which builds on the knowledge gained in the first year and is aimed at preparing you with a knowledge of research methodology and the production of a dissertation. The emphasis of the module is on independent study with supervision.

Aims
The module provides the opportunity for students to use and extend the knowledge and skills acquired during their programme of study. Using appropriate research methodologies, students will critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme. The dissertation offers students an opportunity to develop research skills to the level at which a competent piece of work at 'M' level can be undertaken. A student achieving pass level in the dissertation should be equipped for independent research at a higher level.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Formulate original research questions based on a critical evaluation of existing knowledge, current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline: 1
Synthesise complex information and communicate a logical argument: 1
Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the research approach adopted: 1
Demonstrate systematic knowledge of the research and legal materials related to the chosen dissertation topic: 1
Design, plan and complete a research project which demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge: 1
Conduct research and organise findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and linked to the conclusions drawn: 1

Study hours

8 hours research training day
4 hours proposal feedback meetings
4 hours annotated list of contents feedback meetings
6 hours draft chapter feedback meetings
8 hours oral presentation: preparation meetings with supervisor and group presentation/feedback meeting
10 hours individual supervision
170 hours private study
390 hours dissertation research/writing
TOTAL - 600 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024