This module will enable you to develop your ability to identify a subject of interest in your industry specialism in order to write a report or extended essay showing your knowledge of an aspect of the sector in the global market. In consultation with your tutor you will agree an appropriate line of investigation that allows a level of research appropriate to the final year of an Honours degree. Your subject should be relevant to you and your discipline, allowing you to focus on an area of particular interest. Through the module you will be expected to demonstrate a wider view of your chosen discipline and develop effective methods of enquiry to explore identified academic, industry and/or theoretical contexts.

You will work through the module in a structured and time-managed way, from producing a proposal discussing the subject, supported by reasoning for engaging in the chosen area, through research activities and leading to a final written work in a suitable (tutor agreed) format. You will undertake research that comprises contemporary practice, theory, management and/or history. You will be expected to utilise both primary and secondary research methods that you will collate, interpret and present in a professional academic manner. The conclusion of the written work will assist and inform the development of professional practices and be applicable to your career aspirations.

Throughout you will be expected to exhibit appropriate research and understanding, the ability to apply critical analysis, opinion and organisation of material into a coherent argument that addresses specific questions or concerns within your chosen subject area. You should be careful to select a topic or subject that allows sufficient in-depth investigation, and not approach an area with a scale that cannot be developed in sufficient depth within the agreed timeframe.

You may need to seek ethical clearance for your project if it includes research relating to humans or animals, for example if you are working with children or vulnerable adults. This is a straight forward process whereby your proposal is reviewed by a university panel to make sure that you are working within appropriate guidelines. The details are available on the university website, with the forms you may need to complete. Your tutor will help you with the process.

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/academic_depts/fbel/research/ethics/

An individually negotiated written assignment

A 4,000 word illustrated study critically analysing current contemporary practices in the UK and internationally, making use of primary and secondary sources and presented in an academic format [bibliography and references excluded from word count]
(Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) 100%

Whilst you will be spending the majority of your time in personal study and research, utilising resources such as the library, industry practitioners, exhibitions etc., you will also participate in the following activities:

Introductory briefing/lecture
Individual and group tutorials supporting the selection of appropriate subjects, the structuring of the research and writing phases of the module, and enabling opportunities for peer and tutor feedback
Group criticism sessions allowing constructive and evaluative discussions
Writing workshops

Library
Internet access
Creative studios related to each specialism
Software: Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Indesign, word processers
A3 printer
Screen Print facilities
Technical instruction support/workshops

Cottrell, S (2014) Dissertations and Project Reports: A step by step guide. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Davies, M (2014) Doing a successful research project: Using qualitative or quantitative methods. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Flew, T. (2013) Global Creative Industries: Polity Press
Peck, J. (2005) The Student's Guide to Writing: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Field, M. (2003) Improve Your Written English: Master the essentials of grammar; punctuation and spelling and write with greater confidence Oxford: How To Books

It is expected students will take advantage of the library facilities available, keep up to date on current developments through journals and be aware of the work of major practitioners in their subject.

1. CRITICALLY EVALUATE A RANGE OF MATERIAL YOU HAVE RESEARCHED IN ORDER TO PRESENT A COHERENT AND IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION CONCERNING PRACTICES WITHIN YOUR CHOSEN SPECIALISM.
[Analysis]

2. IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE AREAS OF INVESTIGATION IN ORDER TO GENERATE A RANGE OF IDEAS, INFORMATION AND OPTIONS, AND MANAGE YOUR RESEARCH FINDINGS TO CREATE A SUITABLE OUTCOME THAT MEETS ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS.
[Problem Solving]

3. DISCUSS AND DISSEMINATE YOUR RESEARCH FINDINGS TO AN AUDIENCE IN A PROFESSIONAL AND ARTICULATE MANNER, THROUGH WRITTEN, VERBAL AND VISUAL METHODS.
[Communication]

4. CONSIDER YOUR PROCESS AND PROGRESS AT ALL STAGES OF THE ASSIGNMENT IN ORDER TO GENERATE AN ORIGINAL, IN-DEPTH STUDY WITHIN THE AGREED TIMEFRAME.
[Reflection]

5. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO CRITICALLY EVALUATE CURRENT SPECIALIST PRACTICE IN THE UK AND INTERNATIONALLY IN RELATION TO YOUR OWN WORK AND PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS.
[Knowledge and Understanding]