1.Act autonomously in designing a research project that critically evaluates a problem or issue to a professional standard. The topic should be relevant to the title of the programme and should meet the University’s ethical guidelines
2.Devise and conduct an appropriate research methodology to investigate the problem or issue, reviewing pertinent literature, analysing primary and/or secondary data to an appropriate depth and demonstrating strategic awareness within the discipline.
3.Critically reflect on the process of undertaking a significant piece of independent research using the ideas and concepts from the course and plan their future development.

The research project and dissertation module will provide the student with the opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during the course, by means of an extensive investigation of a significant management area. The module provides an opportunity for those studying any of the specialist programmes to explore an in-depth topic relevant to that programme. It also provides the opportunity for students to reflect on the research experience and use what they have learned to guide their future development via a reflective statement and development plan.
As a result of developing and applying an analytical framework based on a specialist issue, participants will be able to enhance their own competencies for undertaking future research or analysis.
Consequently, participants will be better able to evaluate the research analysis carried out by others and better able to plan their own personal and professional development.

The module is delivered by way of online lectures (synchronous and asynchronous), which provides students with a comprehensive knowledge and skills in strategic problem solving, independent research, methodology, analysis, development of knowledge and application of organisational change.
Detailed pre-reading will be required before taught sessions, and students will be supervised as they seek to develop ideas for their Independent Studies
Students will gain formative feedback by a series of groups tasks that will be administered within the seminars.
Candidates will receive tuition on referencing technique in the social sciences, guidance on the avoidance of plagiarism, and all submitted coursework by MSc candidates will be expected to systematically follow the Harvard referencing system.
Additionally, Students will have up to 10 hours of their research project supervisors time; supervisors will offer mentoring throughout the research, dissertation and assessment process, read work and provide feedback. This time will also include advising on the viva voce requirements.

Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project. 4th edition , Milton Keynes Open University Press.
Biggam, J. (2011) Succeeding with you Master’s dissertation ; A step-by-step handbook. Maidenhead ;Open University Press.
Bryman, A. (2008). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Crow, I. and Semmens, N. (2008) Researching Criminology. London: Sage Publications.
Easterby-Smith, M.,Thorpe, R. & Jackson, P., A. (2012) Management Research: An Introduction. 4th Ed. London. Sage Publications.
Jesson, J.K., Matheson, L., & Lacey, F.M. (2011) Doing Your Literature Review. London: Sage
Henn, M., Weinstein, M., and Foard, N. (2009) A Critical Introduction to Social Research (2nd edn). London: Sage Publications
Jupp, V., Davies, P., and Francis, P. (ed) (2000) Doing Criminological Research. London: Sage Publications
Kumar, R. (2010) Research Methodology. 3rd Ed. London: Sage.
Lancaster, G. (2008) Research Methods in Management. 2nd Ed. Oxford. Elsevier.
Moon, J. (2004) A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice. UK. Routledge
Partington, D. Ed. (2003) Essential Skills for Research Management. London. Sage.
Punch, K.F. (2006) Developing effective research proposals. London: Sage
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research (2nd edn).Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
Sekaran, U. (20013) Research Methods for Business: A skills Building Approach. 6th Ed. Danvers. Wiley.
Silverman, D. (ed). (2011). Qualitative Research. 3rd Edition. London: Sage Publications.
Please also see the suggested texts within the Applied Research Methods module

During this module, you will be encouraged to utilise Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support your learning. You will be invited to collaborate with students and academic staff virtually through Microsoft Teams. You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, lecture slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our¿Library¿and¿specialist¿databases.

1. Students will complete a research project based upon the contextually relevant research problem/issue forming the research proposal submitted as part of the Applied Research module in year one and progressed during year two, supported by a research supervisor; 15000-word academic dissertation. LO’s 1 and 2 addressed.

2. Students will deliver a 15 minute presentation which outlines the salient aspects of their research project with recommendations for future research and personal learning reflections, which will be followed by a 15 minute viva voce defence of their research project. LO’s 2 and 3 addressed

- The independent research project represents a major learning experience for participants, providing an opportunity to pursue in considerable depth and with suitable academic rigour a specific area of police leadership/management/relate and/or strategy, building on the study of relevant concepts, models and paradigms.

- Each student will be supervised by a research supervisor, appointed by the Institute of Policing.. Students will ethically develop their research proposal following University guidelines.

- The final work will comprise a dissertation or action-based study, which upon successful completion will be followed by a viva voce/presentation

- This whole process will normally be independently assessed by two tutors, one of whom will be the Independent Study Supervisor. The work may take the form of dissertation or action-based study.