Courses / Modules / LAWS3180 Legal Research

Legal Research

When you'll study it: Semester 1
CATS points: 15
ECTS points: 7.5
Level: Level 6
Module lead: Alun Gibbs
Academic year: 2028-29

Module overview

Legal Research is an optional final module. Students will learn key legal research approaches, methods and techniques. The module will familiarise students with previously unexplored methodologies, including emerging theories of law, and give students practical training in research skills, including empirical research methods. The module brings together legal theory with practice, equiping students with the tools to identify legal issues, as well find and analyse solutions to those problems. The module is assessed by way of a research portfoilio (which might include inter alia a key word search plan, a close read essay and an ethics application) and an oral presentation.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

understanding of how to conduct an in-depth critical analysis of an argument or approach
develop a clear and coherent framework of analysis;
Develop a critical understanding of the basic principles of research design and strategy

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

identify, locate and evaluate primary and secondary source material;
demonstrate advanced editing and writing skills
Identify, analyse and dissect legal problems and questions;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

A clear understanding of the relationship between method and approach and how theories of law inform legal problem solving
a demonstrable understanding of the area in question (c/f summary of the marking criteria provided to students in the module handbook);

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures will provide students with an overview and introduction to key legal methods and approaches. Students will have the oppotunity to apply their learning through practical exercises, writing and research exercises conducted in the seminars and in independent study.

Study time
Type	Hours
Seminar	11
Lecture	22
Total study time	33

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Research design

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment:
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Research and Presentation	50%
Short essay /assignment	50%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External