Course Catalogue

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The LL.B. Honours Dissertation in Law course consists of independent research guided by a supervisor with expertise in the student's chosen research topic, in addition to the provision of asynchronous learning and skill development supports. Students are required to submit a dissertation of 10,000 words.

No regular time-slot required.

2-3 learning support hours to take place on campus (small groups)

4 lectures

2 check-in sessions with course convenor

This course is only available to LLB students.

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Coursework consists of the submission of a plan of 250-400 words to the supervisor by Friday of Week 4 of the first semester of the Senior Honours year and the submission of a dissertation of 10,000 words by 2:00 p.m. on Friday of Week 10 of the second semester of the Senior Honours year. There are no examinations.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of the course are to:

■ instruct students in the skill necessary to complete a dissertation including relevant research and writing skills;

■ develop students' skills in legal research, including library and advanced IT skills;

■ develop students' ability to understand and be able to explain complex arguments relating to a chosen area of law and legal issues;

■ develop students' ability to offer a critical commentary on these arguments and their own view of the arguments; and develop students' effective management of time.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ plan and successfully undertake an extended piece of independent research and deliver in time, well presented;

■ present a sustained argument;

■ use library IT resources to an advanced level;

■ understand and explain complex arguments relating to their chosen area of law and legal issues; and

■ offer a critical commentary on these arguments and take a position in relation to them.

Completion of summative assessment.