Module manager: Dr Albert Varela & Dr Gary Wong
Email: a.varela@leeds.ac.uk/G.P.F.Wong@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| SLSP3041 | Sociology Dissertation |
| SLSP3051 | Social Policy Dissertation |
| SLSP3200 | Dissertation in Crime |
SLSP3041 SLSP3051 SLSP3200
This module is not approved as a discovery module
A dissertation is an extended, research based piece of work conducted over a lengthy period by consolidating skills you have acquired on your degree programmes. You have the exciting and challenging opportunity to work on a topic of your choice by applying your independent study and research skills. For your dissertation, you will be responsible for defining your research focus and questions and managing a piece of work over two semesters. In doing so, you will gain many transferrable skills as well as developing your knowledge of sociology, social policy or crime. This module puts in place the support structure to help you manage and complete this project successfully. It involves a series of lectures on key aspects of the research process, including on ethics, question and answer sessions, and importantly the assignment of an individual dissertation supervisor that will offer feedback and guidance throughout the duration of the project.
On completion of this module students will present a dissertation which consolidates their knowledge of methodology and substantive issues in sociology, social policy and crime. Students will identify a feasible topic, demonstrate sound research design, operationalize appropriate methods and critical analyse complex information.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. have independently formulated a research question on a topic in the fields of sociology, social policy or crime;
2. have carried out independent research to answer the question;
3. developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, debates and empirical evidence in their chosen topic of enquiry;
4. have evaluated debates and/or empirical evidence and methods they have used in the dissertation;
5. have produced and completed an original research project in their chosen field of study and presented this in an appropriate form.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Problem solving and analytical skills to define the research question and devise and execute an appropriate research design and strategy to answer it.
2. Critical Thinking to evaluate existing theories and evidence in the relevant in literature and to reflect on the student’s own research.
3. Research skills to review literature and collect, analyse, interpret and draw conclusions from appropriate data
4. Information, data and media literacies and information searching to help situate the project in the wider literature and evidence about the relevant topic.
5. Academic writing and referencing to compile all relevant research material into a clear, focused and well structured written dissertation.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 8 | 0.5 | 4 |
| Lecture | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 390 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 10 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Students will receive verbal and/or written formative feedback from their supervisor throughout the project – including detailed comments on a written draft submission due in semester 2. Students should expect to meet 8 times – roughly once a month - with their supervisors to discuss their progress. They will also be able to seek advice from the dissertation module convenor and other academic staff by attending open door sessions. Students submit dissertation draft and receive written feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | . | 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: 12/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team