What will I learn on this module?
The module provides an opportunity for you to independently pursue your own piece of research based on work experience with an agency or organisation such as a police force, prison, youth offending team or voluntary sector organisation. You can also gain experience of research by working with a member of academic staff. With the support of a dissertation supervisor, you will seek to answer a research question either by collecting your own data, using existing data sets or by engaging in an analysis of the research literature. Your chosen topic will be linked to your work experience. You will draw on and develop your research skills and on completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate the following: an extensive knowledge on your chosen dissertation topic, successful execution of a research project, the ability to set and explore a focused research question, the capacity to develop a structured and analytical argument; an aptitude for the application of theory and methodology; and an understanding of the ethical considerations of conducting your own research.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be supported and will learn in three keyways on this module: (i) you will attend workshops delivered by a lecturer in your discipline about how to do a dissertation (ii) you will be allocated your own dissertation supervisor who will support you through the process of completing your work experience and dissertation (iii) and finally independent learning through searching out relevant literature, resources, information and data.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Developing your ability to reflect informatively and think critically about the process of completing a research project on a focused topic is central to this module. This module will enable you to make informed decisions about how best to complete research – an important employability skill. In addition, you will learn how to apply analytical skills to evaluate existing published research. In addition to your intellectual development, you will receive support from your peers in the classroom, from your module tutor and your dissertation supervisor throughout the module. The module tutor will also be responsible for negotiating suitable work experience for you, for visiting you at the site of your work experience and for discussing any difficulties that may arise in the course of the experience. You will also receive mentoring and guidance by practitioners as part of your placement experience.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. To have an extensive knowledge of a particular topic (including an analytical understanding relevant theory and concepts) related to work experience undertaken within an agency or organisation related to criminal justice/criminology.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. To develop and demonstrate rigorous and robust research skills and a competency for evaluating the research of others.
2. To understand and apply the importance of an ethical approach to research.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. To take responsibility for independent learning and enquiry.
How will I be assessed?
There are three summative assessment components to this module:
1. Satisfactory completion of work experience. Form to be completed by employer.
2. Dissertation Presentation (30%).
3. Dissertation – 8,000 words (70%).
All MLOs will be assessed in both forms of assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code LM39
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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