DASR
Doctor of Applied Social Research
Criminal Justice Pathway
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The programme is intended for experienced professionals whose work may require them to
design, commission, evaluate or interpret research in criminal justice and related social issues. It
is directed towards building capacity in the analysis of policy and practice, and the development of
professional practice.
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The specific objectives of the programme are to enable professionals:
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To engage with and critically examine the key theoretical foundations that underpin research
in their field of expertise;
To develop understanding of the relationship between research and policy and the meanings
of evaluation, its terminology, practice and use;
To develop advanced understanding of the research process from proposal to dissemination;
To acquire the skills and knowledge to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative
data, taking account of reliability, validity and research ethics;
To develop reflexive skills to generate new interpretations and practical innovations in their
professional environment;
To design and complete a research thesis that adds significantly to knowledge and practice
on a freely-chosen professional topic.
Structure and Content
The Programme consists of a number of taught modules, a workplace-based professional module and
the Thesis. The taught modules include:
ASRP01: The Nature of Social
Enquiry
Introduces students to the nature of
science, social science and
sociological knowledge from a
range of perspectives.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
ASRP05: Qualitative Data
Analysis
Examines the diverse uses of
qualitative data. The major focus is
on ‘capturing and recording’ the
qualitative experience.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
CRMP10: Criminological
Perspectives
Examines criminological theory and
the diverse perspectives to explain
crime, crime causation and criminal
justice.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
ASRP02: Research Design and
Process
Focuses upon the research
process, research design and
implementing social research (e.g.
proposal writing and sampling).
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
ASRP06: Comparative Social
Research
Focuses on the strengths and
limitations, issues and challenges
of comparative research, drawing
widely on research expertise.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
CRMP20: Research Methods in
Criminology/Socio-Legal Studies
Develops specialist knowledge in
methods that can be applied in
criminological and socio-legal
research methods contexts.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
ASRP04: Quantitative Data
Analysis
An introduction to data analysis and
analysing large datasets. The
module includes lectures and
computer based laboratories.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
ASRP07: Policy Analysis and
Evaluation Research
Explores issues, concepts and
skills in the analysis of policy
formation and implementation and
in the evaluation of policy.
• 15 credits, SCQF Level 11, 100%
coursework
The Programme
The programme can be pursued at three different speeds: Part-Time (30 Credits per semester),
‘Accelerated’ Part-Time (45 Credits per semester), or Full-Time (60 Credits per semester).
Part-Time
‘Accelerated’ Part- Time
Full Time
Year 1
Autumn Semester
ASRP02
ASRP06
ASRP02
ASRP04
ASRP05
Year 1
Spring Semester
ASRP01
CRMP20
ASRP01
CRMP10
CRMP20
ASRP02
ASRP04
ASRP05
ASRP06
ASRP01
ASRP07
CRMP10
CRMP20
Year 2
Autumn Semester
ASRP04
ASRP05
Year 2
Spring Semester
ASRP07
CRMP10
Year 3
Autumn Semester
Workplace-based module
(1)
Year 3
Spring Semester
Workplace-based module
(2)
Year 4
Autumn Semester
* Commence Thesis *
Workplace-based module
(1)
ASRP06
Workplace-based module
(1 and 2)
Workplace-based module
(2)
ASRP07
* Commence Thesis *
* Commence Thesis *
Thesis
Students must satisfactorily complete the taught modules before commencing the thesis. Students on
the DASR programme will produce a thesis of around 45,000-50,000 words. The thesis will be
expected to make an original contribution to knowledge and will be judged by the convincing evidence
it offers of competent and independent scholarship and research, wide and critical reading, and an
ability to relate academic knowledge to professional interests. Supervision of each student's research
will normally be the responsibility of two supervisors. Students will formulate plans for their thesis from
the start of the programme and these should be in place by the time the taught modules have been
successfully completed.
Progression Arrangements
A student who successfully completes the taught elements of the course must have their progress to
the Doctorate confirmed. A student who completes a minimum of 60 Credits at Level 11 but chooses
not to progress but chooses not to progress further may be awarded a Certificate in Applied Social
Research. A student who completes a minimum of 120 credits at Level 11 but chooses not to
progress to the professional module or thesis may be awarded a Diploma in Applied Social Research.
If a student completes a minimum of 120 credits at Level 11 and then completes successfully the new
workplace-based module (60 Credits at Level 12), he or she may be awarded an MSc in Applied
Social Research (Professional).