A PROPOSAL length 1500 WORDS weighted at 30%. Learning Outcomes 1-3.

A DISSERTATION length 6500 WORDS weighted at 70%. Learning Outcomes 1-7. Final piece.

This module allows you to undertake an individual research project about a specific film, television or radio related topic and will be completed with the guidance of a personal supervisor, with research interests in your chosen subject area. You will make use of a variety of appropriate media related research methodologies to develop your project ideas. The dissertation report in Semester One focuses on your research plan, project structure, methodologies and the main theoretical issues you will be considering, along with a discussion of relevant literature in the area (with bibliography). In Semester Two you will develop and redefine the ideas proposed in the report under the continued supervision of their tutor and submit a completed research project (6500 words).

You will progress by initially attending some group tutorials for brainstorming and peer-discussion, and research skills sessions and then individual tutorials with your supervisor. This module is designed to enable you to plan a feasible dissertation project and to undertake independent research (reading, viewing and listening in relation to chosen topic, and collecting and organising relevant material) and drafting/writing up of your research.

Library resources & online eResources
TV/DVD/Audio playback facilities

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Barber, S. (2015) Using Film As A Source, Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Berger, A. A. (2014) Media and Communication Research Methods, London: SAGE.
Cottrell, S. (2014) Dissertations and Project Reports, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Deacon, D. et. al. (2007) Researching Communications, London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Greetham, B. (2014) How To Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation, London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hansen, A. and Machin, D. (2013) Media and Communication Research Methods, London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Jensen, K. B. (2012) A Handbook of Media and Communication Research, London: Routledge.
Lambert, M. (2012) A Beginners Guide to Doing Your Education Research Project, London: SAGE.
Levin, P. (2011) Excellent Dissertations!, Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Stewart, M. (2011) Study Skills for Art, Design and Media students, Harlow: Longman.

Please see the module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

1. EVALUATE NEW KNOWLEDGE AND INTERPRET CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS; AND APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF RELEVANT FILM/TELEVISION/RADIO THEORETICAL CONCEPTS TO THE ANALYSIS OF ITS PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. PLAN, MANAGE AND EVALUATE A SUSTAINED RESEARCH PROJECT, APPROPRIATELY TARGETED TO FULFIL A PARTICULAR BRIEF WITHIN A GIVEN TIMEFRAME.
[Enquiry]

3. INTEGRATE ANALYSIS OF FILM/TELEVISION/RADIO PRODUCTS AND PRACTICES WITH CURRENT MAJOR DEBATES AND INTELLECTUAL PARADIGMS IN THE INTERPRETATION OF COMMUNICATION AND EFFECTS; AND COMPARE AND EVALUATE COMPETING IDEAS AND CONCEPTS USING LOGICAL AND SUPPORTED ARGUMENT.
[Analysis]

4. DEMONSTRATE THE EXPLORATION OF A RANGE OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS WITHIN APPROPRIATE MEDIA SUBJECT CONTEXTS, AND USE ADVICE AND FEEDBACK CONSTRUCTIVELY TO DEVELOP IDEAS.
[Problem Solving]

5. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY THROUGH A RANGE OF WRITTEN METHODS AND STYLES, SUITABLE FOR ACADEMIC AND MEDIA APPLICATIONS.
[Communication]

6. USE A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF RELEVANT THEORY TO INFORM YOUR LINE OF ARGUMENT.
[Application]

7.7. REVIEW YOUR INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF YOUR OWN LEARNING AND THE DEMONSTRATION OF YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS.
[Reflection]

This module allows you to undertake an individual research project about a specific film, television or radio related topic in collaboration with a subject specialist supervisor, and will be completed with the guidance of a personal supervisor, with research interests in your chosen subject area. You will make use of a variety of appropriate media related research methodologies to develop your project ideas. The dissertation report focuses on your research plan, project structure, methodologies and the main theoretical issues you will be considering, along with a discussion of relevant literature in the area (with bibliography). You will develop and redefine the ideas proposed in the report under the continued supervision of your tutor and submit a completed research project.