So, you are thinking about an Hons thesis? Information Session: 8 th October 2013 Kathy Laster- Hons Convenor

What we will cover today… Why do the thesis unit? What is a thesis? Choosing topics and supervisors The thesis unit Key dates FAQs and your questions…. students/enrolments/honours/

Why Do the Thesis Unit? You CAN qualify for an LLB Hons degree without doing the thesis unit BUT High achieving students should do this unit because: -Research skills highly prized -It is a ‘rite of passage’ -Supervision/mentoring is a unique learning opportunity -Important for scholarships, higher degree and point of difference -20% mark up on this unit

What is a ‘thesis’? Narrow “a core idea/argument” A genre of formal writing which expounds your own thesis = Hons LLB thesis 8-10,000 words Past theses are in the library – have a look....

How do I find a topic? What area of law do I want to work /find work in? (instrumental) What area of law do I enjoy/am passionate about? (interest based) Which member of staff do I want to get to know better/learn from more? (supervisor/learning relationship based) Look at the list we provide.... READ to work out whether which topic option is most viable AND whether you will find this interesting for a sustained period

How do I find a supervisor? Who have you enjoyed/learned from most as a teacher? Look at Research Profiles of staff Talk to past Hons students... Check who is away on leave... ASK...(send them a polite with some sense of your topic/options)

What does the Research Unit involve? Intended to support you in your thesis work Provides a peer group to aid and assist you Unit = 3 fullish days plus Hons Conference of 2 days -Orientation Day in 2 nd weekish of 1 st semester -2 nd Day around Easter -(Optional) Coffee morning at beginning of Semester 2 -3 rd Day mid 2 nd Semester -HONS Conference – last 2 days of 2 nd Semester

The HONS Conference Obligation to attend 1 day of previous year’s Conference This year 17 th & 18 th October at Chambers You are the audience and helpers Introduce Michael and Georgie- current Hons students….

Hons Conference Roles… All prospective Honours students must attend as audience for this year’s Honours Conference….. RSVP and dietary requirements: Honours 2014 students are also needed as : Timekeepers Photographer Reception Desk 2 Runners &formkey=dGpZU2dvN3JQR015Y3Z5QlBfNlhrd2c6MA#gid=0

Key dates…. Applications for Hons Unit closing 29/11/13 Offers (by ) 18-19/12/13 Manual enrolment during enrolment period, ideally 20-23/12/13 Submission of Thesis proposal (supervisor agreement) 10/2/13 Confirmation of supervisor & topic -18/2/2014

Some FAQs You need GPA of 72 in LAW units to qualify for the Thesis unit We must be able to find a supervise for your topic (permanent staff) Apply for Hons on Application form and we advise you of outcome- then enrol with documentation Thesis proposal (short description of topic and supervisor sign off - due in February) You can be OS for part of time but with supervisor’s consent

More FAQs No longer a second “winter” intake- just one a year... Results for thesis unit – tend to be Distinctions and High Distinctions Generally don’t like you to change topics midstream...but lots of refining of topics along the way I am here to help (and Pauline Smith too)

Your questions?