SS7P00 - Security Studies Dissertation (2019/20)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2019/20 | ||||||||
| Module title | Security Studies Dissertation | ||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 60 | ||||||||
| School | Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 600 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2019/20(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
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 extended piece of empirical or theoretical research on a topic in the security studies field.
Prior learning requirements
GI7069 , SS7088, SS7086
Module aims
The module enables students to investigate in depth a topic within the field of Security Studies. 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. 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. Methodology workshops (1)
3. Methodology workshops (2)
4. Revision of dissertation plan if necessary
5. Allocation of dissertation supervisor
6. Dissertation workshops as necessary
7. Personal supervision sessions
8. 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 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
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Bolker,J (1998) Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day, Owl Books, US, .
Bouma, Gary D. and Atkinson, G.B.J, (1995)A handbook of social science research, 2nd edition, (oxford: Oxford University Press
Davies, P. (Editor), Francis P. (Editor), Jupp V. (Editor) (2010)‘Doing Criminological Research‘ London : Sage
Dawson,C. (2009) Introduction to Research Methods: A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project, How to Books Ltd., 4th Edition,.
Hart,C .(2004) Doing Your Masters Dissertation (Essential Study Skills Series), Sage Publications Ltd., December .
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Hampson, Liz,(1994) How's your dissertation going? Students share the rough reality of dissertation and project work. Lancaster.
King R.D. and Wincup E. (2000) (eds) ‘Doing Research on Crime and Justice’, Oxford University Press
Marsh, David, Stoker, Gerry (ed.),(1995) Theory and methods in Political Science (London: Macmillan,
Noaks L and Wincup E (2004), 'Criminological research: understanding qualitative methods', London: Sage
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Swetnam, D (2004), 'Writing your dissertation: how to plan, prepare and present successful work', Oxford: How to Books
Turabian, Kate L.,(1996) (revised by John Grossman and Alice Bernstein), A manual for writers of term papers, theses and dissertations, 6th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press,
Wincup, E. (2004) Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods London: Sage