Module manager: Dr Suzanne Young
Email: S.Young@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| LAW2286 | Researching Crime and Criminal Justice (for undergraduates) |
| LAW3225 | Dissertation |
| LAW3320 | Long Dissertation |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The objectives of this module are:
- to develop a workable research question;
- undertake a relevant literature search;
- to plan research and a coherent and logical essay structure;
- to write a substantial essay displaying critical analysis.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate advanced critical knowledge of a specific topic in Criminal Justice Studies through independent research and an extended piece of writing;
- formulate a workable research question for a 12,000 word dissertation by undertaking advanced literature searches;
- demonstrate research skills applicable to their research question;
- present data in a clear, evidenced and accessible manner;
- demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the position and role of Criminal Justice Studies within one or more of its social, economic, political, policy, historical, philosophical, moral, ethical or cultural contexts.
The module involves the writing of a dissertation on a selected legal topic. The dissertation must be no more than 12,000 words, plus a 250 word abstract. The abstract must be no more than 250 words. The OSCOLA referencing system must be used. In calculating the length of the dissertation no account shall be taken of footnotes, the title page, the table of contents, the table of cases and statutes, the abstract, necessary appendices and the bibliography. All other material is included in the word count.
Students are required to select a general topic in the September of their final year, after which the course co-ordinator who will allocate the student to a supervisor.
The completed dissertation must be submitted on a date (tbc) in the May of the student's third year.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 4 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 393 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 7 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
A formative assessment opportunity will be provided.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or Dissertation | 12,000 word dissertation + 250-word abstract | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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