SS7P81 - Criminology Dissertation (2017/18)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Criminology Dissertation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 600 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The dissertation allows the student to undertake an independent and sustained piece of research into a substantive topic of his or her own choosing. The dissertation must include appropriate empirical research in the field of criminology and criminal justice. It must also be grounded in related criminological theories and relate to previous criminological research.
Module aims
The module enables students to investigate in depth a topic within the field of criminology and
criminal justice. Students can select their own research area, but this is subject to authorisation of
the course leader. The dissertation must include independent and original empirical research.
Students will be required to submit a formal dissertation plan by the beginning of the Spring Semester.
Once this has been approved, students will be allocated a dissertation tutor, and for the
remainder of the module, supervision of the dissertation will be conducted on an individual basis.
It is expected that pertinent knowledge and skills gained in other course modules will be reflected in the dissertation.
Syllabus
1. Authorisation of formal dissertation plan
2. Revision of dissertation plan if necessary
3. Allocation of dissertation supervisor
4. Dissertation workshops as necessary
5. Personal supervision sessions
6. Submission of dissertation
Learning and teaching
There will be initial workshop tie in taught sessions then a one to one session with the subject librarian. After that students will be self directed and guidance/advice will be given in regular one to one tutorial sessions and feedback via email/telephone.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of their chosen research topic
2. Critically evaluate their research findings
3. Be conversant with pertinent criminological theoretical frameworks
4. Have an advanced understanding of research methodology
5. Communicate their research findings in an academic style
Present their written work to
appropriate scholarly standards
Assessment strategy
Assessment centres on one dissertation document (100% of marks)
Bibliography
Davies, P. (Editor), Francis P. (Editor), Jupp V. (Editor) (2010)‘Doing Criminological Research‘ London : Sage
King R.D. and Wincup E. (2000) (eds) ‘Doing Research on Crime and Justice’, Oxford University Press
Noaks L and Wincup E (2004), 'Criminological research: understanding qualitative methods', London: Sage
Rudestam, KE and Newton RR (2001), 'Surviving your dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process', California: Thousand Oaks
Silverman D. (1999), 'Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook', London: Sage
Silverman D. (2001), 'Interpreting Qualitative Data', London: Sage
Silverman D. (ed) (2004) 'Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice' (2nd ed.) London: Sage
Swetnam, D (2004), 'Writing your dissertation: how to plan, prepare and present successful work', Oxford: How to Books
Wincup, E. (2004) Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods London: Sage