Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Dissertation 5,000 – 8,000 words to be submitted at the end of semester 2. Submission of research report required in week 8 of semester 1. Failure to submit a satisfactory research report may result in 5 marks being deducted from the final dissertation mark. | 75% |
| Semester Assessment | Oral OR Poster Presentation (8-10 minutes) | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Poster Presentation and 1500 word summary of presentation | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Dissertation 5,000 – 8,000 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. | 75% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
To acquire the skills necessary in order to carry out research in a chosen field of law and/or 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 relevant skills modules to their chosen area of law, criminology or criminal psychology.
Carry out independent research with minimal supervision or direction.
Provide a logical and clear presentation and writing up of their findings.
Critically review and present a coherent body of knowledge to an audience.
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 6,000 – 8,000 words.
Brief description
The overall exercise involved in researching and writing the dissertation builds upon a knowledge, and training in the use, of library resources provided in Years 1 and 2 of the degree scheme. For Criminology students, it will also build on the training and practical application of the ability to understand social science methodologies as taught in the Criminology Research Skills modules. Law students will draw on the knowledge, and training in the use, of library resources provided in the Legal Skills and Research 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.
The assessment of the research report is designed to support students in their research and enable them to improve their overall performance. The module is assessed by a reading of the dissertation by the supervisor as a first marker, by another member of staff as second marker, and by an external examiner where appropriate. The dissertation is assessed applying criteria relating to the effectiveness and adequacy of the research and the written presentation of material and argument. The assessment is therefore especially concerned with the ability to work relatively independently, to locate and organise relevant research material, and to communicate effectively via written media.
Additional assessment also includes an oral or poster presentation. This will assess the students ability to communicate clearly an overview of their research and findings to date.
Content
This is set by the student on advice and approval from staff.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Enhanced capacity for independent and critical thought. |
| 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 presentation which is required for the undergraduate conference in 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 6,000 – 8,000 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