CR6012 - Dissertation

What will I learn on this module?

This will meet the following learning outcomes:

The module provides an opportunity for students to independently pursue a self-selected research project on a topic related to professional policing. Students will: identify, understand, and interpret information about their chosen topic; organise that information in order to arrive at and answer a focused research question; and make appropriate use of theory and methodology. On successful completion of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate the following in relation to a particular topic: an extensive knowledge; awareness and understanding of the range of information; an ability to arrive at a grounded and focused research question; a capacity for structured and analytical argument in a written form; an aptitude for the use of theory and methodology; and an understanding of the ethical considerations of conducting research.

Independent learning is supported by a series of workshops in Semester 1, and supervisory tutorials across Semester 1 and Semester 2.

CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP February 2023 curriculum v6.0:

Problem Solving: 1.2, 1.3, 3, 4

Research Methods and Skills: 6.2, 9, 13

Decision Making and Discretion: 6, 7

Response Policing: 1.5, 3

Policing Communities: 1.3a, 1.3b, 1.9, 1c, 5a

Roads Policing: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Information and Intelligence: 1.7, 2, 3.5, 8.2, 9

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 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: By the end of the module you should be able to: 1. You will develop an extensive knowledge of a particular topic (including an analytical understanding relevant theory and concepts) related to theory and practice of professional policing. Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: By the end of the module you should be able to: 2. You will develop and demonstrate rigorous and robust research skills, including an understanding of ethics in social research. 3. You will develop an ability to understand, evaluate and critique the research of scholars of professional policing. Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): By the end of the module you should have developed the ability to: 4. 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 both forms of assessment.. Grade-Related Descriptors are descriptions of the level of skills, knowledge and/or attributes that you need to demonstrate in order achieve a certain grade or mark in an assessment, providing a mechanism by which the quality of an assessment can be measured and placed within the overall set of marks.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module provides an opportunity for students to independently pursue a self-selected research project on a topic related to professional

policing. Students will: identify, understand, and interpret information about their chosen topic; organise that information in order to arrive at

and answer a focused research question; and make appropriate use of theory and methodology. On successful completion of the module, the

students will be able to demonstrate the following in relation to a particular topic: an extensive knowledge; awareness and understanding of

the range of information; an ability to arrive at a grounded and focused research question; a capacity for structured and analytical argument in

a written form; an aptitude for the use of theory and methodology; and an understanding of the ethical considerations of conducting research.

Independent learning is supported by a series of workshops in Semester 1, and supervisory tutorials across Semester 1 and Semester 2.

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 2025

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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