Through this module students undertake a project of criminological research on a topic of their own choosing. Students can choose one of the following formats: empirical study collecting primary data (qualitative and/or quantitative), empirical study using secondary data publicly available in official data repositories (E.g. UK Data Service), library-based studies, policy-review or theory-led (incl. PhD proposals).

With the support of an academic supervisor and a programme of dissertation workshops, produced work will show a detailed understanding of their chosen topic through the application of relevant knowledge, theories and concepts acquired throughout the course and through their own independent study. Students will demonstrate their ability to plan and conduct criminological with rigour and to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision.