This module develops practical research skills through a participatory group project, guiding students through the full mixed-methods research process. Working collaboratively, students will design and conduct an ethically sound study, collect and analyse data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and produce evidence-informed recommendations to influence policy and practice. The module will include topics such as:

Philosophical and participatory foundations of research design
Co-designing an ethically approved mixed-methods research project
Applying for ethical approval and understanding research governance
Quantitative data collection and survey design
Data analysis using descriptive and basic inferential statistics with software tools
Qualitative data collection methods
Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, creative techniques, world café
Qualitative data analysis using thematic or narrative approaches
Strategies for disseminating research findings to influence policy and practice
Reporting research outcomes and co-producing evidence-based recommendations
Professional research practice: collaborative teamwork and independent project delivery

There are two assessments for this module. The first assessment is a critical literature review of the research topic under investigation. This assessment will be submitted at an early point in the module.

The second assessment is an individual research report based on a mixed methods research design. For this assessment students will start working in groups to design their research question and the tools for data collection (e.g. interview schedule/ questionnaire). Students will then share the data collected with those in their group (e.g. each interview one person) for individual analysis and report write up. This assessment will be submitted at the end of the module.

All sessions are taught in person with students attending weekly timetabled sessions delivered through a mixture of lectures, workshops and tutorials. Students are required to undertake preparation for each session and undertake follow-up tasks related to their mixed methods participatory group research project. Each lecture will have supplementary short videos and associated reading to help prepare the students to engage in preparation and follow-up activities. Classroom time will be used for interactive, higher-order activities like, discussions, tasks and collaborative projects with facilitated academic guidance. This approach maximizes face-to-face time for deeper application and analysis. Students will be coached in class-time to undertake their mixed methods participatory group research project. Towards the end of the lecture series, students will learn from one another through a series of student-delivered and assessed presentations outlining the key findings from their respective research projects.

1. Conduct literature research on a research topic you have identified.

Research Skills

2. Co-design and implement a mixed methods research project with application of a range of criminology data collection approaches.

Research skills; Critical reasoning & Collaboration

3. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using different analysis techniques, including the use of digital software in the process.

Research skills; Digital literacy

4. Communicate research findings and your reflections on the data and research process.

Communication; Reflection

Creaney, S., and Burns, S (eds) (2026) Co-production and Youth Justice. Routledge.
Bachman, R. D. and Schutt, R.K. (2019) The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Sage.
Braun, V., and Clarke, V. (2022) Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. Sage.
Kara, H. (2018) Research Ethics in the Real World.6th Ed. Policy Press
O’Reilly, K. (2025) Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone: An Essential Toolkit. Policy Press

How do we establish facts and compile research evidence? How do we collect and analyse data? How do we present findings to influence changes to policy and practice?

In this module you will work as an individual and in a group to co-design and deliver an ethically robust mixed methods participatory research project. You will consider the strengths and weaknesses of a range of data collection and analysis approaches. You will consider the philosophical and participatory start points of the research project and the most suitable methods to employ to gather meaningful quantitative and qualitative data. You will apply for and obtain ethical approval. You will learn how to analyse the data and convey key messages from the data to relevant stakeholders. You will produce a series of recommendations for policy and practice changes that are informed by the research evidence that you have collected. You will present your findings and recommendations via a report.