- Formulate a clear and focused research question within the investigation or policing context.
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review using academic and practitioner sources.
- Apply appropriate research methodologies and ethical principles.
- Gain ethical approval if undertaking primary research
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data to generate evidence-based insights.
- Present findings in a structured, academically rigorous dissertation.
- Articulate findings verbally to expert and non-expert audiences

1. A written research report detailing the background, methodology, results, discussion and conclusions and recommendations for further work. Students will choose a topic of their choice related to policing and formulate a research question, plan a suitable methodology, carry out primary or secondary research and analyse the data collected to complete their report.

2. You have the choice of disseminating your research project at a conference style event or undertaking a viva-voce examination. If choosing the dissemination, you will disseminate your research to professionals within the field. You may choose from presenting a poster presentation or a short verbal presentation using professional communication skills suitable for an audience of practitioners and academics. If choosing the viva-voce examination, this will entail a question and answer session on the project showing an appreciation of its findings and significance in a wider context as well as reflection on your own experience in conducting the research.

Students studying on the Professional Policing programme are subject to PSRB requirements and therefore have to achieve 40% in both elements of assessment on the module.

This module will largely be independent study by the student, supported by an allocated staff member as the your project supervisor who you will be expected to meet on a regular basis. There will be a few mandatory sessions with the module leader at the start of the module outlining core information about the module, assessments and providing supportive guidance for core elements of the research report. You will also have timetabled sessions with your supervisor and PDP group every few weeks. The PDP sessions will provide a supportive environment for guidance around aspects of research and the report and an opportunity to gain feedback from peers on the development of your research progress, the process and written elements. We will also focus in these sessions on verbal communication of research projects to prepare you for the final assessment. The remainder of timetabled sessions will be optional skills-based refreshers, student led question and answers opportunities, and writing retreats. In individual project meetings, students may provide drafts to their supervisor for feedback in order to improve the quality of their final submission.

1. Design and implement a research methodology suitable for answering a Policing or Investigation research question.

Research skills

2. Critically analyse and synthesise data and literature using appropriate digital tools to produce a coherent, evidence-based dissertation which answers the formulated research question.

Application and problem solving; Digital literacy

3. Critically reflect on the research process and the development of your research and transferable skills.

Reflection
Professional development and entrepreneurship

4. Disseminate complex research findings to professional and academic audiences.

Communication

- SPSS
- NVivo
- Qualtrics

Cottrell, S. (2017) Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide. 1st edn. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Pears, R. (2025) Cite them right : the essential referencing guide . Thirteenth edition. Edited by G.J. Shields. London; London : Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; Bloomsbury Academic.

Spooner, E. (2022) Police research and evidence-based policing . 1st ed. Edited by C. Hughes, P.M. Jones, and T. Blockley. St Albans : Critical Publishing.

Williams, K. and Reid, M. (2023) Planning Your Dissertation. Third edition. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Wisker, G. (2019) The undergraduate research handbook [electronic book]. 2nd ed. London : Red Globe Press.

Students must have passed Research methods at Level 5

Want an opportunity to explore n investigation or policing topic of your choosing in depth? Why not link the topic to the field you wish to pursue to gather more expertise for employment or choose the topic that has intrigued you most throughout your degree. This module will allow you to do just that! It provides you with the opportunity to apply advanced research skills, critically engage with academic and professional literature, and produce a substantial piece of work that demonstrates originality, analytical depth, and practical relevance all on a topic that you are passionate about.