This module provides an opportunity to undertake an original piece of research under the supervision of an experienced member of the criminology team. Independently, students will investigate a contemporary research problem which relates to a key issue or problem encountered on their specific MA course which could be related to their profession or their particular organisation, or an organisation they would like to work within when they finish their studies.

Students will receive guidance to support their search for and develop a coherent review of the relevant research literature that supports the justification of researching a specific area of enquiry and formulate a research question.

With their chosen supervisor, students will write a research proposal that captures the key take home messages from their review of the literature that justifies their investigation. It will also include a justification for the choice of methods employed to carry out the investigation and how this technique will generate data that answers the project research question. Alongside this research proposal, students will submit an ethics form to the ethics committee.

Students will meet their supervisor regularly (face to face or virtually) to discuss the progress of their dissertation. The supervisor will provide feedback on key pieces of draft dissertation chapters at set stages in the process. This mechanism offers formative assessment and feedback on their coursework

Students will produce a logical discussion that features clear themes/patterns in the data and clearly communicated set of conclusions in the form of a 15,000 word dissertation.

A dissertation of 15,000 words (meets university learning outcomes 1-5).

There will be several ‘refresher’ sessions on this module on how to conduct research. But the majority of students learning will consist of an independent investigation of a contemporary research problem related to an issue encountered on their respective MA programme.

This module will be based on flexible learning materials delivered using the Blackboard virtual learning environment and selected readings provided in a) a limited number of course texts b) e-reading packs of selected articles and book chapters or c) e-books, e-journal articles and online news coverage.

Students will also be expected to draw on materials and course packs available from their former core and optional modules which will offer context on some of the issues students are proposing to study.

The Blackboard environment will provide a context for:

Accessing learning materials (e.g. pre-recorded podcast lectures, written guides and templates, course pack of reading materials) housed on the virtual learning environment.

A timetable that supports the student to manage their dissertation project. The timetable guides the student through the completion of various written tasks and draft dissertation chapters (e.g. 500-word summary of the proposed dissertation project, a 3,000-word review of relevant literature, a 1,500 word research proposal, ethics form, methods chapter, and findings/discussion chapters).

Students will be assigned a supervisor from the Criminology team.

Learners to access guidance on on-line resources available via the web and the university’s e-resources pages.

The course-pack of readings will provide:
A series of different readings that offer guidance for structuring a dissertation and project design. Learners will be expected to engage fully and critically with the resources and activities that are provided and to engage in detailed discussion with their supervisor.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a specific topic, including a critical and comparative review of the relevant research, empirical findings, theoretical perspectives, arguments and debates in the area.

Knowledge & Understanding;
Learning

2. Demonstrate the ability to plan an original piece of research, formulate a research plan and rigorously revise the research in the light of changing circumstances or evidence.

Analysis; Reflection

3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relevant methodological literature, an ability to select and apply appropriate research methods, and an awareness and practical application of the ethical requirements of research.

Application; Knowledge & Understanding

4. Demonstrate a critical understanding and assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the management of the research process and its procedures.

Enquiry; Problem Solving; Reflection

5. Communicate findings in a systematic and scholarly way with due attention to academic formalities, the need for a high standard of presentation and organisation, and the complexities of selecting and interpreting research evidence.

Communication

University Library ebrary resources Blackboard
A networked computer capable of accessing the internet and running applications such as Blackboard and Adobe Acrobat
An internet service provider (ISP)
A Word Processor compatible with Microsoft Word
The VLE learning environment will be available and fully resourced to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

Bell, J (2014) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers. 6th edition. Maidenhead: Open University.
Bryman, A (2015) Social Research Methods. 4th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
May, T (2011) Social Research, issues, methods and process. 4th edition. Buckingham: Open University Press.
OLeary, Z (2014) The Essential Guide to doing your Research Project. 2nd edition. London: Sage.
Ritchie, J Lewis, J McNaughton, C & Ormston, R (2014) Qualitative Research Practice. A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. 2nd Edition. London: Sage.
Thomas, G (2013) How to do your Research Project. A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences. 2nd Edition. London: Sage.