ObjectivesThe Master’s in Research (MRes) is an innovative programme. The equivalent of an MPhil, it provides an excellent taught foundation for future doctoral research and it will be of interest to anyone who wishes to develop academic research skills, work as a researcher or commission research. The programme involves both taught and research components across a range of disciplines. The research work for the dissertation is supported by a number of components designed to develop your skills in formulating a research proposal, and communicating ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences. You may either study for a general MRes in Law, or may choose to specialise in: MRes in Legal Theory; MRes in Socio-legal Studies; MRes in Law and Human Rights; MRes in Law and Economic Development; MRes in Law and Culture; MRes in Criminal Justice.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Good second-class honours degree in law or a related discipline. Other relevant qualifications and appropriate professional training and experience welcome.
Academic titleLaw (MRes / Postgraduate Diploma in Research)
Course descriptionCore courses
Research Frameworks: an introduction to approaches to research across a range of disciplines and to the theoretical frameworks for advanced legal scholarship. You will gain a foundation in the generic skills necessary to undertake research while pursuing an advanced discipline-based research project.
Dissertation: a 20,000-word research project.
Options
Two option modules (one term each). Options include:
-The Commodification of Creativity
-The Globalisation of Land Markets and Land Law
-Moral Reasoning for Lawyers
-Law’s Moving Image
-Law and Disputes (ADR)
-Law and the Body
-Rights, Culture and Identity
-Law and Literature
-Refugee Law
-Qualitative Research Methods
-Quantitative Methodology
-Human Rights in Britain
-The World Trade Organization and the Environment
-History and Philosophy of Human Rights
-Hate Crime
-Crime and Culture
-Children's Rights and Childhood.
Teaching
The programme involves both taught and research (a dissertation) components. Teaching and learning formats may vary: some modules follow a traditional programme of weekly meetings, others take the form of intensive courses offered over one or two weekends.
Assessment
Final assessment for each option module is based on a 4000-word essay. The core course Research Frameworks is assessed by a 4000-word essay plus a 2000-word research proposal and an oral presentation to an audience of peers. For the MRes you also prepare a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice. If you do not wish to undertake the dissertation, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Research (DipRes).