Module Information

Module Identifier
CR30120
Module Title
Dissertation
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Dr Kathy Hampson
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
CR12130 and CR12430
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 1 Hour Lecture
Workshop 1 x 2 Hour Workshop
Lecture 5 x 1 Hour Lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Dissertation  8000-10000 words to be submitted at the end of semester 2. Poster Presentation during the workshop in Semester 2. Failure to attend the workshop may result in 5 marks being deducted from the final dissertation mark   100%
Supplementary Assessment Dissertation  8000-10000 words. If a student fails the assessment and wishes to resubmit, they must submit an essay on a topic that is substantively the same as that which was originally presented. Feedback will be provided by the original supervisor, or where this is not possible, by the module co-ordinator. Further supervision will not be provided. There is no need to submit a further research plan or report. Students may attend any lectures on the dissertation if required, and may raise any general queries with the module co-ordinator.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. To acquire the skills necessary in order to carry out research in a chosen field of criminology and write up the results of this research in a clearly organised and comprehensible way so as to maximise the dissemination of knowledge and ideas contained in the research.

To apply the skills acquired in the Research Skills modules to their chosen area of criminology or applied psychology.


The outcomes of the training involved in the module may be summarised as follows:

(a) to develop an appreciation of the research potential of subjects through the choice of a viable topic for research;
(b) Review, evaluate and prioritise the significance of the materials obtained and issues identified
(c) to develop the skills associated with the planning, organising and timetabling of a sustained piece of research over a period of some months;
(d) to develop the ability to organise ideas and order material for the effective presentation of argument and data;
(e) to develop academic writing skills for purposes of presenting a clear, articulate and readable account of the subject in question in a substantial written format of 8000- 10000 words.

Brief description

This module comprises an exercise in sustained criminological research and writing in relation to a special topic rather than being based on a prescribed course of study. It is for the student to select a subject for detailed research with the approval of the Department and then to proceed to the research and writing stages of the exercise under the supervision of a member of staff with knowledge of the field in which the subject of the dissertation is located. The overall exercise involved in researching and writing the dissertation builds upon a knowledge, and training in the use, of library resources provided in Readings in Criminology/ Readings in Psychology and Elements of Criminology Modules. It also builds on the training in Readings in Criminology/Psychology gleaned from the first year and is a practical application of the ability to understand social science methodologies as taught in the Criminology Research Skills Module. Successful research presupposes the ability to use a range of library materials and to trace sources through databases and bibliographical aids. Guidance is provided by the designated supervisor through a series of meetings at which the student reports on progress and submits a written draft or drafts for comment. The supervisor's role is to advise about both research methodology and the presentation of the research in the dissertation itself

Content

This is set by the student on advice and approval from staff

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Some of the texts will involve complex statistical analysis which will need to be understood and evaluated.
Communication Oral communication will be encouraged through a discussion of ideas and an articulation of problems associated with the research at meetings with the supervisor as well as for the poster presentation which is required for the workshop during semester 2. Written communication will be enhanced through the need to articulate a readable account of the subject in question in a substantial written format.
Improving own Learning and Performance Through development of a substantial body of knowledge and a need to locate and organise relevant material the student will learn to develop more effective academic techniques.
Information Technology Location of relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases; Preparation of the assignment electronically
Personal Development and Career planning Enhanced capacity for independent and critical thought. Good time-management skills in preparing for supervision meetings over two semesters and submission.
Problem solving To set a viable topic for research, set a research question and then work towards answering it involves problem solving skills and will both enhance and draw upon already developed skills.
Research skills (a) to develop an appreciation of the research potential of subjects through the choice of a viable topic for research; (b) to develop research skills as regards the location of relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases; (c) to develop the skills associated with the planning, organising and timetabling of a sustained piece of research over a period of some months; (d) to develop the skills associated with the planning, organising and timetabling of a sustained piece of research over a period of two semesters; (e) to develop academic writing skills for purposes of presenting a clear, articulate and readable account of the subject in question in a substantial written format of 8000 - 10000 words.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work There will be a number of meetings called at which students can, under supervision and guidance, discuss and compare problems they have faced and possible solutions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6