Module: Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Dissertation
Module Code	LAW1057 (ITS: LG5020)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

Description

The aim of the LLM dissertation is to develop and refine the student's legal/socio-legal research and academic writing skills. The student is required to complete an independent piece of research on a substantive topic of interest in any field of law. Students must present their findings in a written dissertation, up to a maximum of 15000 words (inclusive of all aspects). The task will involve critical engagement by the student with specific legal issues; the establishment by the student of a research question; the use of relevant and coherent methodologies etc.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct highly independent study and research.
2. Complete a substantial structured piece of writing that develops a clear argument in response to a specific legal question/proposal.
3. Utilise and apply doctrinal legal research skills and socio-legal research skills to specific legal questions.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Independent Study	750	No Description
Total Workload: 750

Section Breakdown
CRN	11679	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Goran Dominioni	Module Teacher	David Keane, John Quinn, Tanya Ní Mhuirthile, Walt Kilroy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Written dissertation - maximum 15000 words	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None