CR7001 - Research Methods for Global Criminology

What will I learn on this module?

This module is designed to ensure that you are equipped to undertake social science research at postgraduate level, regardless of the extent to which you have previously studied research methods. After some consideration of the contribution of research to understanding issues in the social sciences, you will be taken through the different stages of a research project, using a range of exercises to show the practical questions that can affect each stage. You will consider also some of the challenges that arise in seeking to undertake research into Criminological issues in an international / comparative context.

How will I learn on this module?

Each teaching session will include some formal input from the module tutor, with references to extra reading for those less familiar with the topic and the opportunity to discuss that reading with the tutor. However, the emphasis will be on active learning and reflection, with you undertaking exercises such as facilitating a focus group. This will enable you to assess how the published material relates to practical realities and to reflect on both theoretical and practical issues in the research bid that represents your summative assessment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your learning on this module will be developed through a combination of formal input from academic staff and exercises that develop further the intellectual/professional skills and abilities that are needed to complete an MA and to prepare you for doctoral study or a job which requires you to undertake research at a high level. There will be opportunities to ask questions and seek guidance from academic staff both within and outside the timetabled teaching sessions. All academic staff advertise times when they are available to students and there is also the opportunity to book appointments. Your learning will also be supported by an extensive reading list and the provision of lecture notes and other materials on Blackboard.

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. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the contribution of research findings to global Criminology
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to addressing research issues

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Create a methodologically robust plan for a piece of research into a Criminological issue
4. Demonstrate an awareness of practical factors that should be considered when writing research bids

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Demonstrate critical curiosity about the social world and the manner in which it can be investigated

How will I be assessed?

The summative assessment task will be for students to write a 5,000 word bid for a piece of empirical research. This will include a brief literature search on the material already available and a discussion of the steps to be taken in the proposed research, which are likely to be similar to the topics covered in the teaching sessions. In the case of national studies, students will reflect on the extent to which their research is typical of that which is conducted in the nation concerned. In the case of international comparative studies, students will reflect on the types of methodological challenge that this type of study presents.

Throughout the module, students will be asked to undertake formative assessment tasks that prepare them for writing sections of their research bid. For example, they will be required to use different forms of data collection (e.g. focus groups, questionnaires) in order to help them to decide which would be most appropriate to include in their bid. Students will receive feedback on formative assessment tasks throughout the module from the tutor and their peers: for example, all will be encouraged to comment constructively on the topics chosen for a questionnaire or focus group exercise.

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

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
1 other options available

Department Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

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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