Research Dissertation

The research dissertation is mandatory on all LL.M programmes.

All candidates must complete a dissertation as part of their LL.M degree at Trinity.  The total mark available for the dissertation counts for 33% of the LL.M degree or the equivalent of three modules.

The dissertation is intended to be self-directed research with broad guidance given in the manner described below. Students are presented in August with a number of thematic groups, each led by an academic with a research interest in the area. Students will be able to choose a group based on the research topic that they wish to pursue, indicating a number of preferences. Every effort will be made to assign students to dissertation groups in accordance with their preferences, based on availability. Where a dissertation group is focused on an area of law that corresponds to a specific degree, priority will be given to students enrolled in the related degree.

All students will be provided with a general introductory lecture at the beginning of each of the two semesters. The dissertation groups, including all students and the academic leader, will meet on three occasions during each semester. The academic leader will provide individual feedback on the research plan, a sample of writing and the final plan for the dissertation. In the dissertation groups, students will present their work and ideas and provide feedback to one another, facilitated by the academic leader. The academic leader will, in consultation with the students, assign them into sub-groups of three or four to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and mutual support outside the classroom.

There will be an opportunity in May for a one-on-one meeting with the academic leader to review progress on the dissertation and discuss its completion. Any final questions or concerns relating to the completion of the dissertation should be addressed to academic leaders before the end of May.

The dissertation will be due for submission by 26 June 2026. The word limit for the dissertation is 15,000 words, including footnotes.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Complete a substantial dissertation based on independent, largely self-directed research;
• Work effectively under the guidance of a research academic leader and collaborate within themed workgroups;
• Conduct effective and targeted research that draws upon a broad range of primary and secondary legal sources on a particular topic;
• Critically assess in writing legal theories, concepts and doctrines;
• Determine the scope and structure of a research project and establish a viable research plan; 
• Identify, discuss and debate various research methodologies; and
• Present arguments in a clear and coherent manner that supports a logical conclusion based on the analysis.
  
  

Module Aims:

The aim of this module is to encourage students to engage in largely self-driven research and writing leading to the completion of an analytical and critical piece of research. While students are proceeding under the direction of an academic leader who is a member of the Law School staff, to successfully complete the dissertation, students must be able to carry out independent research and writing in a timely fashion to meet the deadline for submission of the dissertation.