Templates & Worksheets

6. Template 8.1 – Capstone Project Planning Sheet (Module 8)

Use this to plan your capstone research project and to monitor progress.

A. Project Details

· Provisional title:

· Your name:

· Supervisor / convenor (if applicable):

B. Research Question and Aims

1. Final (or near‑final) research question:

2. Key aims (3–5 bullet points):

C. Scope and Boundaries

· Jurisdiction(s):

· Time period:

· Areas included and explicitly excluded:

D. Methodology Snapshot

· Primary approach (doctrinal, comparative, socio‑legal, critical, mixed):

· Brief statement of method (2–3 sentences):

E. Core Sources

1. Primary legal sources (at least preliminary list):

· Statutes / key provisions:

· Leading cases:

· Treaties / international materials:

2. Key secondary sources (e.g. 5–10 core books/articles/reports):

F. Provisional Structure (Headings)

Outline the main sections of your paper (these can be revised later):

1. Introduction

5. Conclusion

G. Timeline and Milestones

Set target dates (adapt to your institution’s calendar):

· Topic and question finalised by:

· Detailed research and reading completed by:

· First full outline completed by:

· First draft of main body completed by:

· Full draft (including introduction and conclusion) completed by:

· Final revisions and citation checks completed by:

· Oral presentation rehearsal by:

· Submission and presentation date(s):

H. Risks and Contingencies

Identify potential obstacles and mitigation strategies:

· Access to sources (e.g. alternative databases, library visits):

· Time pressures (e.g. other modules, work commitments):

· Conceptual difficulties (e.g. complex case law, theoretical materials):

I. Reflection Notes

Use this space periodically to record:

· What is going well;

· What needs adjustment (question, scope, structure);

· Points to discuss with your supervisor or tutor.

These templates are intended as living tools. Modify and reuse them across different projects during and after this course. Over time, you may develop your own variants that reflect your personal working style while maintaining the rigour and structure emphasised throughout the programme.