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School of Law

Dissertation Handbook 2024-2025

LLB programmes
LAW3320 (40 credits)
CONTENTS

 Your final year project 3

 Dissertation regulations (40-credit dissertation) 4
 Dissertation timeline (40-credit dissertation) 8
 Dissertation assessment criteria 10
 Frequently asked questions 14
 Getting further help 15

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 YOUR FINAL YEAR PROJECT
In your final year you will spend up to one-third of your time on your final year project which, in the School
of Law, takes the form of a dissertation. In many respects completing an independent research project
with support from an academic supervisor represents the pinnacle of your undergraduate studies. From
the beginning of your first year, you were introduced to research conducted by others. You developed the
necessary skills to locate suitable resources to help you develop evidence-based arguments for essays and
to prepare for examinations. In your second year you built upon the skills developed and research training
provided by Foundations of Law, critically exploring different conceptual approaches to legal research.
Researching Law emphasised the need for a critical approach to the law and enabled you to develop your
skills in critically analysing primary and secondary sources of law, utilising multiple research
methodologies. You considered the skills needed to complete your dissertation, addressing each of the
strategic stages from identifying a research area and drafting a research proposal to writing up the
research. You are now in a position where you can identify your own research ‘problem’, formulate an
appropriate question and consider how best to answer it.

You might feel daunted about the prospect of completing such a lengthy piece of work. This is natural but
ultimately the vast majority of students are able to produce a piece of work which they are proud to
submit, and it gives the very best students the freedom to shine. The seemingly lengthy project will quickly
shrink as you begin your work and, hopefully, you will become genuinely interested in your research area
to the extent where you really enjoy doing it. Many students really do become engrossed in their topic and
there is frequently stiff competition for the prizes we award for the best dissertations. Some students have
even had their dissertations published!

Completing a final year project is a distinctive aspect of the Leeds Curriculum. We feel that it gives you an
advantage when applying for either employment or further study. Even if the topic is of little direct
relevance of itself, the transferable skills you gain writing a dissertation, including working independently,
project and time management, and research skills are absolutely invaluable.

Please do take the opportunity to read this handbook carefully and make full use of the support we can
offer. This is your chance to define your degree – the dissertation project will say much about your abilities
so do take this chance to step up.

Wishing you every success with your dissertation.

Rebecca Shaw

Module Leader

Email: [email protected]

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 DISSERTATION REGULATIONS
LAW3320
Long Dissertation
40 credits
Semester taught: 1 & 2
Year running: 2024/2025
Programmes of Study: Compulsory module for LLB programmes (this module is NOT available to 2 Year
LLB students)
Pre-requisites: LLB Level 2 or LAW2680 Researching Law
Co-requisites: None
Objectives: To develop a workable research question; design and manage an independent research
project; undertake an advanced literature search; write a substantial essay demonstrating in-depth critical
analysis of a selected legal topic.
Learning outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. identify factors which render a topic suitable for development into a ten thousand word dissertation;
2. formulate a focused and workable research question;
3. undertake sustained independent research (including a substantial literature search) relevant to their
research question;
4. access and evaluate relevant information;
5. present the findings of a research project in a clear, accessible and academically appropriate manner;
6. demonstrate the development of an in-depth understanding of a specific legal topic;
7. demonstrate an ability to manage a substantial project;
8. demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the position and role of law within one or
more of its social, economic, political, policy, historical, philosophical, moral, ethical or cultural
contexts.
Syllabus: The module involves the writing of a dissertation of no more than 10,000 words (excluding
bibliography) on a selected legal topic plus a 250 word abstract.

Form of teaching: 1 lecture, 1 webinar, 6 asynchronous online units, plus 2 hours supervision.
Form of assessment: Dissertation of no more than 10,000 words, plus 250 word abstract

A Meetings with your supervisor

1. The responsibility for producing the dissertation rests with you.
2. You will be informed of the name of your supervisor when the module commences.
3. You are entitled to six hours supervision time in total. This includes reading drafts and other materials
you produce as well as meetings with you.
4. You are entitled to two hours of face-to-face contact with your supervisor, typically organised into four
30 minute meetings throughout the year.
5. Your supervisor will contact you to arrange meetings.

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6. There should be an initial meeting by the end of Week 6 (w/c 4th November 2024). You will be
required to produce evidence of work in progress prior to the meeting. Section C sets out what will be
normally expected. Your supervisor will tell you exactly what is required.
7. There will be a second meeting by the end of Week 11 (w/c 9th December 2024). You will be required
to produce further evidence of work in progress prior to the meeting. Section C sets out what will
normally be expected. Your supervisor will tell you exactly what is required.
8. There will be a third meeting in Semester 2 no later than the end of Week 15 (w/c 3rd February 2025).
9. The fourth meeting should take place by the end of Week 19 (w/c 3rd March 2025). You will be
required to produce further evidence of work in progress prior to the meeting. Section C sets out what
will normally be expected. Your supervisor will tell you exactly what is required.
10. You should bear in mind that your supervisor has to spend time reading materials you submit and that
only a limited amount of time is available for each student. You must therefore submit your work by
the deadline specified by your supervisor.
11. Records will be kept of all meetings including a record of failure to attend when required to do so.
12. If you fail to attend meetings without good reason your supervisor has no obligation to rearrange.

B Dissertation topics
1. It is your responsibility to propose a precise research topic.
2. The dissertation workshops will help you refine the focus of your dissertation.
3. Your supervisor will inform you at the first meeting whether the proposed topic is satisfactory.
4. If it is not regarded as satisfactory, your supervisor will give a deadline to propose a revised topic. You
will be given guidance as to why the original topic is regarded as problematic and what steps you
should take.
5. Remember that the dissertation is a relatively short piece of work and that therefore it will help you if
you choose a well-focused topic rather than something very general which cannot be completed
satisfactorily within the time allowed and with resources available to you.
6. Please note that, unless in exceptional circumstances, no student will be permitted to change their
supervisor.

C Submission of materials
1. A dissertation plan (around 500 words) of the proposed dissertation and a working bibliography
should be submitted prior to the first meeting with your supervisor in Semester 1.
2. A substantive piece of work should be submitted prior to the second meeting in Semester 1. This
substantive piece of work could take the form of one completed draft chapter.
3. A further substantive piece of work will be required prior to the fourth meeting in Semester 2. This
substantive piece of work could take the form of another completed draft chapter.
4. In total, your supervisor can provide written feedback on approximately 5,000 words.
5. Please note that no material can usually be considered after the final meeting has taken place and so
it is important that you submit relevant material to your supervisor in advance of the final meeting.
6. All meetings with your supervisor will be held during term-time, unless you or your supervisor are ill
during term-time (or there are other, unforeseen, extenuating circumstances).
7. You are required to keep copies of all draft materials (including drafts for the final dissertation that
may not have been seen by your supervisor). You may be required to produce these.

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D Form of the dissertation
1. The dissertation must be no more than 10,000 words, plus a 250 word abstract. The abstract must be
no more than 250 words. The OSCOLA referencing system must be used. In calculating the length of
the dissertation no account shall be taken of footnotes, the title page, any acknowledgements, the
table of contents, the table of cases and statutes, the abstract, necessary appendices and the
bibliography. All other material is included in the word count.
2. Students should agree with their supervisor what material can appropriately be included in an
appendix but in general terms should not include material which is extensively referred to in the main
body of the dissertation.
3. You must include a front cover sheet which includes the title of your dissertation, name of supervisor,
word count and student ID number.
4. You must also include your completed supervision log (see module handbook for the blank log) in your
final submission.
5. Penalties for exceeding the word length are as follows:
 Up to 10% – 5 marks
 10% and over – 10 marks
 20% and over – 15 marks
 30% and over – 20 marks
 40% and over – 30 marks
 50% and over – a maximum mark of 20 will be awarded.
Please note that penalties begin at 10,001 words.
6. The dissertation must be presented in a clear font (minimum 11 point) and pages should be
numbered.
7. You must submit your dissertation electronically via the VLE.

E Plagiarism
1. Make sure you read carefully the University regulations on plagiarism:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/secretariat/documents/cpffm_procedure.pdf
2. Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work as your own. Work means any intellectual
output, and typically includes text, data, images, sound or performance, or any combination of these.
3. The dissertation must be all your own work. It must not be copied from someone else’s work or from
printed or other material that is not acknowledged. You are not permitted to include work which has
already been submitted for another assignment. Material copied verbatim from another source must
be placed in quotation marks with an accurate citation of that source. Material paraphrased from
another source must carry with it a reference by page number to that source. Material taken from the
internet must be acknowledged by citing the relevant URL.
4. Failure to follow these rules makes you liable for plagiarism, which is a form of cheating. Where a
student is found to have plagiarised in their dissertation, the minimum penalty is likely to be a mark of
0 with a requirement to produce a new dissertation for a maximum mark of 40, but penalties could
extend to failure of the entire year or a requirement to withdraw from the University.

F Methods of assessment
1. The completed dissertation must be submitted no later than 12.00 noon on Wednesday 30th April
2025. The dissertation will be worth 100% of the final mark for the module. It must be submitted in
electronic format via the VLE.
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2. The penalty for late submission will be a deduction of 5 marks from the mark originally awarded for
the dissertation for each calendar day late up to two weeks. A dissertation submitted more than
fourteen calendar days late will receive a maximum mark of 20.
3. Extensions for the deadline for submission can only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Extensions must be obtained from the Student Support Officers: [email protected]. Your
supervisor cannot give you an extension.
4. Extensions can only be granted for up to 14 days and prior to applying for an extension students
should reflect upon the implications for their examination preparation.
5. Requests for additional time (beyond three weeks) need to be approved by the School of Law Special
Circumstances Committee. Further information is included in the School of Law Code of Practice for
Assessment which is available on Minerva.

G Marking
1. Each dissertation will be marked by one examiner and a sample from examiners will be moderated by
an internal moderating team within the School of Law.
2. A sample (including all fails) will be sent to members of the external examining team.

H Use of your dissertation after submission

1. We may use an anonymised version of your final submission for teaching purposes with future
students. Please contact the module leader if you wish to opt out.

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 DISSERTATION TIMELINE – LONG DISSERTATION
Students will be able to submit their topic proposal form W/C 23RD
TOPIC from w/c 23rd September 2024 SEPTEMBER
SUBMISSION Forms must be submitted by 12noon on Friday 11th 2024 –
October WEEK 2
‘Welcome and Introduction to the Dissertation Module’
(please check your timetable for time and location)
LECTURE WEEK 1

‘Unit 1 – What does a dissertation look like?’

ONLINE ‘Unit 2 – Using literature in your dissertation’
LEARNING These units are designed to support your dissertation WEEK 1
UNIT journey and will be released on Minerva for you to
complete at your own pace.
By the end of week 3 you will be informed who your
SUPERVISOR supervisor is. Please note that no student is
WEEK 3
ALLOCATION permitted to change their topic where this would
involve a change of supervisor.
‘Unit 3 – Preparing for your first supervision meeting’
ONLINE
These units are designed to support your dissertation
LEARNING WEEK 3
journey and will be released on Minerva for you to
UNIT
complete at your own pace.
To discuss dissertation plan
The first meeting should take place no later than week
FIRST 6.
WEEK 5/6
MEETING Students should provide a brief dissertation plan
of 500 words and a working bibliography in
advance of the first meeting.
‘Unit 4 – Planning your draft dissertation chapter’
ONLINE
These units are designed to support your dissertation
LEARNING WEEK 7
journey and will be released on Minerva for you to
UNIT
complete at your own pace.
This workshop will take the form of a webinar and will be
delivered by Angela Newton from the Skills@Library team
WORKSHOP WEEK 9
(please check your timetable for date and time)

To provide feedback on first draft chapter

The second meeting should take place no later
SECOND
than week 11. WEEK 10/11
MEETING
Students should provide one completed draft
chapter in advance of the meeting.
‘Getting Back on Track’
(please check your timetable for time and location)
LECTURE WEEK 14

‘Unit 5 – Developing your argument/revisiting your

ONLINE research question’
LEARNING These units are designed to support your dissertation WEEK 14
UNIT journey and will be released on Minerva for you to
complete at your own pace.

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 To discuss progress and plans for the next draft chapter
THIRD The third meeting should take place no later than week
16. WEEK 15/16
MEETING

To provide feedback on second draft chapter

The fourth meeting should take place no later than
FOURTH week 20.
WEEK 19/20
MEETING A second draft chapter should be provided in
advance of the meeting.

‘Unit 6 – Editing/Final Stages’

ONLINE
These units are designed to support your dissertation
LEARNING WEEK 22
journey and will be released on Minerva for you to
UNIT
complete at your own pace.

DEADLIN 12 NOON, WEDNESDAY 30TH WEEK

E APRIL 2025 23

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Dissertation Assessment Criteria for LAW3220
The following criteria were approved by the School Taught Student Education Committee on 16 th September 2014 with respect to dissertations
submitted for LAW3220. All of the criteria listed will be relevant but not all will be given equal weighting. Strength in one area may (to a degree)
compensate for weakness in another. Examiners will be assessing the overall scholarship displayed in the dissertation.

Coverage/ Analysis Research Structure Presentation

relevance
80+ Topic of dissertation is Shows outstanding Shows evidence of Exceptionally clear overall Elegant presentation.
Excellent exceptionally clearly understanding of extensive, critical and structure. Highly skilled use of
first formulated with respect complex and wide- insightful reading of both Complex arguments academic conventions and
to the aims of the ranging concepts. primary and secondary developed logically and language, comprehensive
research. Analyses concepts and legal sources, and cogently to convincing referencing, minimal or no
Displays outstanding issues exceptionally appropriate use of other conclusions. linguistic or typographical
grasp of subject matter. carefully and critically sources (for example, errors.
Identifies a wide range and shows ability to statistical data, social
of concepts and challenge ‘received science theory and
implications of the topic opinion’ where research).
and considers it from a appropriate. Shows high degree of
full range of Develops complex independence in finding
perspectives and to an arguments exceptionally and using sources.
extensive depth. clearly and persuasively. Supports points
Is always relevant. Evaluates arguments and extremely well with
May offer new insights evidence from reading evidence drawn from a
into a topic. and provides convincing variety of sources.
reasons for conclusions Shows outstanding
reached. ability to synthesise
Develops new information.
interpretations of
previous
research/scholarship and
may make well-founded


Where English is not the first language, this should be taken into consideration in the application of this criterion.
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 proposals for changes to
law/policy/practice.
70 – 79 Topic of dissertation is Shows excellent Shows evidence of a very Very clear overall Elegant presentation.
Good very clearly formulated understanding of wide range of relevant structure. Very skilled use of
first with respect to the aims complex and wide- and critical reading of Complex arguments are academic conventions and
of the research. Displays ranging concepts. both primary and developed and linked in a language, comprehensive
excellent grasp of the Shows high-level ability secondary legal sources, logical and coherent referencing, minimal
subject matter. to analyse concepts and and may also have used manner to conclusions. linguistic or typographical
Identifies a wide range issues critically. other sources (for errors.
of concepts and Develops complex example, statistical data,
implications of the topic arguments logically and social science theory and
and considers it from clearly. research).
several perspectives and Evaluates arguments and Shows considerable
in considerable depth. evidence from reading independence in finding
Is always relevant. and provides convincing and using sources.
reasons for conclusions Supports points very well
reached. with evidence drawn
May make well-founded from a variety of
proposals for changes to sources.
law/policy/practice. Shows excellent ability to
synthesise information.
60 – 69 Topic of dissertation is Shows very good Shows evidence of a Clear overall structure. Thorough presentation.
Upper clearly formulated with understanding of range of relevant and Arguments of some Skilled use of academic
second respect to the aims of significant concepts. critical reading of both degree of complexity are conventions and language,
the research. Shows very good ability primary and secondary linked in a logical and generally correct and
Displays a very good to analyse concepts and legal sources, and may coherent sequence. complete referencing, and
grasp of the subject issues in a critical have used some other Conclusions may not be infrequent linguistic or
matter. Identifies the manner. sources of data (for fully developed or drawn typographical errors.
major areas which need Develops arguments of example, statistical data, out.
to be addressed with some complexity in a social science theory and
respect to this topic. logical and competent research).
Considers the topic from fashion. Shows some
a range of perspectives Evaluates arguments and independence in finding
and in some depth. evidence from reading in and using sources.

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 Is well focussed. a thoughtful way but Supports points well with
may not fully sustain and some examples and
develop conclusions quotations drawn from a
based on the arguments range of sources. Shows
and evidence. very good ability to
May make some synthesise information.
proposals for changes to
law/policy/practice.
50 – 59 Topic of dissertation Shows reasonable level Shows evidence of a Adequate overall structure Adequate presentation.
Lower may not be fully and of understanding of range of relevant reading and argument. Satisfactory use of
second explicitly formulated significant concepts. of both primary and Some points may not be academic conventions and
with respect to the aims Shows some ability to secondary legal sources, sufficiently developed or language. There may be
of the research. analyse concepts and possibly with there may be one or more some minor gaps or
Displays a generally issues in a critical preponderance of places where the ideas are problems with
sound grasp of the manner, but analysis secondary sources. not well linked to each referencing. There may be
subject matter. Identifies may not always be Shows limited other. a number of linguistic or
the basic areas which thorough. independence in finding May lack a clear typographical errors.
need to be addressed Arguments are generally and using sources. conclusion or there may
with respect to this developed coherently. Supports most points be apparent shortcomings
topic. May attempt to evaluate appropriately with in the conclusion.
May consider a limited argument and evidence. evidence drawn from
range of issues and reading. Shows limited
implications arising from ability to synthesise
the topic. information.
Is generally relevant.

40 – 49 Topic of dissertation Shows some Shows evidence of a Generally satisfactory Just adequate
Third shows some confusion understanding of limited range of relevant structure, though presentation. There may
with respect to the aims significant concepts, but reading, with tendency to sometimes the reader be some problems with
of the research. sometimes neglects to stick too closely to a may have difficulty in the use of language, which
Displays some analyse them in a critical limited number of legal following the argument. may be inappropriate for
understanding of the fashion. Tendency to sources. Some important points an academic assignment
subject-matter, but may describe rather than Does not show much not sufficiently or unclear. There may be
display significant errors analyse or evaluate. ability to research developed. major gaps or problems

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 or misunderstanding. Arguments not independently. Tendency to assert with referencing. There
May fail to include all developed in a coherent Supports some points conclusions rather than may be a high number of
the basic areas which or systematic way, and with evidence drawn from reason arguments linguistic or typographical
need to be addressed may be fairly simplistic reading though may also through. errors.
with respect to this and superficial. rely on personal
topic. experience or journalistic
May have been rather sources. Tends to
one-sided in considering summarise rather than
the topic or somewhat synthesise information
superficial. from sources.
Is usually relevant, but
may stray off the focus
of the topic.
20 – 39 Topic of dissertation Shows little Minimal amount of Organisation of structure Poor or inadequate
Fail shows great confusion understanding of major relevant reading. lacking in coherence. presentation, which may
with respect to the aims concepts. No evidence of ability to Many important points not comply with
of the research. Lacks any critical analysis research independently. not made or sufficiently specifications set out in
Shows minimal or or evaluation of concepts Points made are usually developed. regulations.
limited comprehension or arguments. unsupported. Tends to Great difficulty for reader Referencing may be
of the subject-matter Arguments either not paraphrase and is often in following train of seriously deficient or non-
and may have stated or briefly stated too close to the ideas and thought. existent.
misunderstood and not developed. language of the few Very high number of
significant features of sources used. linguistic and/or
the topic. Has failed to typographical errors.
identify areas which
need to be covered with
respect to the topic.
Is often irrelevant, but
may stray off the focus
of the topic quite
frequently.

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TYPE OF DISSERTATION
Should I do an empirical research project?
If you are considering conducting an empirical research project, you should discuss this carefully
with your allocated supervisor to check (a) whether they feel it is appropriate and (b) whether they
have the necessary expertise to support you. You will then need to discuss this with the module
leader and submit an ethics application form. If you are using material which is already in the public
domain e.g. Hansard debates or published statistics, this is not necessary. If you are unsure you
should ask your supervisor.

SUPERVISION
Can my supervisor read my whole dissertation prior to submission?
No. Your supervisor can only read the designated number of words outlined under the regulations
above. It is your responsibility to reflect upon the feedback given on that substantive work and
decide how to utilise it when completing your dissertation. Of course, you can ask your supervisor
questions about the approach you might take with unseen chapters, literature which might be
useful to address particular points etc, and your supervisor will be able to give you feedback on your
whole dissertation outline.

Can my supervisor give me an indication of the mark my dissertation will receive?

No. Your supervisor will see only part of your dissertation, so cannot comment on the quality of the
final, completed piece. Your dissertation will also be second marked by another academic and the
final mark will need to be approved by the external examiner. For these reasons, it is not
appropriate for a dissertation supervisor to give you an indication of the mark you will receive, or
the band into which your dissertation mark will fall.

SUPERVISION LOG
Do I need to include a copy of my supervision log in my final dissertation?
Yes. You will need to fill in your supervision log throughout the course of the year after every
supervision meeting. Once completed, you should share this with your supervisor for approval. You
will need to include a copy of this table in your final dissertation submission. Please note that this
should be contained within the same document as your dissertation, as you can only upload a single
file to Turnitin. You can find a copy of the supervision log within your Module Workbook and also on
Minerva. Advice on the order of items in your final dissertation submission can be found in the FAQ
on Minerva.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Can I incorporate written work from another assignment into my dissertation?
No. If your dissertation covers a topic which you have previously written about for an assessed
essay, then you must be careful not to use the same material in the same or a very similar form for
your dissertation. If you do so, the plagiarism software Turnitin will potentially show a match
between your previous essay and your dissertation. This could result in an academic malpractice
investigation being initiated against you. You can, however, draw upon the same resources in
writing your dissertation.

What should my bibliography contain?

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This should contain only references to secondary sources cited within the body of your dissertation.
However, you should keep records of all the sources you have used.

MARKING
What is the marking process for dissertations?
Dissertations are marked in accordance with the dissertation marking criteria, contained within this
handbook. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with them and to refer back to them
throughout the process of writing your dissertation. Your dissertation will be marked by one
examiner within the School of Law. A sample from markers will be moderated by an internal
moderating team within the School of Law. Dissertations are then subject to the usual external
examiner process.

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 GETTING FURTHER HELP
REFERENCING AND AVOIDING PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism involves the use of another person's ideas without acknowledging that person's
contribution to what you have written or said. It is a form of intellectual theft which the University,
as part of the wider intellectual community, views with seriousness. The University has adopted the
following definition of plagiarism:
Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work as your own. Work means any
intellectual output, and typically includes text, data, images, sound or performance, or any
combination of these.

For further information on plagiarism, refer to the School’s Academic Integrity Handbook. This is
available on the VLE: Law > Undergraduates > Handbooks

The Skills@Library website offers a range of resources to help students reference properly,
including examples of how to reference each type of source: http://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills-
referencing

ENDNOTE
Endnote is a useful bibliographic tool which can help keep track of the books, journals and other
sources you use for your dissertation. Endnote not only stores and manages your references but it
can be used to create automatic bibliographies in Microsoft Word documents. For help with using
Endnote see: https://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1403/endnote/43/endnote_support

THE FINAL CHAPTER

The Library has developed a guide specifically for students working on their dissertation. It is an
online resource to help undergraduate students plan and manage a large-scale research project and
develop the skills they will need to use to write their dissertation. It provides links to useful tools
and resources. Visit: http://library.leeds.ac.uk/tutorials/thefinalchapter/

The Final Chapter contains advice and tips on:

 Starting your project
 Managing your project
 Researching your topic
 Structuring your project
 Writing up your project
 Revising, editing and proofreading

USEFUL BOOKS AND STUDY SKILLS GUIDES (copies are available in the library)
 E Finch and S Fafinski, Legal Skills (7th edn, OUP 2019)
 B Greetham, How to Write your Undergraduate Dissertation (2nd edn, Palgrave Macmillan
2014)
 M McConville and W H Chui (eds), Research Methods for Law (Edinburgh University Press
2007)
 L Lammasniemi, Law Dissertations: A Step-by-Step Guide (2nd edn, Routledge 2022)
 M Salter and J Mason, Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction and Guide to the Conduct
of Legal Research (Pearson Education Limited 2007)
 D Watkins and M Burton (eds), Research Methods in Law (Routledge 2013)

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  K Williams, Planning your Dissertation (Palgrave Macmillan 2013)
SKILLS@LIBRARY
If you feel you need some training to assist with writing your dissertation, please consider the
training on offer from Skills@Library.
Courses include:
 Writing dissertations & theses
 Using Endnote
 References and citations explained
 Finding information for your dissertation
 Critical thinking
 Time management
See their website for full details of all workshops (http://library.leeds.ac.uk/skills-workshops) and
online resources (https://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1401/academic_skills) available through
Skills@Library.

SKILLS ENHANCEMENT FELLOWS AND STUDENT SUCCESS TUTORS

The School of Law's Skills Enhancement Fellows (SEFs) and Student Success Tutors (SSTs) are
available to support all students in developing a range of academic skills. These include critical
thinking, effective researching, academic writing, planning, time management and referencing.
Support is available through group workshops, as well as one-to-one appointments. Details of how
you can sign up for these sessions are advertised on a regular basis via Minerva announcements.
Useful skills resources are also posted on the ‘Law’ Minerva organisation.

ROYAL LITERARY FUND FELLOWS

The RLF Writing Fellow can help to unlock the potential in your academic writing. Every Fellow is a
professional writer with years of experience. They will work with you to examine your writing and
advise on how to address any issues. The service is free of charge.

What you can expect

• a one-to-one tutorial, lasting 50 minutes
• advice unique to your specific requirements
• confidential support

What your session might cover

• planning, preparation and time management
• structure, punctuation, and writing techniques
• writing with clarity
• rewriting, editing and proofreading strategies
• help with approaching long-form writing
• making the most of your research
• critical thinking, paraphrasing and referencing

What students say…

“…my marks have gone up considerably. I have gone from an average of 58 to 72 this year, I
cannot thank you enough.”
“I can't explain how helpful it was, not only for cutting words but for my own mental state!”

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 “It was the most real, honest and helpful criticism I’ve ever had.”

Please note that this service is only available to students currently living in the UK.

Appointments are available Monday to Thursday, between 9am and 5pm (last appointment 4pm)
during term time. To enquire or book your in-person session, email:
[email protected] (for a Thursday or Friday appointment)
[email protected] (for a Tuesday or Wednesday appointment)

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