WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY IN TASHKENT
Course Handbook: LLM International Commercial Law
Full module title: DISSERTATION IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW
Short module title: Dissertation
Module code: 7LLAW048C Credit level: 7 Length: Two
semesters
UK credit value: 40 ECTS value:
School and Department: WIUT
Module Leader(s): Khasan Sayfutdinov
Host course: LLM in International Commercial Law
Status: Core
Subject Board: Postgraduate Legal Studies
Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: None
Study abroad: N/A
Special features: None
Access restrictions: None
Summary of module content: This module allows and supports extended student
research on a topic of their choice within the broad field of International Commercial Law.
This module incorporates seminars and workshop sessions, which introduce students to
basic research methods in international commercial law. The topic must be agreed between
the student and the supervisor and must not replicate materials covered in other coursework
submitted for the award of the degree. Under the direction of their supervisors, students will
elaborate a research question and hypothesis, undertake a literature review as well as
define methodology and methods for carrying out research. At a later stage, students will
engage in data collection and argument building. Oral presentation of dissertations will be
arranged where students will explain their research. Students are expected to demonstrate
public speaking skills along with the knowledge of their research’s subject area.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, the successful student will be able to demonstrate
LO1 A systematic and deep understanding of knowledge in their chosen topic of study, and a
critical awareness of the doctrinal and evidentiary aspects of international commercial law, of
judicial and arbitral decisions, and/or new insights in relation to chosen topic;
LO2 Originality and self-direction in the application of knowledge and in tackling and solving
problems, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and
enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the chosen area;
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Course Handbook: LLM International Commercial Law
LO3 Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and
advanced scholarship in international commercial law; and to evaluate methodologies and develop
critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
LO4 The ability to independently use research methodologies and techniques as relevant for
research in international commercial law and to apply them in their own work;
Course outcomes the module contributes to:
KU2 Conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research
and advanced scholarship in the discipline and evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of
them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
KU3 Originality and self-direction in the application of knowledge and in tackling and solving
problems, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and
enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in International commercial law;
KU5 Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of analytical approaches to the study of
international commercial law;
SS1 The ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound
judgments and communicate their conclusions clearly;
SS3 The ability to use research methodologies and techniques as relevant for research in
international commercial law;
SS4 Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act
autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
KTS4 Initiative and personal responsibility;
KTS5 The ability to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a
high level.
Indicative syllabus content
There is no formal set syllabus for this module. The programme of research will be negotiated
between the Module Leader, Supervisor and student.
Teaching and learning methods
This module is largely a research project by independent study but will begin with preparatory
orientation classes from the module leader to allow the student to consider and refine potential areas
and subjects of study, define and elaborate research strategies, and identify sources of material.
The orientation classes be attended by all students and will offer general guidance and information
on research, presentation, and time-management issues. Written dissertation guidelines will be
provided, covering the following aspects of the dissertation: its management, preparation, evaluation
and form of assessment, expectations and responsibilities of students and supervisors, dissertation
structure and presentation, regulation on extensions and failures, useful tips. Dissertation
supervisors will be confirmed shortly thereafter. Students will submit an outline of their proposed
research and on the basis of this outline, the student will be assigned an appropriate dissertation
supervisor.
The student and the supervisor will meet for a suggested minimum of eight hours following the
submission of the research outline, ideally at regular intervals although contact may also take place
via email, etc. The role of the dissertation supervisor is to provide guidance on the direction of study
and to comment upon the student’s methods and approach.
Students are also expected to attend three seminars on research methods and one library
workshop.
All students are provided with a Course Handbook via Intranet the commencement of the module
which provides further details of this process.
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Course Handbook: LLM International Commercial Law
Activity type Category Student learning and
teaching hours*
Lecture Scheduled 12
Seminar Scheduled 22
Tutorial Scheduled
Individual supervision and e-mail Scheduled 8 (minimum)
Demonstration Scheduled
Practical Classes and workshops Scheduled 2
Supervised time in studio/workshop Scheduled
Fieldwork Scheduled
External visits Scheduled
Work based learning Scheduled
Total Scheduled 40
Placement Placement
Independent study Independent 360
Total student learning and teaching 400
hours
*the hours per activity type are indicative and subject to change.
Assessment rationale
Assessment is based on a dissertation of maximum 12,000 words and presentation. The dissertation
is the culmination of the master’s degree programme of study and allows extended study in a
negotiated area of the student’s choice. Dissertation will assess all learning outcomes. Under the
guidance of a supervisor, students will be able to build upon theories and concepts introduced during
the course of their research and supervision, and to develop these in relation to a self-generated
programme of work that will demonstrate evidence of relevant research and engagement with
existing knowledge in the chosen field. As such, this is assessed on the basis of an extended piece
of written work.
Assessment criteria
The dissertation will be assigned a mark; 50% is the minimum mark for a pass.
The dissertation will assess students on the following criteria:
• Evidence-based arguments presented in research;
• Evidence of critical and creative reflection on the material used and conclusions reached;
• Critical analysis of the relevant issues and arguments, both legal and non- legal, in the
chosen area, identifying and evaluating competing perspectives whilst showing an
awareness of present debates and emerging new concepts;
• Depth and/or breadth of research, with the ability to judge the significance of the evidence
used to support conclusions and recommendations;
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Course Handbook: LLM International Commercial Law
• Well-elaborated structure of the work so that statements, arguments and conclusions flow
coherently and logically.
Assessment methods and weightings.
Weighting Qualifying Qualifying
Assessment name Assessment type
% mark % set
Dissertation 100 % Dissertation (max
12,000 words)
Research Ethics
The University requires that all students involved in research that has clear ethical
implications must apply for and obtain research ethics approval prior to commencement.
Students must always consider the ethical implications of their dissertation and, in
consultation with their supervisor.
Sources
Bell J, Doing Your Research Project (7th edition, UK: McGrawHill, 2018);
Higgins E & Tatham L, Successful legal writing (2nd edition, UK: Sweet & Maxwell, 2011);
Knowles J and Philip T, Effective legal research (3rd revised edition, UK: Sweet & Maxwell, 2012);
Murray R, How to Write a Thesis (3rd edition, UK: Open University Press, 2011);
Punch K F, Introduction to Social Research. Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (3nd ed, UK:
SAGE Publications, 2014);
Rudestam K E and Newton R R, Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content
and Process (4th edition, UK: Sage Publications, 2014);
Silverman D, Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook (4th edition, UK: Sage Publications,
2013).
Date of initial validation:
Dates of approved modifications:
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