CM1S016 - Becoming a Criminologist 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: CM1S016
Module Title: Becoming a Criminologist
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Post Compulsory Education
Module Leader: Sophie Chambers, Helen Martin
Module Team: Katrina Whale
First Intended Intake: SEP 2022 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

This module aims to provide students with:
1. An understanding of the nature and appropriate use of quantitative and qualitative research strategies and data collection methods in gaining criminological knowledge.
2. An ability to design research appropriately and use appropriate research tools in relation to criminological problems in context
3. An ability to identify the ethical issues in research into criminological questions and to take action within the Guidelines of Ethical Practice for Criminology.

Content Summary

This module aims to give students experience of using social scientific research methods, through the investigation of a social problem(s), identified by an industry partner (for example, from criminal justice system, local authority, or third sector agency). This module therefore incorporates challenge-based learning throughout. Students will actively learn how to conduct research, including writing a research proposal and research questions, deciding upon appropriate research strategies, designs, sampling, and methods, before applying for Faculty ethical approval, and distributing their data collection tools.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Supervised time in studio/workshop 30
Fieldwork 10
Independent Study 40
Directed Study 50
Formative Assessment - Independent 10
Problem / challenge based learning 40
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Identify a range of qualitative and quantitative research strategies and data collection methods, and assess the appropriateness of<br />their use in gaining criminological knowledge
LO2 Demonstrate the ability to design research, select appropriate research strategies and apply research tools appropriately, taking account of relevant ethical considerations in the context of a<br />specific criminological problem

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1 A group research proposal, outlining the strategy, design, sampling, and data collection tools proposed to be used to research a problem posed by an industry partner. Included within this is the Faculty ethical approval form (not counted in word count) 0 3000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1

Reading List

Bryman, A. et al (2021) Bryman’s social research methods Oxford: Oxford university press

Case, S., Johnson, P., Manlow, D., Smith, R., and Williams, K. (2017) Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chapters 1, 2, and 28.

Caulfied, L. and Hill, . (2018) Criminological Research for Beginners: A Student’s Guide. Abingdon: Routledge

Davies, P., Francis, P. and Jupp, V. (2018) Doing Criminological Research London: Sage Gilbert, N. and Stoneman, P. (2016) Researching Social Life London: Sage

Maxfield, M. and Babbie, E. (2016) Basics of Research methods for criminal justice and criminology Thomson/Wadsworth

Maxfield, M. and Babbie, E. (2018) Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology (Wadsworth: Cengage Learning

Newburn, T. (2017) Criminology London: Routledge. Chapters 37 and 38 Sarantakos, S. (2017) Social Research Hampshire: Palgrave
Westmarland, L. (2011) Researching Crime and Justice: Tales from the Field. Oxford: Routledge