Module manager: Dr Carly O'Neill-Barrett
Email: C.ONeill.Barrett@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| SLSP3600 | Sociology/Social Policy/Crime Dissertation |
| SLSP3096 | Research Skills for your Dissertation |
SLSP3096 Research Skills for your Dissertation
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module students will focus on how to find a dissertation topic and how to translate that topic into a researchable question. The first four weeks of the module are the ‘core’ weeks, where teaching is the same for all students. Teaching in the first four core weeks constitutes of 2-hour lectures with workshop elements. They will then choose one of three pathways through the module based upon their chosen methodological approach. From week 5, the module splits into the three pathways: 1. Qualitative data collection and analysis; 2. Media analysis; 3. Literature based research. In the pathways, students will develop their expertise of research methods within their chosen methodological approach. Teaching on each pathway will constitute of a 1-hour workshop per week.
This module equips students to excel in the independent research in sociology, social policy or crime that they will carry out in their dissertation. It will equip students with the skills necessary to define a researchable problem for their dissertation. They will then move to develop advanced skills in either qualitative methods, media analysis or literature-based investigations to support their dissertation research.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. self-direction of the formulation of a sociology/ social policy and/or crime research question.
2. justification of the research question, drawing on relevant subject knowledge.
3. self-direction of the selection of an appropriate research strategy to answer the question
4. justification of the research strategy, drawing on both relevant subject knowledge and literature on research design.
5. Identification and evaluation of the ethical implications of research design choices within their chosen pathway
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6. Communication: Effective communication of research design and the choices underpinning it.
7. Digital Creation: Use of digital technology and techniques to create digital presentation and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Lecture | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 177 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Presentation | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The assessment for this module is a recorded presentation.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 16/10/2025
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