LW3RWC: Research Writing Credit

Module code: LW3RWC

Module provider: School of Law

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Double Presentation: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr David Wilde , email: d.c.wilde@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 11 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The Research Writing Credit is a piece of assessed written work which allows a student independently to research a selected topic and produce an extended critical essay, after a lengthy period of reflection. The module allows the School to evaluate a student’s ability to research a topic, critically analyse it, develop an argument, use and cite legal and other materials correctly and to do so within a specified number of pages (and to a specific format).

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Identify and apply research agendas
2. Work independently
3. Develop an analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critique of a topic
4. Write in conventional legal style, including correct citation practice

Module content

During the option selection process for the final year, a wide range of possible titles covering a diversity of legal research areas will be published. Students will select three titles they wish to write on in order of preference. A list which title each student has been allocated will then be published at the start of the summer preceding the final year: titles will be assigned to students who do not make a selection.

Essays must be submitted by the required date, which will be specified when the titles are distributed.

Students must comply with the School of Law Assessed Work Rules, as set out in the LLB Programme Handbook.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

One piece of introductory reading on the research topic will be indicated.

There will be one general lecture each term: on researching and writing the essay.

Otherwise, no assistance will be provided by any member of staff with respect to the essay, beyond the introductory reading and general lectures. No drafts or plans of essays may be submitted to any member of staff.

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This module is taught twice to two different cohorts of students - first in Semester 1 and then repeated in Semester 2.��The 200 study hours are listed for the first iteration of teaching in Semester 1, and these same study hours are repeated for the second iteration of teaching in Semester 2.”

Study hours

At least 2 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.