University of BrightonBrighton Business School

Brighton Business School

LLM Master of Laws

Handbook

2015

PREFACE

This handbook is to be read in conjunction with the PgDip Law course handbook which contains important information on administrative and academic procedures, gives you practical advice on how to make the most of your studies and explains what to do if you experience any difficulties. Please read the handbook very carefully and keep it at hand for future reference. The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with key information specific to the LLM.

Other key documents that you should be familiar with are:

the University of Brighton Student Handbook;

the University of Brighton Plagiarism Awareness Pack;

the Brighton Business School Referencing Handbook;

the Studying Law Guidebook

the University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR).

Copies of all these documents are accessible in electronic format on the University’s student intranet, Studentcentral via your Course Area.

Because of increasing incidents of cases of plagiarism both in this university and others, you are strongly urged to carefully read the Plagiarism Awareness Pack. Penalties for plagiarism can be very harsh and ignorance is no defence! The University has access to special software which can detect plagiarism and we will be using this at random throughout the year at all levels, so you have been warned.

If you would like to see any other items included in your course handbook please contact the School Quality Director (businessqualitydirector@brighton.ac.uk) and, whilst we cannot promise to change things straight away, we will do our best to improve the handbook in future years.

CONTENTS

1. COURSE LEADER INTRODUCTION

2. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

2.1 Course aims and learning outcomes2.2 Course structure and content2.3 Teaching and learning methods2.4 Title of course and awards2.5 Mode of study and duration2.6 Time commitment2.7 Maximum period of enrolment2.8 Careers support

3. COURSE ASSESSMENT 3.1 Nature of assessment3.2 Dissertation marking guidelines3.3 Coursework presentation3.4 Referencing your work3.5 Coursework submission

4. LLM SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

4.1 Admissions 4.2 LLM course specific regulations

1. COURSE LEADER INTRODUCTION

Welcome back!

The main difference between the LLM and the CPE is that (a) it only consists of one module (b) there is relatively little contact with fellow students and (most importantly) (c) you have to be extremely motivated to put in the required hours to achieve the end result. The success of this module is thus mainly down to YOU, although your supervisor will give you plenty of support.

I sincerely hope you have a successful, rewarding and enjoyable time studying for this qualification.

Sarah Field

LLM Course Leader

2. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

2.1 Course aims and learning outcomes2.2 Course structure and content2.3 Teaching and learning methods2.4 Title of course and awards2.5 Mode of study and duration2.6 Time commitment2.7 Maximum period of enrolment2.8 Careers support

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2.1 Course aims and learning outcomes

2.1.1. Aims of LLM

The LLM course comprises one module – the dissertation. The aims of the dissertation are

To enable students to develop advanced and extensive knowledge of one specialist area of the law.

To enable students to demonstrate the ability to effectively and efficiently deploy legal, research and general transferable skills, and appropriate research methodologies, to produce a substantial piece of advanced, critical and independent legal scholarship.

To enable students to develop initiative, self-direction and personal responsibility in planning, managing and executing a major academic task.

2.1.2 Learning outcomes of LLM

Students will have already demonstrated the learning outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma in Law. In addition, on successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

Knowledge and theory

Demonstrate advanced and extensive knowledge in one specialist area of the law; Critically examine and appraise, with precision, and with rigour, the doctrines, principles and rules

of the area of law studied; Identify, critically consider and evaluate, with reference to a range of scholarly opinion, ambiguity

and doctrinal dispute with regard to the aspect of law chosen.

Skills

Formulate a coherent, well-focused and well-researched project proposal and literature review. Analyse and critically evaluate the law, demonstrating some originality of thought and/or fresh

insights; Demonstrate an ability to effectively and efficiently deploy legal, research and general transferable

skills, and appropriate research methodologies, to produce a significant piece of advanced, critical and independent legal scholarship.

2.2 Course structure and contentThe curriculum of the LLM comprises just one module:

Code Module CreditLWM12 Dissertation 60 ‘M’ Level credits

This comprises a dissertation proposal (1,500 words), to include indicative source material, and a dissertation (15,000 words). The dissertation proposal accounts for 10% of the final mark of the module and dissertation 90%.

Choice of topicThis is a key decision, and needs to be given considerable thought. You are free to choose an area of research of your choice subject to the following:

To be approved, a dissertation title will have to meet the following requirements:

There is a suitably qualified supervisor available. Involve advanced and critical consideration of an aspect of the law and have the potential for the

student to satisfactorily demonstrate all of the other learning outcomes of the module.

The following points may be a helpful guide:

i. Avoid over-generalised topics: (eg. the development of the law of torts.) There will be an abundance of information of a general nature which will be impossible to analyse with the required rigour.

ii. Avoid over-narrow topics: (eg. the meaning of ‘gross’ in the offence of gross negligence manslaughter). This would be very difficult to research! iii. Topic feasibility must be investigated: is source material readily accessible?

iv. Read the press: for example, news publications may contain articles about topical issues and problems, eg the introduction of new legislation, or the lack of effective legislation in one particular area. Recent law reports may also provide a source of inspiration! v. Remember the timescale: you need to have a realistic chance of completing the research during the first semester, leaving enough time for writing-up the final dissertation.

The following checklist is extracted from Belli.

PLANNING THE DISSERTATION CHECKLIST

1. Draw up a short list of topics. Consult library catalogues, colleagues and fellow students.

2. Select a topic for investigation. Discuss possible outcomes with your module leader/supervisor and decide what the emphasis of your study is to be.

3. Establish the precise focus of the study. Draw up "first thoughts" list of questions and subject each to rigorous examination.

2.Decide on the aims and objectives. Think carefully about what is and what is not worth investigating.

3. Draw up an initial dissertation outline. List aims and/or objectives, questions to beinvestigated, possible methods of investigation and literature to be consulted.

4.Read enough to enable you to decide whether you are on the right lines. This initial reading may give you ideas about approach and methods and how information might be classified.

7.Devise a timetable. It is easy to take too long over one stage and have insufficient time for the writing stage.

8.Consult the module leader/your supervisor.

i Judith Bell Doing your Research Dissertation" Open University Press, 1993, ISBN 0-335 15987 7.

SupervisorsThis module is essentially an independent learning module. However, you will be allocated a subject-specialist supervisor drawn from the law subject group who will be available to support and advise you, and to discuss your personal research needs during the year.

Members of the law academic staff have indicated a willingness to supervise dissertations on the following subject areas:

Commercial Law Company Law Competition Law Consumer Law Constitutional Law Criminal law Employment Law Environmental Law European Community Law Family Law (including Children: Public and Private law) Finance and Investment Law Housing Law Human Rights Law Intellectual Property Law International Law International Criminal Law International Trade Law Landlord and Tenant Law Law of Contract Law of Evidence Law of Torts Law of Succession/Wills Media Law

However, if there is a topic which you would be interested to pursue but which does not seem to come within the subjects listed above please let the Course Leader know and she will investigate whether there is anyone on the law academic staff who would be willing to supervise it.

By Week 8, students will be required to submit a dissertation proposal. The dissertation will then have to be submitted by Week 28.

You will be allocated a subject-specialist supervisor and will be formally required to meet with your supervisor on four occasions: After the first/second research workshop in September; after the submission of the dissertation proposal in November; at the beginning of the Spring term in January and at the end of the Spring term in March. Further meetings may be negotiated between yourself and your supervisor, according to your particular research support needs.

One of the key foci of the first meeting will to identify and facilitate any additional, specialist research support which you may require.

The purpose of the December meeting will be to consider and discuss your dissertation proposal feedback.

The January and March meetings will essentially comprise progress meetings. In advance of each of these meetings you will be required to submit a short written progress report to your supervisor which will be the focus of these meetings.

2.4 Title of courses and award

A student who successfully completes the dissertation module is awarded a University of Brighton postgraduate degree, with the title LLM (Master of Laws).

2.5 Mode of study and duration

The LLM is only available as a ‘top up’ course (contingent on completing the PgDip).

Students are invited to attend three research workshops and to ‘meet’ with their supervisor (preferably face-to-face) on four occasions (see above).

2.6 Time commitment

On average, you should spend at least 20 hours per week on your dissertation.

2.7 Maximum period of enrolment

A student shall be required to complete satisfactorily the dissertation within two years of registration (full-time) or four years (part-time).

2.8 Careers support

The LLM award has a Career Planning Agreement in place, agreed between the Course Leader and a University Careers Adviser, which is designed to ensure that students on the course are achieving four career planning outcomes:

competencies in self-assessment and personal review; competencies in researching job ideas and occupational information; competencies in decision making, goal-setting and action planning; and competencies in presenting oneself effectively in the transition to work, self employment, further

study and training.

We ensure that these competencies are developed through a range of mechanisms, including careers workshops and events especially designed for you and other law students at the University.

More detailed information about law careers provision may be found in the Law Careers Handbook.

However, whilst the University and its staff are very keen to assist you in achieving your career aspirations, you must not lose sight of the fact that there are limitations on the extent to which we are able and willing help you, and that you must take primary responsibility for the development of your own career.

As can be seen from the career planning outcomes detailed above, the help and assistance which the University is able and willing to provide tends to focus on ensuring that you are equipped with the necessary competencies to be an effective manager of your own career. We do not, for example, routinely research job opportunities on behalf of students. Therefore, law students have to take the initiative in terms of securing relevant work experience placements, and obtaining a training contract if they wish to qualify as a Solicitor or pupillage if they wish to qualify as a Barrister.

3. COURSE ASSESSMENT

3.1 Nature of assessment3.2 Dissertation marking guidelines3.3 Coursework presentation3.4 Referencing your work3.5 Coursework submission

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3.1 Nature of assessment3.1.1 The dissertation

The assessment of the Dissertation module will comprise the submission of a 1,500 word research proposal, to include indicative source material, and a 15,000 word dissertation.

The dissertation proposal will account for 10% of the final mark of the module and the dissertation 90%.

3.1.2 How to approach writing a dissertation

As you have already successfully completed a legal project, the best way to approach the dissertation is to treat it as a much longer version – in fact some students do write their dissertation on the same subject area as their project. Guidance will be given in the research workshop. Please note that much of the material in the following sections is far more relevant for CPE students, but as some of you may have completed this some time ago so it is reproduced largely intact below.

The Studying Law at Brighton Business School Guidebook includes information on the following:

gathering material presenting your material; referencing your material; and checking your work.

You will be given a copy of this, but it also available online at studentcentral.

You are required to produce a Dissertation Proposal and a Dissertation .

3.1.3 The Dissertation Proposal

The Dissertation Proposal must meet the following requirements: Involve advanced and critical consideration of an aspect of the law and have the potential for you

to satisfactorily demonstrate all of the other learning outcomes of the module. There is a suitably qualified Supervisor available.

The Dissertation Proposal, which must be submitted by (TBC), must include: The title of the Dissertation. The proposed research methodology. An outline of the structure i.e. the proposed sections of your Dissertation and approximate word

count for each section. An overview of the content of the Dissertation based on your initial research, ideally on a section

by section basis. An indicative list of source material i.e. a proposed bibliography.

It should be 1,500 words in length (excluding the indicative list of source material, and any footnotes and/or appendices). However, you will only be penalised if the word limit exceeds 1650 words. Please include a word count at the end of your Dissertation Proposal.

Your Dissertation Proposal will be considered by a panel and returned by your Dissertation Supervisor by (TBC). However, you should continue with your research between these dates.

You may negotiate amendments to the title of your Dissertation with your Dissertation Supervisor in light of the feedback given on the Dissertation Proposal.

3.1.4 The Dissertation

Once your Dissertation Proposal has been returned you should start to write your Dissertation.

Your dissertation should be 15,000 words in length (excluding footnotes and appendices). Please include a word count at the end of your Dissertation.

Your Dissertation has to be submitted by (TBC).

3.2 Dissertation marking guidelines

The following are general marking guidelines for coursework. You should seek to ensure that your piece of work meets the minimum pass requirements set down.

High Distinction (80-100%)An outstanding response to the task: all learning outcomes/assessment criteria have been achieved to an exceptionally high level. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics beyond that expected for work at the given level of study within the discipline: • Exceptional display of understanding, exploration, insight and/or research • Potential for publication/exhibition and/or ability to undertake further research• All specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate, have been

strictly adhered to • The organisation, structure and standard of presentation of the work, including any subject-

specific conventions where appropriate, are exemplary throughout • Evidence of effective communication of work to specialist and non-specialist audiences • Stimulating and rigorous arguments that are likely to be at the limits of what may be expected

at this level • The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in an original way• Inspirational, innovative and authoritative - evidence of intellectual rigour, independence of

judgement and insightful contextualisation, including relevant theory/literature/artefacts/performance

• Clear evidence of extensive study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based on incomplete or complex evidence

• Evidence of very high quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal • Outstanding problem solving skills – suggests alternative approaches • Ability to address complex issues both systematically and creatively - challenges established

knowledge

Distinction (70-79%)An excellent response to the task: all learning outcomes/assessment criteria have been achieved to a high standard and many at an exceptionally high level. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study within the discipline:

• In-depth understanding, exploration, insight and/or research • Potential for publication/exhibition and/or ability to undertake further research

• All specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate, have been adhered to

• The organisation, structure and standard of presentation of the work, including any subject-specific conventions where appropriate, are excellent throughout

• Evidence of effective communication of work to specialist and non-specialist audiences • Convincing arguments that are likely to be at the limits of what may be expected at this level• The work has been approached and/or executed/ performed in an original way• Insightful contextualisation, including relevant theory/literature/artefacts/ performance • Clear evidence of extensive study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions

based on incomplete or complex evidence • Evidence of high to very high quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal • Excellent problem solving skills – suggests alternative approaches • Ability to address complex issues effectively – challenges established knowledge

Merit (60-69%)A good to very good response to the task: all learning outcomes/assessment criteria have been met fully at a good or very good standard. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study within the discipline:

• Good to very good understanding and exploration, some insight and/or thorough research• Some capacity to undertake further research • No significant inaccuracies, misunderstandings or errors• The specifications for the assessment task, including word limit where appropriate, have been adhered to • The work is well organised, coherent and the standard of presentation including any subject-

specific conventions where appropriate, is at least good • Evidence of effective communication of work• Ability to present structured, clear and concise arguments• The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in a comprehensive way with

some degree of originality • Appropriate contextualisation, including relevant theory/literature/artefacts/performance • Evidence of extensive study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based

on incomplete or complex evidence • Evidence of high quality analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal • Good or at least competent problem solving skills – suggests alternative approaches • Ability to address complex issues competently – explores established knowledge

Pass (50-59%)An adequate to sound response to the task:all learning outcomes/ assessment criteria have been met. The work demonstrates most or all of the following characteristics in relation to those expected at the given level of study within the discipline:

• Sound understanding and exploration, some insight and/or appropriate research• Some minor inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings – small but not significant errors • Some minor aberrations from the specifications for the assessment task, including word limit

where appropriate • The work is suitably organised and the standard of presentation, including any subject-specific

conventions where appropriate, is at least sound• Ability to develop an argument but can lack fluency • The work has been approached and/or executed/performed in a standard way with limited

evidence of originality• Some contextualisation but with a heavy reliance on a limited number of sources and, in

general, the breadth and depth of sources and research are lacking • Evidence of study and demonstration of ability to reach appropriate decisions based on

incomplete or complex evidence • Some, but limited evidence of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical appraisal • Some evidence of problem solving skills

• Some evidence of ability to address complex issues adequately

Referrable (30-49%) An unsatisfactory response to the task: one or more of the learning outcomes/assessment criteria have not been met. Although the work has not met one or morelearning outcomes, there is evidence that there is a basis for the reworking of theassessment to bring it up to master’s level. The work may display some strengths but theseare outweighed by a number of weak features in relation to the expectations for the givenlevel of study within the discipline, such as:

• Vague rationale for the selection of theories/models and concepts to explore the chosen or given management problem/issue

• Limited critique/analysis of chosen theories/models and concepts• Evidence of little integration and understanding of the interrelationship of different

management disciplines• Evidence of little ability to apply theory/models to practice and some awareness of

management performance• Limited analysis and effort of critical thinking in discussion of findings and identification of

management solutions• Very limited choice of relevant reading and/or analysis/discussion• Limited use of relevant scholarly texts and making reference to the material used• Fluent writing with some degree of structure that supports arguments and exploration of topic• Limited identified value to student’s own and/or organisational performance/

knowledge and/or the wider society

Conditions for the referral will be determined by the Examination Board. Referrals arecapped at 50% which is the lowest pass grade.

Fail (0-29%)An unsatisfactory response to the task: a significant number of the learning outcomes/assessment criteria have not been met. The work fails to meet the requirements in relation to those expected at the given level of study within the discipline, exemplified by:

• No rationale for the selection of theories/models and concepts to explore chosen or given management problem/issue

• Description but no relevant critique/analysis of chosen theories/models and concepts• No evidence of integration and lack of understanding of the interrelationship of different

management disciplines• No or very limited evidence of some ability to apply theory/models to practice and no

awareness of management performance• No relevant analysis and/or effort of critical thinking in discussion of findings and identification

of management solutions• Little evidence of relevant reading and/or analysis/discussion• No relevant use of scholarly texts and absence and/or incorrect reference to material used

A fail will be given if the student has not attempted the assessment task for the componentor where the Examination Board does not consider that the student can demonstrate thelearning outcomes for the components by undertaking supplementary assessment. Thestudent will normally be given the opportunity to repeat the module in full with attendanceduring the next academic year. Repeats are capped at 50% which is the lowest pass grade.

A copy of the marksheet is reproduced below:

Student

Dissertation Topic

First Marker/Dissertation SupervisorSecond Marker

Mark out of 100 (*)

Weighted =

Dissertation proposal X 10%

Depth and expansiveness of knowledge X 20%

Analytical rigour, critical engagement and originality of thought and insight

X 35%

Research skills proficiency X 20%

Quality of writing, presentation & bibliographic skills

X15%

TOTAL 100%

3.3 Dissertation presentation

Your paper copy should be word-processed and bound.

The report should be on A4 paper with one-and-a-half spacing between the lines, single or double sided. Appendices may be single-spaced. Each page in the main report should be numbered with page numbers at the foot of the page.

There should be a margin of at least 1.5 inches (4 cm) on the left side of the page, both for the text and for any diagrams. Top, right and bottom margins should be at least 1.25 inches (3 cm). The right margin should be unjustified (i.e. left 'ragged') to aid readability.

The main text should be in a single 12-point font, e.g. Times New Roman or similar. An alternative font such as Arial in a smaller point size may be more appropriate in diagrams and tables. Use bolding for emphasis within the text and for section headings.

Any material copied directly from another author must be enclosed in quotation marks, followed immediately by a reference to the source. Individual quotations should not normally exceed one paragraph, and quotations should not exceed 5% of the length of the report.

Colour printing may be used for charts, screen-shots etc. Clarity is more important than fancy graphics. Avoid clip-art except where required for drawing diagrams.

You are responsible for the accuracy of the finished work so after it has been completed you should use the spell-checker to catch any typographical and spelling errors. You should also proof read it yourself (or have it read by someone else), as the spell-checker is not likely to catch every error.

3.4 Referencing your work

It is important in academic writing to reference all the important ideas and facts in your work. It is also the best way to avoid any risk of plagiarism. You should do this:

When you quote directly using others’ words in quotation marks

When you paraphrase the arguments or theories of others in your own words

When you use evidence from the work of others to support your own arguments

When you rework published data or use it as the basis of your own calculations.

Because every student is provided with clear guidelines no student has any excuse for not referencing properly, and poor referencing may have a negative impact on the mark that you receive for your work. Non-referencing will constitute plagiarism, which is considered a very serious form of academic misconduct.

3.5 Coursework submission

This handbook and assignment brief will specify the date by which your assessed coursework has to be handed in. You must keep to this deadline unless you have been granted an extension by the course leader.

All coursework must be submitted digitally via Studentcentral. For word documents you are required to submit a digital copy of your assignment using Turnitin on Studentcentral. For documents using Excel, submission of the digital copy is via Blackboard on Studentcentral. The only exception is in the case of the placement project/ extended project/research elective report/dissertation where we require two paper copies to be handed in in addition to one digital copy. We only accept coursework for marking on submission of the digital version by the deadline and reserve the right to scan either version for plagiarised material.

4. LLM SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

4.1 Admissions 4.2 LLM course specific regulations

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4.1 Admissions4.1.1. Minimum entry requirements

To be admitted onto the course a prospective student must have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law and have achieved: (normally) a merit pass in the LWM08 Project module AND (normally) a merit pass in the Postgraduate Diploma in Law overall

4.1.2 Selection criteria and admission process

Selection of applicants is based upon the following criteria:

academic ability, including sufficiently developed analytical and writing skills; ability to cope with the course and see it through to a successful conclusion; and motivation to complete a master’s level dissertation.

Applications are considered by the Course Leader, and students will be selected, in accordance with the selection criteria, on the basis of:

the information supplied on the application form, particularly the proposed area of research and the availability of a suitable supervisor

4.2 LLM course specific examination regulations

4.2.1 General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR)

These assessment regulations are in addition to those set out in the University's ‘General Examination and Assessment Regulations’ (GEAR). A copy of GEAR can be downloaded from studentcentral via the “My School: Brighton Business School” area.

4.2.2 Interpretation

In these regulations:

"Referral" means a provisional failure of the dissertation module that can be overturned as a result of the student providing additional satisfactory evidence of achievement of the objectives of the module. To present the evidence the student shall be re-assessed by resubmitting the dissertation, as specified by the Course Examination Board. A referral shall only be awarded to students who at the first attempt have demonstrated that they could achieve a pass by resubmitting the dissertation. A capped pass mark of 50 per cent will be awarded for a resubmission.

4.2.3 Course Examination Board

There shall be a single tier examination board structure, comprising a Course Examination Board (CEB).

The membership of the CEB shall normally comprise:

(i) the Assistant Head of Brighton Business School’s Professional Programmes

(ii) the Course Leader;

(iii representatives from the academic staff responsible for the teaching and assessment of the course; and

(iv) the external examiners.

The Assistant Head of Brighton Business School’s Professional Programmes shall normally chair the CEB.

In the absence of the Head of Brighton Business School’s Professional Programmes, an appropriate senior member of the University with the exception of the Course Leader shall chair the CEB.

The responsibilities of the CEB shall be those laid down in Section D of the GEAR, as they apply to CEBs in a single tier system.

4.2.4 External examiners

The appointment of external examiners shall be in accordance with the criteria established by the University of Brighton

The term of office of an external examiner shall not exceed four years.

External examiners shall be involved in all stages of the formal assessment processes.

On any matter that relates to the standard of marking for all students taking the dissertation module the decision of the external examiners shall be accepted as final by the CEB, subject to the decision of the CEB to refer any such matter to the Academic Board.

The external examiners shall submit a written report each year to the University on all aspects of the assessment processes employed on the course and on other matters relating to the quality of the course. This report should be separate from any other such report relating to e.g. undergraduate law courses.

.

4.2.5 Course components that will be assessed

There is one only module to be assessed for this award – the dissertation module. The overall mark however is calculated by combining the mark awarded for the dissertation with the marks achieved in the Postgraduate Diploma in Law – for details see 4.2.7. below.

4.2.6 Nature of assessment

This is explained above. The pass mark for the dissertation is 50%.

If there are any mitigating circumstances, such as illness or severe personal problems, which students feel may have affected their performance and which they wish to be taken into account by the examination board, they are required to submit a mitigating circumstances form explaining how these circumstances affected their performance. This form must be accompanied by supporting evidence and handed in to the course administrator as soon as possible and certainly no later than ten working days after the assignment/examination to which they relate.

A student who is prevented by sufficient cause from completing all or part of the principal dissertation by the due date may, at the discretion of the CEB, be allowed to complete the dissertation as a first attempt, subject to the continued availability of the supervisor.

4.2.7 Awards

A student shall pass the LLM Master of Laws if in or accordance with the Postgraduate Diploma in Law Regulations he or she has passed all the modules which comprise that course plus the dissertation module. The pass mark for the dissertation is 50%.

A candidate may be awarded a pass with Merit if he or she achieves a mark of at least 60% in the dissertation module and he or she achieves an overall mean mark of at least 60% from the combination of the Postgraduate Diploma in Law and the dissertation module.

A candidate may be awarded a pass with Distinction if he or she achieves a mark of at least 70% in the dissertation module and he or she achieves an overall mean mark of at least 70% from the combination of the Postgraduate Diploma in Law and the dissertation module.

4.2.8 Maximum Number of Attempts

No student may be assessed in the dissertation module on more than three occasions.

4.2.9 Failure and referral

A student who fails to pass the dissertation module may be failed or referred in that module.

4.2.10 Referral

A student who is referred in the dissertation module shall be given the opportunity to be re-assessed by resubmitting the dissertation, the requirements for resubmission to be determined by the CEB. (See also 4.2.2. above).

4.2.11 Plagiarism and Collusion

Where plagiarism or collusion is alleged the procedures outlined in the GEAR shall be followed.

4.2.12 Reviews and AppealsWhere a review of an Examination Board decision is requested the procedures outlined in the GEAR shall be followed.