Modules

Module title: Dissertation [40 Credits]
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: SSC11112
Module leader: Stephanie Fohring
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
2017/8, Trimester 3, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Stephanie Fohring
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning & Teaching methods including their alignment to LOs
LO 1-5: Students will be orientated towards high-level independent study based on the preparatory work conducted in previous research modules. Students will be allocated a dissertation supervisor and will have access to up to 12 hours of supervision (face-to-face or online). Individual supervisors work closely with students on a one-to-one basis to set goals, monitor progress and provide general and specific advice on research strategy, framing questions and scholarly writing. Moodle is used to provide further guidance to students and will be used as a forum for student discussion.

Embedding of employability/PDP/Scholarship Skills
Students will be able to develop theoretical and practical understanding learned throughout the Programme. PDP will be enhanced through critical reflection and investigation of a topic related to their target degree. Students will develop their independent study and research skills, critical analysis and evaluation. The nature of a sustained and in-depth study can prove a valuable resource for future employment or further study.

Assessment (formative or summative)
This module has a single component of summative assessment to be submitted in Week 13. Through the dissertation, the student will undertake an independent research project and will produce a dissertation of 15000 words.

The module also has identifiable points for formative assessment which will include feedback on a research proposal. These take place at different points in the trimester and will be subject to individual negotiations between the supervisor and the student.

Research / teaching linkages
The research and teaching linkages are promoted through the continuing research activity of the Programme team which includes a range of methods and a variety of specialist topics. The team also draw on their extensive experience of scholarly writing and publications.


Formative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Summative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Project Supervision 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 388
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Dissertation 100 1-6 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 10000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

The dissertation is the culmination of the Masters Programme and will draw on the students’ learning over the course of the Programme. The dissertation is studied independently with the assistance of a supervisor and is a chance for the student to academically pursue an area of Applied Criminology/Forensic Psychology of particular interest. Dissertations can take a range of formats such as empirical research, an improvement project or a systematic review. The dissertation requires the student to put into practice a range of skills developed over the course of the Programme such as: searching and critically reviewing national and international literature, applying theoretical frameworks, research design and ethics, data collection (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), data analysis, research writing and dissemination.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically appraise the national and international literature relevant to the chosen topic area.
LO2: Generate research questions appropriate to the area of study.
LO3: Plan and justify appropriate research methodologies and ethical approaches.
LO4: Generate, analyse and interpret data suitable to examining the research questions.
LO5: Produce a written critical appraisal of the research process, analysis and findings.

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

Core - BURNETT, J. (2009) DOING YOUR SOCIAL SCIENCES DISSERTATION.: SAGE., 1st ed.
Core - CROW, I. AND SEMMENS, N. (2008) RESEARCHING CRIMINOLOGY.: MCGRAW HILL/OPEN UNIVERSITY PRESS., 1st ed.
Core - DAVIES, P., FRANCIS, P. AND JUPP, V. (2011) DOING CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH.: SAGE., 1st ed.
Core - KING, R.D. AND WINCUP, E. (2008) DOING RESEARCH ON CRIME AND JUSTICE.: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS., 1st ed.
Core - MURRAY, R. (2011) HOW TO WRITE A THESIS.: OPEN UNIVERSITY PRESS/MCGRAW HILL., 1st ed.
Core - ROSENFELD, B. AND PENROD, S.D. (2011) RESEARCH METHODS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY.: JOHN WILEY & SONS., 1st ed.
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