module specification

SS7PA6 - Organised Crime and Global Security Dissertation (2020/21)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2020/21
Module title Organised Crime and Global Security Dissertation
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 60
School School of Social Sciences
Total study hours 600
 
570 hours Guided independent study
30 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Coursework
Running in 2020/21

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Friday Morning

Module summary

The module enables students to investigate in depth a topic within the field of organized crime analysis and global security.  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 LO1
2. Revision of dissertation plan if necessary LO1
4. Dissertation workshops  LO2,LO3,LO4
5. Personal supervision sessions LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5,LO6
6. Submission of dissertation LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5,LO6

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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
6. Present their written work to
appropriate scholarly standards

Assessment strategy

Assessment is on one dissertation document (100% of marks).

Bibliography

Core reading

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


Swetnam, D (2004), 'Writing your dissertation: how to plan, prepare and present successful work', Oxford: How to Books
Rudestam, KE and Newton RR (2001), 'Surviving your dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process', California: Thousand Oaks




Additional reading

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


Wincup, E. (2004) Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods London: Sage