{"id":531,"date":"2018-03-07T09:27:02","date_gmt":"2018-03-07T09:27:02","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2022-08-25T17:51:06","modified_gmt":"2022-08-25T17:51:06","slug":"writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php","title":{"rendered":"Writing a Law Dissertation – what is expected?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Writing a Law Dissertation and what is expected<\/strong><\/p>\n

The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a dissertation, and to assist the student avoid some of the inevitable confusion that surrounds the commencement of a dissertation. However, it is also assumed that these notes will be readily superseded as students achieve sufficient \u2018independent\u2019 momentum and understanding.<\/p>\n

The rationale for this document<\/h2>\n

My own experience of helping students with dissertation projects<\/a>\u00a0(together with supporting anecdotal evidence) suggests that a supervisor\u2019s initial contact\/first meeting, whether with an MBA, MA or MSc student, frequently results in a commonly occurring pattern of relatively fundamental queries and questions. This document, therefore, is intended to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the initial contact\/first meeting between the academic supervisor and the student, and to provide an agenda for subsequent meetings.<\/p>\n

\u201cFacts are always convincing, it is the conclusions drawn from the facts that need to be questioned!\u201d Sherlock Holmes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The first\/early meeting(s) with a supervisor<\/h2>\n

The first meeting between a supervisor and a student usually, perhaps necessarily, focuses on the proposed content of a dissertation, rather than the regulations or administrative process \u2013 understandably, supervisors tend to find the proposed topic more interesting than the administrative process. It is also possible that supervisors will not be familiar with the regulations or the administrative process. Equally, supervisors often assume, sometimes incorrectly, that students will have read and understood any pre-commencement documentation, prior to their first meeting.<\/p>\n

Despite these uncertainties, and the inevitable need for some early \u2018manoeuvring\u2019 and \u2018clarification\u2019, the first meeting is often very influential in determining the subsequent direction and focus of the entire dissertation. Students are advised, therefore, to thoroughly prepare for their first meeting with their supervisor and not to just \u2018let it happen\u2019.<\/p>\n

It would also be expedient for the student to assess the \u2018availability\u2019 of the supervisor, particularly in the event of the student experiencing a serious difficulty (a crisis) that cannot wait until the next routine meeting.<\/p>\n

Approving draft chapters<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t expect a supervisor to routinely read\/approve draft chapters, especially prior to a supervisor\/student meeting, particularly if the chapter(s) might be revised before the meeting.<\/p>\n

The changing relationship between supervisor and student<\/h2>\n

Students should appreciate that their relationship with their supervisor will necessarily change\/evolve from tutor, and then to mentor, and then, finally, to examiner. The fundamental requirements of a dissertation are that it should involve the student in \u2018sustained independent study\u2019 and that the dissertation, as submitted, is \u2018substantially the student\u2019s own work\u2019. Clearly, the supervisor has a responsibility to ensure that these \u2018fundamentals\u2019 are not compromised. In other words, the student should appreciate that he or she will achieve a more sustainable relationship with their supervisor if they seek discussion with their supervisor, rather than simply asking \u2018what shall I do?\u2019 or even \u2018is what I\u2019ve done O.K?\u2019<\/p>\n

The proposal<\/h2>\n

The proposal is a blueprint of what you intend to do and why it would be useful (to your sponsor), if you did. It will be used to ascertain if what you propose is feasible and viable in relation to the expectations of the relevant university. The proposal must contain a substantial introduction (a first draft of chapter 1, perhaps \u2013 see below) and clearly stated objectives and outcomes. The more detail you provide the more useful will be the feedback from your academic supervisor.<\/p>\n

This \u2018blueprint\u2019 will set in motion 12 months, or more, of work.<\/p>\n

It is, therefore, unlikely that a one-page outline will be sufficient.<\/p>\n

a one-page outline is simply not sufficient.<\/p>\n

\u201cA child of five could understand this\u2026 send someone to get a child of five!\u201d<\/p>\n

Groucho Marks<\/p>\n

Resourcing the dissertation<\/h2>\n

Do not guess (speculate) about what resources or sponsor\u2019s support is available to you \u2013 find out. Don\u2019t assume that you will magically acquire the necessary resources or information to complete your dissertation at the eleventh hour (Harry Potter is fiction). Some dissertations are considerably more difficult than others, simply because \u2018key informant\u2019 access and availability were not adequately considered at the proposal stage. Remember that whatever you do for \u2018proposal\u2019 purposes, can be incorporated into your dissertation \u2013 work done is work done.<\/p>\n

The more detailed the proposal, the more likely it is that you will find a suitable (the most appropriate) supervisor. Supervisors don\u2019t like getting involved in something that they might regret later.<\/p>\n

write a proposal to interest and excite a potential supervisor<\/p>\n

how many chapters?<\/p>\n

Use five or more chapters of equal length, suggested as follows:<\/h2>\n

Introduction, literature review, methodology, results and discussion, conclusions and outcomes (recommendations). It is important that all chapters are about the same length. In other words, the methodology chapter is no less important than the results chapter etc. Write about 10-15% more words than stipulated \u2013 because everyone else will write too much and your dissertation will look \u2018light\u2019 if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

five 5000+ word chapters<\/p>\n

The introduction (chapter 1)<\/h2>\n

Use the introduction chapter (chapter 1) to set the scene. The introduction is particularly important to help \u2018one time readers\u2019 to quickly and easily understand and appreciate what the dissertation is about. Use a short case study and\/or diagrams and\/or anecdotal examples to simplify the introduction as much as possible. In this chapter, some general speculation is permissible if it provides a clearer explanation of why you\u2019ve chosen this project (to solve this problem) rather than some other project (problem).<\/p>\n

The introduction chapter should conclude with the words\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cand therefore my objectives are\u201d\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

ensure your objectives are derived from your \u2018introduction\u2019<\/p>\n

The introduction chapter should contain sufficient clarity to enable the one-time-reader to easily appreciate what the dissertation objectives are, even if not formally stated \u2013 although dissertation objectives should always be formally stated.<\/p>\n

The literature review (chapter 2)<\/h2>\n

\u201c\u2026more has been written about Business Management than is actually known.\u201d<\/p>\n

David Farmer<\/p>\n

Emeritus Professor, University of Wales, March 1995.<\/p>\n

The primary purpose of the \u2018review of literature\u2019 chapter is for you to ascertain, and to demonstrate to others, that you are not re-inventing the wheel. In other words, it is not acceptable to do no more than rediscover what others have already discovered \u2013 the onus is on the student to demonstrate that the wheel has at least been \u2018improved\u2019.<\/p>\n

Use existing knowledge to further knowledge<\/h2>\n

Choose 8-10 journal articles to review<\/h2>\n

Generally, scientific journal articles have more academic credibility than books. Although books provide useful background, journal articles more easily imply the depth of understanding that your dissertation needs to achieve. Scientific journal articles, therefore, are ultimately the most useful. Although it might be necessary to at least browse a dozen or so journals and many dozens of articles, it is better to identify, and discuss in depth, no more than 8-10 journal articles for literature review purposes. Other interesting and relevant but discarded journal articles can be listed in the bibliography to indicate that you\u2019ve extensively searched (researched) the literature.<\/p>\n

The methodology (chapter 3)<\/h2>\n

This is the most important chapter but also the most difficult to write. A methodology is not just a statement that chronicles what you did. Issues surrounding research methodologies are extremely complex. It can be a difficult task, for both academic supervisor and student, to determine to what extent students need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of research methodology \u2013 discuss this with your academic supervisor. Generally, students should decide whether their dissertation is to be under-pinned by a quantitative or qualitative methodology. Don\u2019t try to use both methodologies \u2013 the potential benefits are not worth the added confusion.<\/p>\n

For a useful (initial) discussion about methodology see:<\/h2>\n

Jean Lee, S. (1992), Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Methods \u2013 Two Approaches to Organisational Studies. Asia Pacific Journal of Management. 9 (1), p.87-94.<\/p>\n

Most business management dissertations use a qualitative methodology. A qualitative methodology often primarily involves key respondent interview data. A qualitative methodology can seem, at first, an easy (soft) option, but it is always very time-consuming, and it can be more difficult to persuade an \u2018examiner\u2019 that your dissertation\u2019s outcomes are reliable and credible.<\/p>\n

It should be appreciated that you (the student) will, most probably, rapidly become more \u2018expert\u2019 than the supervisor, and others, in relation to the specific problem being explored and discussed in the dissertation (especially if a qualitative methodology is used). This means that a supervisor might be confronted with an assertion that black has been discovered to be white. The primary purpose of the methodology chapter is to describe an appropriate method (a formula) for solving \u2018the problem\u2019 being investigated \u2013 a method that is generally understood to provide \u2018correct\u2019 answers. This means that examiners and others can approve the methodology \u2018formula\u2019 and by implication, approve your assertion that \u2018black is white\u2019, without having to independently repeat your investigation (your experiment). In other words, your conclusions (your solution) are less likely to be challenged or disputed, if your methodology chapter is credibly persuasive and thoughtful.<\/p>\n

Although the dissertation is not an opportunity for the student to write down what they think they know, the student should acknowledge that what they know (prior learning) will significantly influence what they (subsequently) learn.<\/p>\n

In a dynamic environment, results and discussion are similar to creating a photograph of a moving automobile. Even if a technologically advanced camera is used and the photograph is in focus and correctly exposed, it only depicts where the automobile was in the past, not where it is now or where it will be in the future.<\/p>\n

Lei, Hitt and Bettis (1996), Dynamic Core Competencies\u2026 Journal of Management, 22(4), pages 549-570 (adapted).<\/p>\n

The results and discussion (chapter 4)<\/h2>\n

Generally, your results will involve the presentation of data that was not (and is not) widely available from existing (published) sources. In other words, data that, it could be argued (and you may need to), did not exist until you created it. The understanding needed to \u2018solve\u2019 the problem being investigated must be directly, and solely, derived from the results chapter\/the data.<\/p>\n

However, it is also appropriate, in this chapter, to use the literature to discuss and interpret the primary data in respect of its significance and relevance to the \u2018research objectives\u2019. In many respects, the results and discussion chapter (chapter 4) provides \u2018the facts\u2019 from which the conclusions and outcomes are derived. Inadequate data must result in inadequate \u2018outcomes\u2019.<\/p>\n

The conclusion and outcomes (recommendations) (chapter 5)<\/h2>\n

In some respects, this chapter seeks (needs) to present the reader with a \u2018summation\u2019 of what was \u2018achieved\u2019 in the previous chapters. This chapter often chronicles the most significant content of previous chapters. However, this chapter is also an opportunity for the researcher to integrate the content from the other chapters into a synthesised \u2018final\u2019 whole. This means that the \u2018conclusions and outcomes\u2019 chapter must be a stand-alone chapter that contributes far more to the overall dissertation than simply a synopsis of previous chapters. Indeed, many would argue that this chapter is easily the most important because it provides the answer to the problem being investigated \u2013 other chapters are merely contributory to the outcomes chapter (it could be argued).<\/p>\n

This chapter (or possibly in a subsequent chapter) should also discuss whether the \u2018research was successfully completed including, in the student\u2019s opinion, the reasons for the success or the failure. It is also entirely appropriate for the student to \u2018disclose\u2019 to the reader, any significant milestones in their understanding, awareness and appreciation. In other words, the student should discuss, and explore, the benefits (to them) of undertaking and completing a research dissertation\/project. This could\/should take the form of a personal statement that is both informative and insightful. This statement can also serve to usefully indicate the student\u2019s progression from \u2018beginner\u2019 to \u2018finisher\u2019 and should reflect both the \u2018exit\u2019 ability\/awareness and maturity of the student.<\/p>\n

It should also be appreciated that the academic supervisor may need to \u2018defend\u2019 your dissertation with both the second marker and the external examiner, to achieve the grade\/mark that the academic supervisor believes is appropriate. However, the supervisor is usually more \u2018informed\u2019 than the other examiners in relation to the student\u2019s commitment, enthusiasm and achievement. This \u2018personal statement\u2019, therefore, can also serve to \u2018personalise\u2019 the student\u2019s overall achievement and provide all the examiners with a more equal understanding of what you\u2019ve accomplishment, and in what (adverse) circumstances.<\/p>\n

Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n

Write as much as you can as soon as you can<\/h2>\n

As you write, amendments to content and structure will become apparent \u2013 often as a result of the highly productive exercise of arguing with yourself as you write (playing with the words).<\/p>\n

Say what you\u2019re going to say, say it, and then say what you\u2019ve said<\/h2>\n

Throughout your dissertation, adopt the \u201csay what you\u2019re going to say, say it, and then say what you\u2019ve said\u201d approach. This applies to each chapter, as well as the whole document.<\/p>\n

Using a storyline<\/h2>\n

Help the reader to quickly absorb and understand the chapters by devising a unifying theme (a storyline) that is common to all chapters.<\/p>\n

Be suggestive!<\/h2>\n

Use language that acknowledges that you might not be \u2018entirely\u2019 correct in any assertion that you offer the reader (write with humility). For example, use phrases such as; this suggests that, it would seem, the probability is, the available evidence indicates, it could be argued that etc.<\/p>\n

Know the rules if you want to win<\/h2>\n

A dissertation has some similarity with a game. You need to understand the rules if you want to play (and win).<\/p>\n

The most important readers will only read your script once<\/h2>\n

The most significant people involved in the game (apart from the academic supervisor) are the external examiner(s) and the 2nd reader. Remember that these individuals will only read your script once. Your script must, therefore, be entirely coherent and meaningful to someone reading it for the first time.<\/p>\n

Match objectives with outcome<\/h2>\n

Objectives and intended outcomes should be included in the \u2018dissertation proposal\u2019 document \u2013 this provides early direction and facilitates initial discussion with the supervisor. However, it is inevitable that a dissertation will be \u2018judged\u2019 to ascertain whether the stated objectives have been achieved. It is important, therefore, that the dissertation objectives reflect what was actually achieved, rather than what was \u2018envisaged\u2019 or intended in the proposal document.<\/p>\n

Do not speculate \u2013 keep your personal baggage in the closet<\/p>\n

Generally, the dissertation must NOT contain speculation. This includes your personal opinions, no matter how informed or knowledgeable you think you are. It is possible that YOU have particular\/special knowledge that, to some extent, is why you\u2019ve decided to choose a particular dissertation topic\/theme, rather than another. However, it is not considered appropriate for a researcher to be a primary source of \u2018evidence\u2019 (primary data) to his or her own research\/investigation.<\/p>\n

suggestion \u2018access\u2019 to an abundance of key informants is often the \u2018critically\u2019 importance requirement for a successful dissertation.<\/p>\n

A chronicle of what you do (or did) for your employer is not enough<\/p>\n

A satisfactory dissertation is unlikely to be an essay that simply chronicles the work you do for your employer\/sponsor firm \u2013 this includes an essay about a work problem together with a speculative suggestion of how the problem might, in theory, be solved.<\/p>\n

Truth or perception<\/h2>\n

It is important to appreciate that it is often (nearly always) more important to understand what people in organisations believe to be true, rather than what is actually true. Indeed, students who rely on key informant interview data are exploring the respondent\u2019s perceptions of what is true, rather than what is true. As a consequence, it might be argued that truth is what people perceive to be true.<\/p>\n

ensure that you help your supervisor to help you<\/p>\n

Do your best to help the supervisor to help you. A supervisor may inadvertently offer inappropriate advice because he or she may misunderstand, or not be aware of, what difficulties or problems you are experiencing.<\/p>\n

don\u2019t try to accomplish too much<\/p>\n

A successful dissertation is likely to be a detailed and comprehensive analysis of a little, rather than a generalised overview of a lot.<\/p>\n

most students attempt far more than can be achieved.<\/p>\n

The role of serendipity<\/h2>\n

Serendipity is the facility of making fortunate discoveries by accident, and was coined by Horace Walpole, from the Persian fairytale The Three Princes of Serendip, in which the heroes possess this ability. In other words, successful knowledge acquisition often involves chance and good fortune. Luck and good fortune are more likely if the student is consistently inquisitive and enquiring.<\/p>\n

Choosing a supervisor<\/h2>\n

Although it is desirable that a supervisor is thoroughly familiar with the subject or topic that is being researched, it is often decisively more important that the supervisor is familiar with the intended methodology and has an enthusiasm for supervision. The ultimate subject or topic of a dissertation is often not the subject or topic that was initially envisaged in the student\u2019s proposal document. It is less important than is often assumed, therefore, that a supervisor with particular specialist knowledge is recruited. Indeed, it could be argued that selecting a \u2018specialist knowledge\u2019 supervisor might limit the student\u2019s opportunity to develop his or her own ideas and themes.<\/p>\n

Praise and criticism<\/h2>\n

In the early stages of a supervisory relationship, it is easy to destroy a student\u2019s self-confidence by criticism, or give him or her a false sense of confidence by too much praise. It is a difficult line to follow and, sometimes, the supervisor will get it wrong. Students should cautiously consider both the criticism and the praise that they receive.<\/p>\n

Time management<\/h2>\n

Regrettably, the most carefully calculated work schedule is seldom (never) maintained. Indeed, the consequences of \u2018falling behind\u2019 can result in unnecessary and unhelpful anxiety. Simply, a dissertation cannot be \u2018scheduled\u2019. Knowledge acquisition and understanding seldom occur to comply with pre-determined work schedules. However, students must be determined to complete their dissertation within a specified time. Without this \u2018determination\u2019, it is likely that you will never finish. The dissertation will consume as much time as you have.<\/p>\n

If you think you have forever, it will take forever.<\/p>\n

Comparative analysis<\/h2>\n

It is often expedient for students to adopt a study doctrine that could be referred to as comparative analysis. This involves examining a series of separate, although related, procedures, processes, situations, or, perhaps, scenarios. The necessary rigour of the dissertation, as well as the quality of its outcomes (the conclusions and recommendations), is achieved as a direct consequence of the process of comparative analysis. The dissertation becomes, therefore, a series of relatively short, and more manageable, case studies or case histories, rather than a single complex whole involving, necessarily, extremely detailed data and exhaustive analysis of a single event. Comparative analysis is a valid and accepted procedure for acquiring knowledge and understanding, especially in relation to problems that would otherwise be too complex to be manageable<\/p>\n

Note, however, that the individual cases or examples, need to be linked by a single theme or concept that is encapsulated within the dissertation title, and the stated objectives of the dissertation.<\/p>\n

Although \u2018comparative analysis\u2019 is a useful means of managing the apparent complexity of the dissertation process, it is essential to discuss its use with an (your) academic supervisor.<\/p>\n

Plagiarism and collusion<\/h2>\n

A dissertation is intended to involve the student in a sustained period of independent study. However, it is also expected that students will both use \u2018informants\u2019 (and other primary data sources) and the published literature (and other secondary data sources). To comply with very strict university regulations regarding plagiarism and collusion, students must always acknowledge the source(s) of all data, information and ideas that are not entirely the result of their own independent work. In other words, it is entirely acceptable (required and expected) to use other people\u2019s thoughts and ideas, as long as the origin of those thoughts and ideas are properly acknowledged. This form of \u2018acknowledgement\u2019 is known as citing. Various methods of \u2018citing\u2019 exist. It is important that whatever method is used, it is used consistently throughout the dissertation.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • properly cite the source of what is not entirely<\/li>\n
  • the result of your own work<\/li>\n
  • citing references<\/li>\n
  • Provide a list of references used, at the end of your dissertation as follows:<\/li>\n
  • Jean Lee, S. (1992), Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Methods \u2013 Two Approaches to Organisational Studies. Asia Pacific Journal of Management. 9 (1), p.87-94.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In your text cite as follows:<\/h2>\n

    There is incontrovertible evidence that engineers know little about business and management (Jean Lee, 1992).<\/p>\n

    Or<\/p>\n

    Jean Lee (1992) refers to \u201cincontrovertible evidence that engineers know little about business and management\u201d.<\/p>\n

    If you are citing a book, include relevant page numbers.<\/p>\n

    Different expectations of sponsor and university<\/h2>\n

    It must be acknowledged that, for most students, the requirement of the dissertation project is that it should be of relevance and interest to the student\u2019s sponsoring firm. However, the outcome expectations of a sponsor and an academic institution may differ significantly. The student must endeavour to meet both expectations. This might mean that different reporting styles (different documents) are used to adequately comply with the expectations of both sponsor and university.<\/p>\n

    Commercial or military restricted data<\/h2>\n

    Quite obviously, students cannot undertake a project that cannot be properly reported and assessed because it includes commercial or military restricted data. However, students often discard good projects because they considerably over-estimate the degree of \u2018sensitivity\u2019 that their dissertation involves.<\/p>\n

    To some extent, if your dissertation topic cannot be subsequently (on completion) \u2018publicised\u2019 to a wide audience, it may not be the best choice of topic.<\/p>\n

    Journal publication<\/h2>\n

    For a variety of reasons, students should always seek to publish their research findings (ideas and conclusions) in an appropriate academic scientific journal, if it achieves the necessary level of quality and originality. Discuss this \u2018opportunity\u2019 with your academic supervisor.<\/p>\n

    However, if it is confirmed that the dissertation needs a commercial or military restricted classification, then it is acceptable, for example, to code data to obscure the identities of firms and individuals (firm A, respondent B etc.). It might also be possible to limit the circulation of the dissertation report to a \u2018need to know\u2019 group, involving the supervisor, 2nd reader and the external examiner. For more information about projects that involve commercial or military restricted or sensitive information, contact the project administrator, industrial advisor or academic supervisor<\/p>\n

    The appendices<\/h2>\n

    Remember that the appendices will not be read by anyone other than you. Don\u2019t hide important results or data in an appendix. The appendix should not be included in the word count.<\/p>\n

    In summary<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • Introduce the problem (the introduction)<\/li>\n
    • Define the problem (the objectives)<\/li>\n
    • Check if (how) the literature can help (literature review)<\/li>\n
    • Devise a method of investigating the problem (the methodology)<\/li>\n
    • Present and interpret the data you\u2019ve collected (the results)<\/li>\n
    • Discuss the results and arrive at conclusions (the solution to the problem).<\/li>\n
    • Provide recommendations and indicate what further investigation is necessary \u2013 problems are never entirely solved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-531","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-law-helpdissertation"],"yoast_head":"\nWriting a Law Dissertation - what is expected? | LawTeacher.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Writing a Law Dissertation - what is expected?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LawTeacher.net\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"-0001-11-30T00:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LT-large-logo.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"LawTeacher\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LawTeacherNet\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LawTeacherNet\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"LawTeacher\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"ScholarlyArticle\",\"@id\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"LawTeacher\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/person\/b99962c073c877c4ab8ee3d2486cd56e\"},\"headline\":\"Writing a Law Dissertation – what is expected?\",\"datePublished\":\"-0001-11-30T00:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\"},\"wordCount\":3840,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Law Dissertation Study Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\",\"name\":\"Writing a Law Dissertation - what is expected? | LawTeacher.net\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"-0001-11-30T00:00:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Writing a Law Dissertation – what is expected?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/\",\"name\":\"Law Teacher\",\"description\":\"The Law Essay Professionals\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"LawTeacher.net\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Law Teacher\",\"alternateName\":\"LawTeacher.net\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LT-logo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LT-logo.jpg\",\"width\":250,\"height\":250,\"caption\":\"Law Teacher\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/LawTeacherNet\",\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=447723491966&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0\"],\"description\":\"Law Teacher provides academic writing services for law students throughout the world.\",\"email\":\"contact@lawteacher.net\",\"telephone\":\"+44 115 966 7966\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"51\",\"maxValue\":\"200\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/person\/b99962c073c877c4ab8ee3d2486cd56e\",\"name\":\"LawTeacher\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4fdfab0a9ef25209f111018ecc8a983e19e57c5066a9277217a119582ccbeed3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4fdfab0a9ef25209f111018ecc8a983e19e57c5066a9277217a119582ccbeed3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"LawTeacher\"},\"description\":\"LawTeacher.net is the UK's leading provider of academic legal support, offering both writing services and an extensive collection of law study resources for students in the UK and overseas. Founded in 2003 by Grey's Inn graduate Barclay Littlewood, the Company was built on a commitment to excellence, with unique guarantees and a high standard of service from day one. The team includes over 500 UK legally qualified writing experts, with many practising solicitors and barristers, and several former lecturers.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\",\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/LawTeacherNet\",\"https:\/\/gravatar.com\/lawteacherprofile\"],\"knowsAbout\":[\"Contract Law\",\"Criminal Law\",\"Constitutional and Administrative Law\",\"EU Law\",\"Tort Law\",\"Property Law\",\"Equity and Trusts\",\"Jurisprudence\",\"Company Law\",\"Commercial Law\",\"Family Law\",\"Human Rights Law\",\"Employment Law\",\"Evidence\",\"Public International Law\",\"Legal Research and Methods\",\"Dispute Resolution\",\"Business Law and Practice\",\"Civil Litigation\",\"Criminal Litigation\",\"Professional Conduct\",\"Taxation\",\"Wills and Administration of Estates\",\"Solicitors\u2019 Accounts\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/author\/lawteacher\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Writing a Law Dissertation - what is expected? | LawTeacher.net","description":"The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Writing a Law Dissertation - what is expected?","og_description":"The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php","og_site_name":"LawTeacher.net","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet\/","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet","article_published_time":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LT-large-logo.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"LawTeacher","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LawTeacherNet","twitter_site":"@LawTeacherNet","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"LawTeacher","Estimated reading time":"19 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php"},"author":{"name":"LawTeacher","@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/person\/b99962c073c877c4ab8ee3d2486cd56e"},"headline":"Writing a Law Dissertation – what is expected?","datePublished":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php"},"wordCount":3840,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Law Dissertation Study Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php","url":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php","name":"Writing a Law Dissertation - what is expected? | LawTeacher.net","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#website"},"datePublished":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00+00:00","description":"The following notes are intended to provide the student with an overview of what is expected, or required, in relation to undertaking\/completing a law dissertation.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"http:\/\/64.226.118.242:8001\/law-help\/dissertation\/writing-a-dissertation-what-is-expected.php#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Writing a Law Dissertation – what is expected?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#website","url":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/","name":"Law Teacher","description":"The Law Essay Professionals","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#organization"},"alternateName":"LawTeacher.net","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#organization","name":"Law Teacher","alternateName":"LawTeacher.net","url":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LT-logo.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LT-logo.jpg","width":250,"height":250,"caption":"Law Teacher"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet\/","https:\/\/x.com\/LawTeacherNet","https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=447723491966&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0"],"description":"Law Teacher provides academic writing services for law students throughout the world.","email":"contact@lawteacher.net","telephone":"+44 115 966 7966","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/person\/b99962c073c877c4ab8ee3d2486cd56e","name":"LawTeacher","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/wp.lawteacher.net\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4fdfab0a9ef25209f111018ecc8a983e19e57c5066a9277217a119582ccbeed3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4fdfab0a9ef25209f111018ecc8a983e19e57c5066a9277217a119582ccbeed3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"LawTeacher"},"description":"LawTeacher.net is the UK's leading provider of academic legal support, offering both writing services and an extensive collection of law study resources for students in the UK and overseas. Founded in 2003 by Grey's Inn graduate Barclay Littlewood, the Company was built on a commitment to excellence, with unique guarantees and a high standard of service from day one. The team includes over 500 UK legally qualified writing experts, with many practising solicitors and barristers, and several former lecturers.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LawTeacherNet","https:\/\/x.com\/LawTeacherNet","https:\/\/gravatar.com\/lawteacherprofile"],"knowsAbout":["Contract Law","Criminal Law","Constitutional and Administrative Law","EU Law","Tort Law","Property Law","Equity and Trusts","Jurisprudence","Company Law","Commercial Law","Family Law","Human Rights Law","Employment Law","Evidence","Public International Law","Legal Research and Methods","Dispute Resolution","Business Law and Practice","Civil Litigation","Criminal Litigation","Professional Conduct","Taxation","Wills and Administration of Estates","Solicitors\u2019 Accounts"],"url":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/author\/lawteacher"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=531"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/531\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}