98006 Criminology Industry Project
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 16 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): ((96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10446 Bachelor of Criminology OR 144 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10447 Bachelor of Criminology Bachelor of International Studies OR 144 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10448 Bachelor of Criminology Bachelor of Forensic Science) AND 98005 Policy Evaluation: Local and International Approaches)
Description
How can research and/or policy analysis be used to influence and change professional practice? In this capstone subject, students undertake a criminology project that focuses on an issue faced by at least one industry partner e.g., the police; community corrections; cyber analysts; intelligence services. Building on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Bachelor of Criminology program; students develop and undertake a project with an applied focus led by a Studio Leader. There is a selection of projects offered each year and students work under the supervision of their Studio Leader to prepare a literature review, conduct empirical research and/or policy analysis, and write a report embodying the results of the project. To support the development of the industry project, students must participate in a weekly face to face 3-hour studio session. This subject has a 90% attendance requirement in order for students to qualify for a pass. As this is a capstone subject, only Bachelor of Criminology students in their final session of study will be permitted into the subject.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Students will apply a range of research and/or policy analysis skills acquired throughout their Bachelor of Criminology degree to deliver an empirical study and/or policy analysis addressing a specific issue within the criminology field. |
|---|---|
| b. | Students will collaborate with/on behalf of a partner agency to plan and implement the criminology project, developing skills in stakeholder engagement, teamwork, and project management within a professional setting. |
| c. | Students will prepare a comprehensive literature review, gather relevant data, analyse findings using appropriate methods, and draw evidence-based conclusions to inform their research/policy analysis report. |
| d. | Students will demonstrate the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions by addressing real-world challenges in the criminology industry through their project work, emphasising applied and translational aspects in their research outcomes. |
| e. | Students will communicate their research/policy analysis findings and recommendations effectively through written reports and oral presentations, showcasing their ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and industry professionals. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and existing and emerging threats to justice, public safety and property (1.1)
- Apply and evaluate methodologies, technologies and practices relevant to contemporary criminology for policy formulation, risk analysis and stakeholder cooperation (1.2)
- Employ skills in critical analysis, problem solving, data literacy to analyse and respond to criminal justice and social policy challenges within organisations, communities and systems of governance (2.1)
- Analyse crime as a global phenomenon and explain how different jurisdictions define and respond to current and emerging trends in crime (3.1)
- Employ knowledge from and about local and international contexts to understand and respond appropriately to intercultural dimensions of crime and justice (3.2)
- Act with personal and ethical integrity and demonstrate social responsibility, demonstrating a critical understanding of the links between criminal law, criminal process, criminalization, poverty, disadvantage and justice (5.1)
- Convey complex concepts clearly, logically and effectively in written and oral forms to a variety of audiences (6.1)
- Communicate for high-level collaborative engagement and be competent in working in teams to address issues in crime (6.2)
Teaching and learning strategies
The teaching and learning strategy for the Criminology Industry Project encompasses a dynamic 3-hour face-to-face weekly studio, designed to maximise student engagement and achievement. With a mandatory 90% attendance requirement, students are expected to actively participate in collaborative activities and discussions aimed at enhancing their understanding and application of key criminology concepts and skills. The strategy revolves around our five core learning objectives: Apply Research and Policy Skills; Collaborate Effectively with Partner Agencies; Conduct Independent, but supported, Research and Analysis; Demonstrate Applied/Translational Focus and Communicate Findings Professionally
Throughout the studio session, students will engage in a variety of interactive workshops, group activities, and peer review sessions tailored to meet these objectives. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, critical thinking, and professional communication skills.
Additionally, students are expected to dedicate a minimum of 14 hours outside of the studio to further develop their criminology industry project. This independent work will complement the in-class activities and allow students to explore their industry project topic to a deeper level.
By combining face-to-face instruction with hands-on activities and independent project work, the teaching and learning strategy for the subject aims to foster a holistic learning experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their criminology industry projects and beyond, recognising this subject is the capstone of the Bachelor of Criminology degree.
Throughout the subject, students will develop a broad knowledge and skillset such as information finding and gathering, critical thinking and analysis, along with developing their written and oral communication skills that they will need as future practitioners in criminological careers. Assessments contribute to the development of these capabilities and deepen knowledge, analytical and practical skills related to the subject content. A further aim of this subject is to help students develop both academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace.
Content (topics)
In 2024, students will be able to select from one of the following Projects:
Project 1:
Ageing amongst Police Officers – A qualitative study that will give students the opportunity of interviewing three NSW Police Officers on their experience of becoming an older police officer. The study will seek to conduct online interviews with current serving sworn officers aged 50 years and older to examine the issue of ageing from an organisational, operational and personal perspective. This study is supported by NSW Police Force.
Project 2:
Public Attitudes Toward Emerging Technologies in Crime and Justice – A quantitative study that will give students the opportunity to investigate emerging technologies and how such can change the opportunity structures of offending and victimisation, as well as social responses to offending. The study findings have the scope to help develop more effective crime prevention as well as intervention strategies that adapt to a technology-dominated world.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: The Literature Review
| Objective(s): | a, c and e | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 20% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1,500 words (excluding reference list; +/- 10% of word count) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: The Methodology
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and e | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 15% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1,250 words (excluding reference list; +/- 10% of word count) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Analysis of Findings
| Objective(s): | a, b and e | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2,000 words (excluding reference list; +/- 10% of word count) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 4: Final Report
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d and e | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 35% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 3,250 words (excluding reference list; +/- 10% of word count) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Due to the nature of the subject, a minimum attendance policy is in place for the Criminology Industry Project. Students are required to achieve a minimum of 90% attendance in order to qualify for a pass.
Required texts
There is no key text for this subject. Weekly key readings and resources will be made available to students via their Criminology Industry Project folder in canvas.
References
Abbott, M. L., & McKinney, J. (2013). Understanding and applying research design. John Wiley & Sons.
Boaz, A., & Davies, H. (Eds.). (2019). What works now?: evidence-informed policy and practice. Policy Press.
Brancale, J., Blomberg, T. G., Siennick, S., Pesta, G. B., Swagar, N., Noorman, K., ... & Chouhy, C. (2021). Building collaborative evidence-based frameworks for criminal justice policy. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 32(8), 795-815.
Bulmer, M. I. (Ed.). (2021). Social science and social policy. Routledge.
Clark, T., Foster, L., Sloan, L., & Bryman, A. (2021). Bryman's social research methods. Oxford University Press.
Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics, fifth edition. Sage.
Fischer, F., & Miller, G. J. (Eds.). (2017). Handbook of public policy analysis: theory, politics, and methods. Routledge.
Knepper, P. (2007). Criminology and social policy. Sage Publications.
Silverman, D. (Ed.). (2020). Qualitative research. Sage Publications.
Welsh, W.N., and Harris, P.W. (2016). Criminal Justice policy and practice: Planned change. 5th Edition. Routledge.
Weimer, D., & Vining, A. (2017). Policy analysis: Concepts and practice. Routledge.