Wiktor Sawinda, Poland

MA Research

"Since 2005 I am participating in doctoral studies in Warsaw (Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Legal Studies). My doctoral thesis is focused on the subject of judicial independence in the opinion of judges. My wide-range survey (on almost 700 judges) undertaken in 2007 allowed me to localise many dysfunctions and threats for judicial independence. One group of threats concerns relations between judiciary and the executive power.

My MA dissertation at Queen Mary is devoted to relations between these state powers in UK in the period of constitutional transition. This subject is very helpful for acknowledging a different than polish, way of imposing cooperation between state powers and gives me a significant chance to look at the polish political and constitutional system from a distance. I am sure that many British solutions, will find place as remedies applicable in the polish legal system.

Queen Mary was the only university in London that offered me a MA course in Law by research. It was the thing I needed, since I was not interested in a MA taught course as I had already completed one. The School has easy and comfortable access to great research resources (not far from accommodation) and excellent, engaged and caring staff, very helpful to someone doing research by him/herself. I appreciate the very friendly atmosphere reinforced by possibilities of attending staff seminars and other meetings, helpful in keeping regular unofficial contact."