Students apply concepts, theories and research techniques to a selected criminological topic with the benefit of supervision from staff. The aim is to integrate learning across the criminological domain to compile a critical review of the literature in a selected area of study, to apply practical research skills to the process, and to engage in reflective and critical analysis in the write-up of the data. On completion of the research methods module, students will commence formal supervision with a staff member on the programme. Students will receive guidance and feedback on issues such as the structure and content of the literature review, refining and finalising the research question/hypothesis and research plan, designing data collection instruments, data collection methods and analysis. Feedback will be provided to students through structured supervision meetings and in written format
Reviewing and structuring literature
Refining the research question/hypothesis
Choosing an appropriate research design and methodology
Data collection
Data analysis
Access and ethical issues
Writing the dissertation
The supervisor acts as an academic soundboard for the student’s ideas, ensures the overall project is advancing and provides feedback and appropriate direction. The supervisor provides comment on draft material to ensure that:
there is required rigour, breadth and depth;
the overall structure of the work is coherent;
there is relevance and appropriate referencing;
the candidate is using the correct academic style and approach.
Detailed referencing and writing guidance is available in the Research Handbook for Postgraduate Students. A logbook is also provided to students to record meetings, agreed tasks and plans of work.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |