module
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
LAWM640: Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Although the precise content and delivery of the module may vary, it is anticipated that the syllabus will include the following elements in the order indicated:
2x 2 hour lecture covering the following topics:
Design and structure of a dissertation
Methodology and skills
1x 2 hour lecture on good academic practice
In addition, all students will have three individual research meetings with their appointed supervisor. Although the precise content of such meetings will vary according to the particular needs of each individual student, it is expected that the meetings will cover three important steps towards a successful dissertation (see below for details). In addition, the students can of course liaise with their supervisors for ad hoc advice as and when required.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 591 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 6 | One lecture of two hours on methodology, design and structure of a dissertation. One lecture of two hours on good academic practice. 1x 2 hour lecture on good academic practice |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 3 | 3 x 1 hour research meetings. It is expected that the meetings should each last about one hour. Each meeting is designed to guide the students on 3 important steps to a successful dissertation namely, 1. Devising adequate research question(s), 2. Refining a structure and 3. Feedback on a sample chapter for advice on academic writing skills |
| Guided independent study | 591 | Independent study, with supervisors help as and when needed. Such hours will be spent in order to carry out the necessary research as well as the writing up of the dissertation, a symbiotic process, with the guidance of the supervisor. Although the precise organisation of the work will differ for each student, it is expected that a student should spend 50 hours on devising the research question, 50 hours on refining the structure, and the rest divided equally among reading/analysing the material and writing up the dissertation. |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).