This unit develops students' ability to conduct empirical criminological research and communicate evidence-based findings to professional audiences. Drawing on prior research design skills, students investigate real-world criminological issues by collecting, analysing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, working both individually and in collaboration with stakeholders or community organisations, in accordance with VU research and industry-aligned ethics requirements. Students entering from pathways other than LCR3901 are supported by bridging resources and scaffolded activities to fully engage with the empirical research process.
Across the unit, students progressively apply these skills through a team or individual research report documenting their empirical findings and a pitch presenting and defending evidence-based recommendations before an industry and educator panel. This culminating task mirrors authentic professional practice, requiring students to synthesise research evidence and respond to expert questioning in real time.
As the second capstone unit of the Bachelor of Criminology, this unit asks students to demonstrate the capacity to conduct independent empirical inquiry, engage with real-world stakeholders, and communicate findings to professional audiences. For Criminology students, this completes the research cycle begun in LCR3901 Crime Research and Methods by implementing and reporting on the research proposed in that unit. Students entering from other pathways bring their prior learning to an original empirical project, resulting in equivalent outcomes and the same professional standard of evidence-based practice.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):