Module Information

Module Identifier

LC30100

Module Title

Empirically Based Criminology Dissertation

Academic Year

2025/2026

Co-ordinator

Semester

Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Pre-Requisite

Exclusive (Any Acad Year)

Other Staff

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Dissertation 10,000 - 12,000 words	85%
Semester Assessment	Conference presentation Oral or poster presentation at student conference (8-10 minutes)	15%
Supplementary Assessment	Dissertation (10,000 - 12,000 words)	85%
Supplementary Assessment	Poster presention and presentation summary (1500 words)	15%

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

Design a research question which is able to be tested through an empirical project.

Demonstrate an ability to place that question within a theoretical context.

Demonstrate the ability to carry out an effective literature review.

Demonstrate an ability to choose and design the methodology which will best throw light on the research question(s).

Identify and deal with common methodological problems.

Collect data.

Analyse and critically evaluate research data.

Demonstrate the ability to interpret findings.

Draw conclusions based on the findings.

Ensure that the conclusions reached are clearly supported by the data.

Place findings in the broader context of theory and policy.

Provide a logical and clear presentation and writing up of their findings.

Critically review and present a coherent body of knowledge to an audience.

This module will enable students to design carry out and write up a rigorous empirical research project in Criminology.

The research topic is chosen by the student on advice from staff.

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	Students will be expected to collect and analyse data.
Communication	Students are expected to submit written work in the form of their dissertations and oral communication skills will be assessed through presentations.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Students will be encouraged to practice and test their own learning and ability to use and interact with the materials through interactive learning in session.
Information Technology	Preparation for the assignments will require use of the library databases and other electronic databases and software.
Personal Development and Career planning	The empirical dissertation is a good pathway toward gaining the skills necessary for their future employment and/or postgraduate careers.
Problem solving	Finding data and resources.
Research skills	Criminology necessarily involves an interdisciplinary approach therefore students will be introduced to research tools in a number of different subject areas. They will be supported and encouraged develop research skills over these areas. They will be encouraged to read widely and to locate materials both in the library and on-line.
Subject Specific Skills	Research skills including: database searches, collection methods, analysis and writing up.
Team work	During seminars students may work together on a topic.

This module is at CQFW Level 6