Introductory description

Students are encouraged to embark on a dissertation during their final year as part of Warwick Law School’s research culture. This allows students to follow up a particular research interest under the individual supervision of a member of staff.

Acceptance on the module is at the discretion of the Module Convenor. The module convenor will consider all proposals and make decisions acceptance based on the strength and viability of the research proposal. The deadline for proposal submissions is the end of week 1 of Term 3 (Friday 5pm). Proposal forms can be found on the Intranet.

Why do a dissertation?

• It’s exciting! You can choose your own topic for research and develop it in line with your interests.
• You can immerse yourself in a topic and gain in-depth knowledge in a field.
• You can choose a dissertation module that works for you. You can choose between 30 CAT (LA403) and 15 CAT (LA403) dissertation; or even a dramatized dissertation (LA406 / LA407) if you want to develop out your creative writing skills.
• It gives you legal research skills you need to succeed in postgraduate studies and as a lawyer.

Will it benefit my career?

• Successfully completing a dissertation shows key skills all employers are looking for: the ability to work independently and think critically.
• It gives you legal research skills you need to succeed in postgraduate studies and as a lawyer.
• You can choose a topic that is directly applicable in the field you want to practice in; or a topic that is cutting-edge and novel which will catch the employers’ eye.
• It can help to raise your visibility and profile, making your job and postgraduate applications standout. Students have in the past presented their research at presenting at BCUR (British Conference of Undergraduate Research) or International Conference of UG Research (ICUR). Some have also published their dissertations with Reinvention, a Warwick student journal.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The dissertation modules will run differently from your other modules. The majority of work you do for this module will be independent research, guided by a supervisor. In addition, there will be termly workshops and writing bootcamps. The workshops cover issues such as doing legal research, research ethics, and writing.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop a clear and critical research question;
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and principles of their area of research
• Plan, structure, write, and reference a 12,000 word dissertation on a chosen subject
• Explain the methodological basis employed in their research
• Critically evaluate different interpretations;
• Construct conclusions in a clear, logically structured, analytical and independently argued piece of work
• Identify and employ a broad range of primary and secondary sources relevant to their topic area

Indicative reading list

• Lammasniemi L, Law dissertations: a step-by-step guide (Routledge 2021, 2nd edition)
• Salter M and Mason J, Writing law dissertations: an introduction and guide to the conduct of legal research (Pearson 2007)
• Knowles J, Effective legal research (2012)

Research element

Students will write a 12000 word dissertation based on independent research.

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.