This module explores a range of legal research methods which offer different approaches to and perspectives on legal meaning – the place and meaning of law in the modern world. The methods covered are doctrinal, historical, comparative, socio-legal, critical, feminist and transnational. For each one, a case study is used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of that particular approach or perspective. The examples range from areas such as the debate surrounding children's criminal responsibility to the role of the media in the family courts and measures to tackle international corruption.
What you will study
Through studying this module, you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of legal research methods, including doctrinal, historical, comparative, socio-legal, critical, feminist and transnational. You will consider the strengths and weaknesses of each legal research method through case studies on issues such as decision-making for adults who lack mental capacity, the historical development of the law on abortion, the debate surrounding the criminal responsibility of children, the role of the media in the family courts, the use of reproductive technologies and measures to tackle international corruption.
During your studies, you'll develop and consolidate a range of important postgraduate legal skills. You will use online sources to identify, access, assess and evaluate relevant information, learn to synthesise and apply legal principles in a logical and competent manner and identify, interpret and understand key legal rules, concepts and principles applicable across a wide range of legal areas. Together, these will enable you to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each legal research method explored and develop the depth and richness of thinking and understanding expected of postgraduate students in this area.
The module is delivered and accessed wholly online through a dedicated website. It will be possible to download the study materials and read them offline, but many of the activities will require you to work online. You will be required to undertake online research. Access to the OU Library and online legal databases are provided as an integral part of this module. You will also have access to the Master of Laws (LLM) website.
Tuition will be conducted through online forums and online tutorials. Students and tutors will contribute to the discussion, debate, exploration and evaluation of relevant legal research methods.
Entry
To register for this module, you must have an honours degree from a UK university or equivalent. Various higher education and professional qualifications are considered equivalent to an honours degree. If you hold a qualification that you believe is equivalent to a UK honours degree or lack formal academic qualifications but have relevant work experience, please speak to an adviser.
The module is taught in English, and your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you seek assessment under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and diagrammatic or foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
Part of this module is delivered through a website and includes online activities. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing this type of material, you are advised to talk to us about the support which can be given to meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who you can contact by email or phone and through online forums, to help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box.