Independent Project

RATIONALE
This module offers students the opportunity to develop, execute, and write up an independent project in an area of their choice. Example projects include a traditional doctrinal dissertation, an empirical dissertation, an extended placement or project in a law firm, charity, or other provider of legal services, participation in a law clinic, ‘street law’ type projects, or other similar projects of the student’s choosing. Students will develop a proposal at the end of their 2nd year, as part of their work in Research Methods in Law. Students will work closely with a supervisor between levels 5 and 6 to further refine and develop their proposals.  Projects will need to be submitted to the module organiser for approval at the start of level 6. All projects will require some level of advanced research and critical evaluation. Students will be able to further their knowledge of a specific area of law of interest, with the potential to see the ‘law in action’. 

AIMS
This module aims to:
●    Develop project aims and objectives appropriate to particular areas of law. 
●    Demonstrate advanced skills in legal research and writing.
●    Demonstrate independent decision-making skills and responsibility for the development, execution, and writing up of an extended legal project.
●    Develop and demonstrate coherent argumentation skills and critical analysis drawing on appropriate methodologies and relevant primary and secondary sources. 
●    Develop organisational, project management skills and communication skills.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the module students will be able to: 
1.    Develop project aims and objectives appropriate to particular areas of law. 
2.    Demonstrate advanced skills in legal research and writing.
3.    Demonstrate independent decision-making skills and responsibility for the development, execution, and writing up of an extended legal project.
4.    Develop and demonstrate coherent argumentation skills and critical analysis drawing on appropriate methodologies and relevant primary and secondary sources. 
5.    Demonstrate organisational, project management skills and communication skills.