1. Evidence the application and operation of current research and analytical techniques with an emphasis on policing and criminal investigation evidence-based research (Evidence Based Policing).

2. Design, plan and execute research, proficiently utilising research methods for data collection.

3. Apply and interpret analysis to data.

4. Effectively communicate research results.

1. Students will undertake a qualitative assessment demonstrating their knowledge and skills of qualitative research methods and analysis (1,500 words; 50%), addressing learning outcomes 1,2,3&4.

2. In groups, students will design a questionnaire and collect data from their class peers. They will then independently analyse data they have collected using statistical tests and write a mini research report about the project (1,500 words; 50%), addressing learning outcomes 1,2,3&4.

This module is designed to equip the student with knowledge and understanding of research development: from the initial research idea; to formulating a research question; research methods utilised for a policing context; and finally, methods of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The module also provides students with invaluable practical application of data collection methods and experience of data handling techniques. This module builds upon skills acquired in the level 4 module, Academic Study Skills, enhancing students' knowledge and application of Evidence Based Policing practice.

This module will include:

How to systematically review and critically evaluate evidence

Reviewing and assessing literature

Planning of research activities

Understanding of research methodologies and approaches

Apply qualitative and quantitative research techniques


College of Policing curriculum content:
Evidence Based Policing – 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
Research Methods and Skills – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 5.5, 12.1, 12.2

This module is designed to equip the student with knowledge and understanding of research development: from the initial research idea; to formulating a research question; research methods utilised for a policing context; and finally, methods of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The module also provides students with invaluable practical application of data collection methods and experience of data handling techniques. This module builds upon skills acquired in the level 4 module, Academic Study Skills, enhancing students' knowledge and application of Evidence Based Policing practice.

The module will be delivered through a series of lectures, tutorial and practical sessions and complimented with PDP tutorials delivered by the dedicated personal tutor students were allocated in level 4. PDP sessions will encompass a mixture of pastoral support and professional development material as well as enhancing the knowledge and understanding of topics covered during the module.

Lectures will be led by the lecturer and used to deliver key concepts and learning within the module content. During these sessions, there will be interactive elements such as quizzes, short discussions, students asked for their thoughts or viewpoint and opportunities to ask questions to the lecturer.

Tutorial sessions will based around student centred learning, group discussions and case study exploration to aide students learning on the module.

Practical sessions will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical learning to given situations and reflect on their skills development and application of knowledge.


26 x 2-hour lectures/tutorials/practical sessions

8 x 2-hour PDP sessions

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via Blackboard and during teaching sessions.

Knapp, H. (2017). Introductory Statistics Using SPSS. London: Sage Publications.

Pallant, S. (2016). SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. 6th ed. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill.

Silverman, D. (2017). Doing Qualitative Research. 5th Ed. London: Sage Publications

Silverman, D. (2015). Interpreting qualitative data. 5th ed. London: SAGE

Additional reading available from the online reading list.

Module Handbook, Lecture room equipped with PowerPoint, White Board, VLE and other Presentation provisions. The use, during data handling tutorial classes of a computer laboratory with 1 networked PC per student. These PCs will have to be equipped with SPSS, NVivo and Microsoft Excel and the same versions of this software will have to be available to the students outside of class time. Students will have access to the necessary presentation equipment (e.g. PowerPoint, laptop and projector) for their personal presentations.