COURSE CURRICULUM

The LLM by Research Thesis at the University of Reading is a highly focused postgraduate programme centred on producing an independent, master’s-level research dissertation in law. The curriculum is primarily structured around a substantial thesis project, which allows students to investigate a specialised legal topic of their choice under expert academic supervision. A core compulsory element of the programme is the Research Methods module, which equips students with advanced skills in legal research design, methodology selection, and critical evaluation of academic sources. In addition to this, students are supported through research training provided by the Doctoral and Researcher College, which helps develop key competencies in academic writing, analytical reasoning, and scholarly communication. The programme does not follow a traditional taught-module structure; instead, it is designed to prioritise independent research development, guided by regular supervisory meetings and access to extensive academic resources, legal databases, and research facilities. Students are also encouraged to engage with a wider research community through seminars, workshops, and academic events within the School of Law. The final dissertation represents the main assessed component and is expected to demonstrate originality, depth of legal analysis, and methodological rigour. Overall, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced research careers and provides a strong foundation for progression to PhD-level study in law or related disciplines.