
Course unit details:
Dissertation
Unit code | CRIM65000 |
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Credit rating | 60 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Aims
With the guidance of an assigned supervisor, students are asked to produce one of the following with the expectation that most students will choose 1a or 1b:
1.a. A small piece of empirical research – only to be attempted if seen to be feasible in an initial meeting (in March) with the assigned supervisor or
b. Secondary analysis of an existing dataset (eg BCS or other data held by ESDS.) This must be agreed in an initial meeting in March and accessed by the student.
2. A research proposal. This will include a critical review of the literature and a research proposal detailing methods, ethical considerations and limitations of the proposed study. This option is only possible with prior approval from your supervisor.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning across course units consists of: (1) preparatory work to be completed prior to teaching sessions, including readings, pre-recorded subject material and online activities; (2) a weekly whole-class lecture or workshop; (3) a tutorial; and (4) one-to-one support via subject specific office hours.
Knowledge and understanding
Students will understand the core elements of research design, as well as developing specialist expertise on a self-selected area of criminology.
Intellectual skills
Develop capacity to formulate research questions, plan research designs, and conduct original literature-based or empirical research.
Practical skills
Dissertation planning, research design, critical analysis
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Evidence-gathering, literature reviewing, critical thinking, creativity, writing
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Dissertation | 100% |
Feedback methods
Students receive written feedback in the text of the dissertation as well as commentary at the conclusion of the dissertation.
Study hours
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 600 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Nico Trajtenberg | Unit coordinator |