CM3D03 - Criminal Justice Inquiry: Dissertation 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | CM3D03 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Criminal Justice Inquiry: Dissertation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Life Sciences and Education | ||
| Faculty Group: | Policing and Criminology | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Criminology | ||
| Module Leader: | Jennifer Maher | ||
| Module Team: | Daniel Welch, Helen Martin | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2024 | Final Year of Intake: | 2029 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 40 | Credit Level: | 6 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100484 - criminology | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2024 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2030 |
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to enhance students' comprehension of the processes involved in designing and conducting a social science research study within the field of criminal justice. It aims to cultivate students' capacity to critically assess research, including engaging in critical discussions regarding the implications for policy and practice. The module seeks to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of research approaches and research skills to their own research project.
Content Summary
This module will provide students with the opportunity to implement their knowledge and skills that have been obtained from the Level 5 research methods modules.
This module builds upon the wide range of research techniques and methodologies, which is aimed at fostering students' ability to engage in meaningful research and contribute to evidence-based practices and policy development within the criminal justice sector. The content outlined below will be mainly provided to students through a Blended-delivery format, and will be based upon provision carried out at level 5:
Module Content Summary:
Introduction to Research in Criminal Justice:
Formulating research questions or hypotheses
Developing research aims and objectives.
Analysing research literature in criminal justice:
Identifying strengths and limitations in previous studies
Assessing the implications of existing research for policy and practice
Applying Research Skills
Research Design and Methodology
Exploring qualitative and quantitative research approaches
Experimental and non-experimental research designs
Data Collection Methods
Survey research and questionnaires.
Interviews and focus groups.
Observational research.
Content analysis and document review
Secondary data sources.
Ethical Considerations in Criminal Justice Research:
The ethical review processes.
Informed consent and confidentiality
Ethical issues related to vulnerable populations.
Critical Evaluation of Existing Research
Ethical considerations in criminal justice research
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Quantitative data analysis techniques
Qualitative data analysis methods
Mixed methods research?
Drawing meaningful conclusions from data
Presenting Research Findings
Effective communication of research results
Effective presenting the research findings.
Reflecting on challenges and successes in the research
The emphasis of this module is to develop competence in research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation to contribute to the ongoing developments and improvement of the criminal justice field.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Project Supervision | 4 |
| Practical Classes and Workshops | 10 |
| Independent Study | 354 |
| Directed Study (including online independent learning) | 32 |
| Total Hours Selected | 400 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Independently plan, design, implement, and report on research carried out within a Criminal Justice field. |
| LO2 | Display advanced research skills by critically analysing, interpreting, and organising relevant data / research findings from a chosen field of specialisation with limited guidance from a supervisor |
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 research project carried out by the student based on Primary Research / Secondary | 0 | 10000 | 80 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Oral Assessment (Internally assessed, Onsite) 1 | A presentation as part of a “conference” event to allow a student to represent and reflect on their project | 20 | N/A | 20 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oral Assessment (Internally assessed, Onsite) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |