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, which should last normally 80 hours. 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 key ways 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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
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 normally 80 hours of work experience (10%).
2. Dissertation Presentation (20%).
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 LL44
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2023 or September 2024
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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