The content covered in this module will provide students with the knowledge required to design and manage an independent research topic. The module will examine the role of research in law and the social sciences, covering main research paradigms and core philosophical debates. The principal methodologies used in social science research will be examined, together with contemporary applications. Teaching hours will cover all aspects of the research process required to design and manage a successful research project in contemporary legal studies, including:

• Research Methodologies, particularly doctrinal and socio legal
• Research methods and design
• Research ethics
• Writing an effective research proposal
• Presenting research findings

The module content will enable a student to produce a research proposal which will be the basis of their LA7009 Dissertation.

This module is principally an independent study module and, accordingly, much of the specific content will be chosen by students, with direction from their supervisor, dependent on which particular area(s) they have chosen to focus on over the course of their Masters programme.

The submitted work will be a portfolio, representing a traditional written dissertation or portfolio of professional relevant work underpinned by a detailed literature review. Both formats will incorporate a critical reflection, with a focus on professional development.

Designated supervisors will provide further individual advice and support on specific modes of analyses as relevant. The dissertations may require ethical approval and this will be considered by the School of Law research ethics committee as required.

The module will provide a consideration of Common Law from a domestic and international perspective.
The module will assess common law, considering its history and development as well as it functions in a modern legal system.

The module will provide a solid foundation for students studying common law jurisdictions and enabling them to navigate the complexities of such a system.

The module will consider the common law in action and support students in developing a framework to utilising common law within complex legal scenarios.

Topics to be covered will be:

• Origins of the Common Law
• Evolution of the Common Law
• The Common Law in a modern context, challenges and developments
• Application of common law in particular fields of law

In the International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution module, students gain a thorough understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms and commercial law principles. Through lectures, seminars, exercises, and case analyses, they build skills in drafting clauses, conducting negotiations, and navigating the legal frameworks that govern international transactions and arbitration.

The module will focus on Human Rights Law from a UK domestic and international perspective, considering regional specific mechanisms such as within Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights. The module will cover the following core areas:

• Institutions of Domestic International Human Rights
• Sources of Human Rights Law
• Fundamentals of Human Rights law at an International and regional level
• Enforcement of Human Rights
• Substantive Human Rights (including indictive examples of substantive rights)
• Rights to privacy
• Rights of workers
• Rights of a child
• Right to Education