Master Thesis in Law, 30 Credits

Contents

The core content of this course is to write an independent master thesis in law. The objective is to carry through a legal study and formulate relevant research questions from a critical law and society perspective and approach to law, theory and methodology. The thesis is planned in joint consultation with a supervisor. The result shall be presented in written form. Apart from the actual writing of a thesis the student is also expected to defend the thesis and to act as a discussant on another student’s thesis.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to have an in-depth ability to:
- in a critically sophisticated and independent way identify and formulate legal research questions,
- apply relevant socio-legal theory on an empirical or theoretical problem area, make assessments in the subject while taking into account relevant socio-legal aspects, and in critically sophisticated way use relevant socio-legal methods,
- independently plan, and within a given timeframe, carry out an individually written thesis,
- defend his or her own thesis as well as investigate, assess and discuss another student's thesis,
- verbally and in writing explain, report and discuss conclusions and knowledge production.

Required Knowledge

Passed grade on the course Law and Society. Introductory Course, 15 credits, 45 credits in law on advanced level and 7,5 credits social science methods or equivalent within the humanities on advanced level. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/5. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course is a full time on-line course in English. The course is taught entirely through an electronic Learning Management System where the student takes part in lectures, mandatory assignments and other learning activities. The studies are characterized by a high degree of independent and active search for knowledge, and critical reflection, both individually and in groups. The thesis is planned in joint consultation with a supervisor. The result shall be presented in written form.

Examination modes

Examination is in total fulfilment of mandatory assignments during the course, the completion of an individually written thesis, the defense of the thesis and the acting as a discussant on another student’s thesis.

The grades for the entire course are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).  For mandatory assignments, the defence of the thesis and the acting as a discussant on another student´s thesis the grades are Fail (U) or Pass (G). The grade Pass (G) for the entire course requires passed grades (G) for the completion of an individually written thesis, mandatory assignments, the defence of the thesis and the acting as a discussant on another student´s thesis. For the completion of the individually written thesis the grades are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade Pass with distinction (VG) for the entire course requires the grade Pass with distinction (VG) for the completion of the individually written thesis and passed grades (G) for mandatory assignments, the defence of the thesis and the acting as a discussant on another student´s thesis.

A student that has acquired the grade Pass (G) cannot undergo renewed examination for a higher grade. Re-exam will be arranged for students that have acquired the grade Fail (U) on mandatory assignments during the course, the completion of a written theses, the defence of the thesis or the acting as a discussant on another student’s thesis.

The examiner is entitled to decide on another form of examination if special circumstances is at hand.

Transfers
The course can be part of a master exam in law at Umeå university.

Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits.
For more information, see: www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande/