Deal with complex issues in a systematic way
Oral presentation of independent research to both a specialist and non-specialist audience.
Apply key research skills and methodology to a range of sources including not only legal ones but also media and other discussions of law such as NGO position papers.
Critically present information and ideas in a coherent and accurate manner.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Instruction in the use of the university Library and the QUB Online information system are core elements of the induction process. Coursework (in the form of essay writing) comprises a central element of the overall Masters learning and teaching process thus facilitating the development of practical research, presentational and IT skills. Students are encouraged to attend the many staff seminars and guest lectures organised throughout the year which include nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Students are required to take a module in research methods which equips them with an understanding of theories of research and research methodologies. Students are introduced to the wide range of source material on the Internet and are guided in the use of this material to develop skills of critical analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (in the form of essay writing), short papers, and class presentations will comprise a central element of the overall assessment process. Assessment processes will be aimed at assessing students understanding of key legal concepts, the nature of key interdisciplinary debates, the application of legal concepts to complex and uncertain policy and regulatory scenarios, and their ability to apply key socio-legal research methodologies to the subject matter.

An ability to be self-directed and exercise initiative
The independent learning skills required for workplace training or further professional training
Independent and critical thinking
Decision-making skills
Ability to apply existing knowledge to new situations
The ability to absorb new techniques in areas such as information technology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Verbal communication skills are developed primarily through small group seminar teaching, in particular by means of student presentations Written communication skills are developed through the programme through essay writing; the compulsory dissertation module provides an opportunity to further develop this skill. Examinations, as well as testing subject specific skills, also inculcate the ability to think under pressure and present solutions to novel problems within a constrained time framework. These methods of assessment, which require the development of arguments based on the presentation and/or generation of numerical and statistical information, aid the development of numeracy skills. The process of independent study that underlines the entire programme of study, coupled with guidance and individual feedback on essays and dissertations, facilitate the development of autonomy and personal skills – in addition to how this manifests itself at undergraduate level, postgraduates will also be able to exercise initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are developed principally through specific problem-based seminar exercises and projects that require collaboration amongst groups of students. General time-management and intellectual skills are also developed through the above learning and teaching methods. Use of the internet, QUB Online information system (including information retrieval, email communication and document exchange) and word-processing are fundamental elements of the entire learning and teaching process

Methods of Assessment

The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the programme; however the approach to assessment varies within modules. Written communication skills, problem-solving and intellectual skills are assessed directly throughout the programme. Autonomy, teamwork and personal skills are generally assessed indirectly through the medium of coursework and compulsory dissertation. Verbal communication skills are assessed through the use of student presentations which are a requirement for several modules.

Detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the issues that surround law and legal institutions
Detailed Knowledge and critical understanding of the sources of current debates and their methodologies
The ability to demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a wide range of legal concepts and their contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through independent study supported by lectures and seminars

Methods of Assessment

Coursework (essays, dissertation), class presentations and case reports.

Critical understanding of current problems in subject area
Critically evaluate and interpret information examining its methodological basis
Synthesise information from extra-legal sources so as to place subject specific information in its social, political and economic context.
Apply conceptual information to subject specific practical problems
Evaluate critically current research and scholarship in the subject area
Use argument derived from the analysis of current research to present new hypotheses
Be able to demonstrate the linkages between different bodies of subject specific knowledge by recognising the presence of underpinning legal concepts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The focus of postgraduate level teaching and assessment is on facilitating independent study. Groundwork is covered in lectures and smaller group contact time. Students build on this ground work by using their generic legal research skills to acquire subject specific knowledge through the use of guided reading lists and electronic resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and Queens-Online.

Methods of Assessment

Each module assessment is designed not only to test subject specific skills taught in that module but also to map the entrenchment of generic legal research skills. Assessment methods include long essays (written coursework), presentations, short papers and dissertation. Assessment for postgraduate modules is more rigorous in terms of quality, rigor and length than undergraduate assessment.