In this module, you will be introduced to a range of high-profile criminal case studies and consider the criminological, policing and forensic perspectives in the context of each case. Taught content will focus on two core case studies and the third case study will be chosen by your group from a pre-defined list and will be the focus of the practical workshops and module assessment. Example case studies could include Hillsborough, Stephen Lawrence, Jill Dando or Dunblane shooting with one of the cases being a miscarriage of justice and another being an international case. The details of each case will be shared together with an explanation of the subsequent police investigation, range and use of forensic evidence and how this case was presented in court. Relevant issues, challenges and questions arising in each case will be identified and discussed along with how this case influenced change and may have impacted on public opinions.

You will work in multidisciplinary teams throughout the module to share subject specific knowledge and perspectives and build social and professional networks across our criminal justice courses. Practical workshops will provide you with a "hands on" experience and problem-based learning activities will introduce you to software-based data collection method (such as Qualtrics) so you can gather students’ opinions related to the third case study. Working as a group, you will explore, analyse, interpret and discuss the findings of your research-based activity. You will work in both physical and virtual learning spaces to develop digital competency and produce a 5 minute video demonstrating your skills in processing and verbally communicating the outcomes of your research using contemporary data gathering techniques.

This module will also be supported by academic mentoring sessions that develop your academic skills and will help you transition into university. This interdisciplinary approach will equip you with the skills you need to consider, evaluate and communicate your opinions with diverse audiences and appreciate other sectors of the criminal justice. It also provides the opportunity for you to consider the ethical implications of research, critically evaluate your skills and conduct concise reflective practice in the criminal justice and case study context.

Summative assessment:

1) Audio-visual presentation (90%) - Using the knowledge gained and group work conducted during the practical sessions in this module, you will produce an individual video that summarises the case study selected, the research method and findings in the context of your subject discipline. This assessment will be no longer than 5 minutes in duration (LOs 1-4).

2) Self-reflection (10%) - The video is accompanied by a 100 word self-reflection focusing on the research-related skills you have developed during this module. You will write a concise appraisal for three specific skills, providing the evidence that supports your claim and a specific action that would further improve each skill for the future (LO 5).

Formative assessment:

Formative assessment and feedback will be provided through questions and activities posed before, during and/or after relevant taught classes.

Interactive lectures (10 x 2h in Semester 1) will provide the details, approaches, challenges and opportunities/actions that have/will change the criminal justice system from criminology, policing and forensic perspectives, as well as providing opportunities for assignment support and multi-disciplinary discussion.

Workshop activities (5 x 2h in Semester 1) will be conducted in small interdisciplinary groups to introduce the foundational concepts of research and facilitate the development of skills in gathering, handling and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.

Tutorial activities (9 x 2h across Semester 1 & 2) will be held in small subject-specific groups with students’ academic mentors to develop key academic skills and provide pastoral support to help them succeed and transition into university.

The remaining 152 hours will involve directed reading, independent study and groupwork to discuss the case studies, design and produce their audio-visual presentations to support understanding and application of the topics and perspectives taught in this module.

1. Discuss the factors that can influence the success of criminal justice outcomes in the context of national and international crimes from various criminal justice perspectives.

1) Knowledge & Understanding
2) Learning

2. Demonstrate an understanding of how to gather research data in a criminal justice context, and with specific emphasis on your subject discipline.

1) Knowledge & Understanding
2) Learning
3) Enquiry

3. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of how information sources can influence individuals’ thoughts and opinions in the context of a real-world case.

3) Enquiry
4) Analysis
7) Application

4. Create and communicate your research findings in the form of an audio-visual presentation, appropriately interpreting themes from your research and showing understanding of their significance in a criminal justice context.

2) Learning
5) Problem Solving
6) Communication

5. Assess and appraise your personal skill development and learning achievements.

6) Communication
8) Reflection

Appropriately equipped IT laboratory with computer access for student tutorials. All IT terminals equipped with software (Qualtrics, Chrome & Microsoft Teams) necessary for the module. Appropriate room capacity for workshops and tutorials equipped with facilities for power point and other visual presentations.

Barbour, R.S. (2014). Introducing qualitative research: a student ’s guide. 2nd ed. London: Sage
Chatfield, T. (2018). Critical Thinking. London: Sage Publishing.
Cottrell, S. (2017). Palgrave Study Skills. Critical Thinking Skills. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hagan, F. E. (2014). Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology 9th ed. Harlow: Pearson.
Jackson, A.R.W. & Jackson, J. (2016). Forensic Science 4th ed. Harlow: Pearson.
Silverman, D. (2013). Doing qualitative research: a practical handbook. 4th ed. London: SAGE
Silverman, D. (2015). Interpreting qualitative data. 5th ed. London: SAGE

Entry to Level 4 of a relevant award offered by criminology, policing or forensics.