1. Demonstrate the ability to devise, plan and execute extended independent work
Enquiry & learning

2. Critically assess the topic in the context of previous work, ethics and current literature.
Analysis and Knowledge & Understanding

3. Analyse data critically, interpret a range of novel results making use of initiative and originality of thinking to draw justified conclusions
Application & Problem solving

4. Demonstrate skills in the writing of a coherent and structured manuscript.
Analysis, application and communication

5. Synthesise and present key aspects of research findings in a manner and standard professionally associated with the subject specialism (publishing, presenting, or exhibiting, as appropriate)
Analysis, communication and reflection

Project proposal (1,500 words) outlining initial ideas on the project which should contain a summary of the background to the topic, an initial plan of work with appropriate risk assessment and ethics considerations (15%), addressing outcomes 1,2.

A literature review (5,000 words) will critically analyse the research topic in the context of previous work and current literature, addressing outcome 2.

A draft manuscript (8,000 words) detailing the background, methodology, experimental programme, results and discussion and conclusions and recommendations for further work in accordance with accepted criteria of a journal relevant to the students’ practice, (50%) addressing outcomes 1-5.

Oral presentation of research work. The student will prepare and deliver a short presentation of their research suitable for an academic audience, (15%) addressing outcomes 2, 3 and 5.

This module requires students to undertake an independent piece of research in their chosen field (Law, Policing, Criminal Justice or Forensic Science). The study will be carried out independently and will demand dedication, initiative and originality. Students will conduct their research and gather results pertinent to an agreed topic within the overall discipline. The results will need to be evaluated, appraised, and discussed and conclusions derived. In preparation for the study students will need to carry out an extensive literature search. The literature search and draft manuscript contribute 70% of the marks for the module.

Students will be taught using a range of methods through distance learning techniques. The module will rely heavily on the students’ engaging on a regular basis with their tutors in order to develop ideas for research, plan and carry out their independent research project.

Davies, M. and Hughes, N. (2014). Doing a successful research project using qualitative and quantitative methods. 2nd Edition. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Gastel, B. and Day, R. (2016) How to Write and publish a Scientific Paper, 8th Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Wisker, G. (2008). Palgrave research skills. The Postgraduate research handbook. 2nd Edition. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Wisker, G. (2015). Getting published: academic publishing success. London, Palgrave Macmillan.

Additional reading available from the online reading list.

University library for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals.
Materials and resources on the module VLE.
Access to academic study skills tutors and resources.
Access to subject librarians for additional support.
Supervisory team
Skype or teleconferencing and video or podcast technology.