Overview

The MSc Evidence Based Policing Dissertation is a substantial piece of work and is worth 60 credits. We strongly encourage and prefer students to conduct empirical research, or alternatively, if students wish to complete a literature-based dissertation then this is possible too. The module seeks to encourage students to produce a substantial piece of work which is indicative of their professional practice in an area which is linked to their professional interests.

Students will be required to develop their skills at research and design and implement an evidence-based study of an emerging issue or problem. The module will include advanced training on how to design and apply qualitative and quantitative techniques in research and interpret findings from students’ studies. Workshop sessions will provide students with access to their own dissertation supervisor who will advise on the formulation and implementation of their projects and provide guidance on the presentation and dissemination of the student’s research findings.

Staff have a variety of research interests and can offer expertise and advice in all areas of Policing and Criminal Justice. The dissertation is an opportunity for students to consolidate knowledge of theory, method, practice and issues of substantive interest.

The syllabus covers all key tasks within the Dissertation processes from the initial topic choice, systematic searching for literature, formulating research questions and design, research methodology considerations, literature and systematic reviews, ethic processes, and analytical techniques. The workshops and the seminars have been designed to support knowledge, learning and understanding of the research processes and their application and offer support, practical guidance with all aspects of key tasks, fieldwork, and drafting and writing up findings.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent work / Distinction = Grades A* to A- Significant critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedure/practices Use of relevant texts and academic literature (including the texts suggested in class + other students have found through independent study) Where relevant use of real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practice, critical evaluation of data and intervention with excellent comprehensive analysis of main findings, conclusions and key recommendations for Policing practice and policy formation. Accurate use of citation and quotation.

Good work / Merit = Grades B+ to B- Some critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedure/practice Use of relevant texts and academic literature (texts suggested in class). General use of real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practice, is able to interpret data and thematic analysis on planned interventions and produce a dissertation conforming to the conventions of academic writing. Accurate use of citation and quotation.

Threshold/Pass = Grades C+-C- Limited critical analysis of relevant academic literature, legislation and police procedure/practices. Limited use of relevant texts and academic literature (texts suggested in class). Heavy reliance on real world examples and experiences to illustrate theory in practice, the planned interventions are generally interpreted and has not fully joined main findings to the overall conclusions and key recommendations. Limited but accurate use of citation and quotation

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and synthesise relevant concepts and theoretical perspectives and apply these to the relevant problem.

• Analyse, synthesise and apply quantitative and / or qualitative research methods to the problem and extend subject knowledge, understanding and develop relevant research for Policing / Criminal Justice.

• Assess the implications of research findings for policy development and implementation in policing, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches.

• Conduct research on the planned intervention (s) on an emerging issue or problem in a specific Policing area and critically evaluate main findings, conclusion and recommendations in Policing.

• Critically evaluate, synthesise and apply information and ideas from relevant theoretical frameworks to the analysis of policing practices, demonstrating an understanding of their implications for evidence-based policing.

• Critically formulate ethically sound research question (s) and apply appropriate research quantitative and qualitative methodolgies to research design and planned intervention(s) to tackle identified issue or problem.

• Effectively communicate research findings and recommendations in both written and oral formats, demonstrating clarity, coherence, and engagement with academic and practitioner audiences.

• Identify and critically evaluate ethical considerations in conducting research related to policing, including issues of consent, confidentiality, and the impact of research on communities.