What will I learn on this module?
This module will provide you will with an opportunity to independently pursue your own piece of research on a criminological or sociological topic of your choice. With the support of a dissertation supervisor, you will seek to develop and answer a research question either by collecting your own data, using existing data sets or by engaging in an analysis of the research literature.
As a result, you will draw on and develop your research skills and on completion of the dissertation module you will be able to demonstrate the following:
• an extensive knowledge of your dissertation topic
• having successfully executed a research project
• an ability to ask and respond to a focused research question
• the capacity to develop a structured and analytical argument
• an aptitude for the use of theory and methodology
• an understanding and experience of the ethical considerations of conducting research.
How will I learn on this module?
On this module you will be supported to learn in three key ways:
i) You will attend workshops delivered by a tutor in your discipline about how to develop and complete a dissertation
ii) You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will support you through the process of completing your dissertation
iii) You will also work independently on your dissertation, searching out relevant literature, resources, information and data.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported throughout your dissertation by discipline tutors through three interactive workshops with regular opportunities for question and answer sessions and group tutorials during the completion of your research project. In addition you will be able to access one-to-one tutorials with your dissertation supervisor who will guide you through the research process and will support you in the completion of the ethical scrutiny and dissertation. You will be able to arrange supervision session via email, telephone or via a tutorials list on your supervisor’s door.
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.
If you have any further or specific learning needs then do discuss this with the module leader at the earliest opportunity.
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. You will develop an extensive knowledge of a particular topic (including an analytical understanding relevant theory and concepts) related to the concerns of your discipline (whether that is criminology and/or sociology).
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. You will develop and demonstrate rigorous and robust research skills, including an understanding of ethics in social research.
2. You will develop an ability to understand, evaluate and critique the research of scholars in your discipline.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. You will be able to take responsibility for independent learning and enquiry in a subject area related to your own discipline.
How will I be assessed?
There is one component to the summative assessment of this dissertation module:
• Dissertation – 10,000 words (100%).
All MLOs will be assessed in this 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 M900
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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