IALS Introduction to Research Methods for Law MPhil/PhD Students
Schedule 2025 - All classes will be delivered virtual/online.
Week 1
Monday 6th JanuaryMorning session:Introduction to Ph.D. research and theories of research – Prof. Lisa Webley
Afternoon session:Reviewing the literature, note-taking for analytical writing – Prof. Lisa Webley
Tuesday 7th January
Morning session:Defining the question and research design (design, reliability, validity and integrity) – Prof. Lisa Webley
Afternoon session:Comparative and case study research– Prof. Lisa Webley
Wednesday 8th January
Morning session:Policy analysis – Dr. Constantin Stefanou
Afternoon session:Qualitative Methods (1) Involving clients, consumers and vulnerable participants in your research using formal and informal interviews and group interviews– Prof. Naomi Creutzfeldt
Thursday 9th January
Morning session:Qualitative Methods (2) Participant observation and third party observation – Dr. Sylvie Bacquet
Afternoon session:Qualitative methods (3) Analysis of qualitative data– Dr. Sylvie Bacquet
Friday 10th January
Morning session:Qualitative Methods (5) Elite interviewing – Prof. Avrom Sherr
Afternoon session:Qualitative methods (4) Using archives as a legal scholar – Dr. Agatha Fijalkowski (15:00-16:30)
Week 2
Monday 13th January
Morning session: Foreign and international legal research –Hester Swift
Afternoon session:Electronic legal research: Getting the Most out of Subscription Databases –Laura Griffiths
Tuesday 14th January
Morning session: Quantitative methods: Overview of quantitative methods with a focus on surveys. – Professor Lisa Webley *NB That will be an interactive session on 24th January to support those who may undertake quantitative methods – Dr. Matthew Jay.*
Afternoon session: Optional class following this on the English Legal System and the Common Law System – Prof. Lisa Webley
Wednesday 15th January
Morning session:Legal writing: finding your voice as an academic writer- Prof. Susan Breau
Afternoon session:Research plan review, next steps and moving forward with your PhD – Prof. Lisa Webley
Optional meetings for further assistance with method will be available via Zoom on the afternoon of the 16th and in the morning of the 17th January.
Morning classes begin at 10:00 UK time, afternoon classes begin at 14:00 UK time unless otherwise stated. Classes will normally last for 90-120 minutes with breaks as necessary.
All classes will be via Zoom and will be recorded.
A handbook and electronic materials will be available via the VLE on the first day along with power-point presentations. Please note the VLE materials are only available during up until the 31st January 2025 and so any materials you wish to access at a later date should be downloaded during the programme. Details about how to access the VLE will be circulated first week of January 2025.
Download Draft Programme (pdf) here
Deadline: Thursday, 02 January 2025