LWMRLM: Research Methods for LLM Students

Module code: LWMRLM

Module provider: School of Law

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Aleardo Zanghellini , email: a.zanghellini@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

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

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE LWMRRM (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to assist students in formulating a suitable research question for their dissertation and in identifying an appropriate methodological approach to their research. It aims to impart relevant knowledge and to assist students in developing the skills necessary to plan and execute their research programme within the time and resources available. The module aims to foster the practical, generic and personal transferable skills necessary to conduct independent research. The module also aims for students to gain insight into the wider context of academic legal research, by helping them appreciate: a) what makes Law a distinctive discipline and what makes academic legal research a distinctive form of legal writing; and b) what the main different methodological approaches to legal research are, and what the main different genres of academic legal writing are. Finally, the module also aims to provide practical assistance for students in developing skills in using the internet, electronic library resources, and other documentary sources for undertaking research. Students will benefit by acquiring knowledge and skills conducive to success in designing and completing their dissertation as well as, more generally, other legal research projects. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Formulate appropriate research questions and research aims;
2. Select the research methods appropriate to the collection and analysis of data or evidence relating to the research question;
3. Embark upon the preparatory work necessary for their dissertations, including by demonstrating knowledge in their area of proposed research and an ability to critically engage with the  existing literature;
4. Understand a range of legal theories and relevant research methods, theoretical frameworks, and genres of academic legal writing.

Module content

• The process of research design and execution
• The nature of Law (as a discipline) and of legal writing
• Methodological approaches to legal research

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered primarily through a series of weekly seminars. The seminars explore a variety of issues related to the process of research design and execution, the nature of law and legal writing, and a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to legal research. Sessions will be held in which students’ tentative dissertation questions will be workshopped. This is to assist students in formulating focused and feasible questions for their dissertations. 

Study hours

At least 22 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.