This course aims (i) to develop students' ability to identify a suitable topic based on a research gap (ii) to give students the freedom and flexibility to develop their expertise in a subject area of interest through independent library-based and/or empirical research and (iii) to harness writing skills to produce a publishable paper under the supervision and guidance of an experienced staff member.

The research paper must be submitted by the end of the semester (the exact date is to be advised in due course).  The length of the main text of the research paper must fall in the range of 8,000 to 10,000 words (excluding footnotes). The main text should be supplemented by footnotes as per the most recent version of the Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA).

The research paper must be coherent and persuasive. It should be based on sound scholarly research and adequately supported by relevant authorities. Research papers will be assessed for substance, originality, independent thought, breadth of research, quality of presentation, logic, accuracy, and citation style and authorities

The faculty member who supervised the independent research paper and another anonymous faculty member mark the research paper simultaneously. The relevant External Academic Advisor and/or a third marker may moderate assessment of the research paper, especially if there is a significant difference in grades assigned by the supervisor and the second marker.