The University of New South Wales

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Research Thesis - LAWS2423
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Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.law.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 8
 
 
EFTSL: 0.16667 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 0
 
 
Fee Band: 3 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

This course permits an individual student to undertake a research project on a legal topic of his or her choice. The project must have a clearly defined topic which has been approved by the academic supervisor of the project. Students should approach potential supervisors to discuss a) their availability to supervise the project and b) the suitability and formulation of the topic.

For enrolment in an 8 UOC Research Thesis the following requirements must be met:

  • A clearly defined project is proposed and is approved by the proposed supervisor.
  • The student has a sufficient academic background in legal study to enable the thesis to be completed in a satisfactory manner. (An average mark of 65% in previous law courses is normally required).
  • Adequate supervision is available: supervision may be conjoint but at least one supervisor should be a full-time member of the School of Law's academic staff. A group research project may be undertaken (but by no more than three students) if a statement of the proposed division of work among members of the group is approved in advance by the supervisor or supervisors.
A student wishing to write an extended research thesis over the course of 2 semesters should discuss this option with his or her supervisor. If progress has been satisfactory during the first semester of enrolment, and the supervisor is available to supervise the student for a further semester, the student may be permitted to carry over his / her enrolment for a further semester. In this case the student's academic transcript will show enrolment of 2 x 8UOC Research Theses in consecutive academic semesters.

Recommended Prior Knowledge

Sufficient knowledge of the chosen topic to enable the formulation of a research proposal.

Course Objectives

The course aims to familiarise the student with and to develop skills in formulating research topics, conducting independent research, using individual supervision, and writing coherent, informative, and persuasive papers.
On conclusion of this course students should be able to formulate research topics, conduct independent research, engage usefully with individual supervisors, and write coherent, informative, and persuasive papers.

Assessment

Assessment: A 10,000 - 12,500 word research paper due on the last day of the semester in which the student is enrolled. Each 8UOC thesis shall have two examiners, one of whom may be the supervisor or one of the supervisors. Examiners may require a candidate or group of candidates to attend an oral examination on the subject matter of the thesis; examiners may require a thesis to be resubmitted under such conditions as the examiners may determine.

Course Texts

Appropriate books and other resources, both hard copy and online, may be recommended by your supervisor from time to time.

Resources

Refer to your supervisor for reference to appropriate resources.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.