BASS Politics and Criminology

Social research plays an important part in our understanding of the social world, and in everyday policy debates.  It is vital, therefore, that students have a critical knowledge of the various methods social researchers use to collect data and make sense of the world.  This module will provide students with an appreciation of the purpose and practice of social research with a focus upon the research methods most often used to study crime and criminal justice. 

Indicative content: (1) Introduction to the course; (2) Quantitative methodologies (3) Quantitative research design; (4) Quantitative research sampling and quality; (5) Ethics in research and key issues in qualitative research; (6) Qualitative interviewing; (7) Ethnography; (8) Visual and alternative research approaches; (9) Mixed methods research; (10) Course review & assignment support.

no pre-requisites.

This course unit aims to (1) introduce students to the purpose, principles and practice of research in criminology; (2) furnish students with an appreciation of the diversity and scope of the methods used; (3) give students a critical appreciation of the strengths and limitations of various research methods; (4) provide students with the skills necessary to carry out research; 5) To develop students autonomy and independence as learners.

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to: (1) understand the intellectual roots of empirical enquiry; (2) appreciate key distinctions and traditions in social research; (3) understand the stages of the research process and apply them to criminological research; (4) identify the range of methods and research designs used in criminology; 5) demonstrate a critical awareness of the key features of, advantages and limitations of different approaches and key studies; 6) be in a position to undertake primary research in the future; 7) be in a position to think independently and work collaboratively with confidence.

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.

The assessment consists of a 2,500 word essay (in the form of a research proposal) worth 100% of your final mark.

Formative feedback (both individual and collective) will be given on (1) on tasks and contribution in class, (2) developing essay plans. Summative feedback will be given on the submitted essay via Blackboard (Grademark).

Davies, P. & Francis, P. (2018) Doing Criminological Research (Third Edition).  London: Sage.

Across their course units each semester, full-time students are expected to devote a ‘working week’ of around 30-35 hours to study. Accordingly each course unit demands around 10-11 hours of study per week consisting of (i) 3 timetabled teacher-led hours, (ii) 7-8 independent study hours devoted to preparation, required and further reading, and note taking.

Restricted to: BA (Criminology) and LLB (Law with Criminology) students for which this subject is compulsory. 

This course is available to incoming study abroad students university wide.

No pre-requisites