Module Information

Module Identifier

CRM0960

Module Title

Dissertation (Criminology)

Academic Year

2016/2017

Co-ordinator

Professor Alan Clarke

Semester

Semester 3 (Dissertation)

Course Delivery

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Written Assignment Dissertation of no more than 15,000 words	100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to.
1. Demonstrate the ability to work and research a topic independently;
2. Demonstrate an ability to place a research question(s) within a theoretical context;
3. Identify and prioritise source materials needed for a clear and proper understanding of a particular research
topic;
4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct an effective and critical literature review;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of some fundamental principles of research methodology by critiquing existing
research studies and/or designing and conducting a piece of empirical research;
6. Identify and deal with common methodological problems;
7. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate research data;
8. Demonstrate the ability to organise ideas and order material for the effective presentation of an argument;
9. Place the findings of their research within the broader context of theory and policy relating to crime and
criminal justice;
10. Provide a logical and clear presentation and writing-up of research findings.

Brief description

The dissertation module allows students to undertake a piece of research on a topic of their own choosing within the area of crime and criminal justice. This will enable them to apply and develop the knowledge and skills acquired from CRM 0320 Quantitative Methods and CRM0220 Qualitative Methods. For those students seeking to pursue further postgraduate study, this module offers the opportunity to undertake a preliminary investigation in an area that could provide the potential for doctoral research.

This module will enable students to either (a) design, conduct and write-up a piece of theoretically-informed empirical research in criminology (using primary and/or secondary data) or (b) undertake a rigorous critical evaluation of a research topic using both library and electronic information resources.

The research topic is chosen by the student in consultation with the module coordinator and another member of the teaching team.

Transferable skills

Throughout the module, students develop their skills of independent research, analysis, presentation and writing (including data collection and retrieval, IT and time management). All learning will be relevant to a career in any legal profession.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7