The module aims to provide you with the opportunity to build on skills and areas of interest developed during previous years of study. You will author a written brief that will form the content of this module, in consultation with your supervising tutor. The content of the proposals should stem from the knowledge and skills already attained, but taken to a higher level to produce an outstanding piece of work. You will be encouraged to engage in selective and appropriate research, and in the coherent production of creative solutions to your own brief.

4 x 1 hour lectures at the beginning of each semester plus weekly meetings with the Supervisor.

Projector

Beins, Bernard (2014). Successful research projects: A Step-by-Step Guide. London, Sage

Flick, Uwe (2015). Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner's Guide to doing a Research Project. 2nd ed. London, Sage

Raessens, Joost; Goldstein, Jeffrey H. (2005). Handbook of Computer Game Studies. Cambridge, Mass MIT

Petri Lankoski & Staffan Björk, et al. (2015). Game Research Methods: An Overview. ETC Press

Wolf, Mark J. P; Perron, Bernard. (2014). The Routledge Companion to Video Game Studies. New York, Routledge

Frans Mäyrä. (2008). An Introduction to Game Studies.Sage.

1. IDENTIFY AND REFINE A RESEARCH PROBLEM OF INTEREST FROM THE RELEVANT LITERATURE (INCLUDING E-LEARNING RESOURCES) AND SELECT, DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT AN APPROPRIATE METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH INSTRUMENT FOR THE CHOSEN INVESTIGATION
[Enquiry; Learning; Reflection]

2. DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO SUSTAIN AND BRING TO FRUITION A LONG-TERM RESEARCH PROCESS
[Application]

3. DEMONSTRATE AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF A PARTICULAR TOPIC, INCLUDING A CRITICAL REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE RELEVANT RESEARCH, EMPIRICAL FINDINGS, THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND ARGUMENTS AND DEBATES IN THE AREA
[Analysis; Problem Solving]

4. COMMUNICATE FINDINGS IN A SCHOLARLY MANNER
[Communication]

Abstract and Negotiated Brief / Timeline (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2) 10% weighting

Illustrated Interim report consisting of a maximum of 1000 words to outline work on your project so far and plans for how you will use the remainder of your time available on the project. Includes completion of ethics form (which does not contribute to word count) (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2) 20% weighting

Research Paper of 5000-7000 words long, and be formatted according to Press Start's submission criteria (irrespective of whether your paper is being submitted). (Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4) 50% weighting

Poster presentation session, in which you should present your final work through a poster presentation. (Learning Outcomes 3 and 4) 20% weighting

Students will research and write a journal paper on a Games Studies topic of their choosing. This should reflect their passion and interest, and there is an opportunity to submit this for peer review. Students will also learn about carrying out research, how to create and carry out interviews, how to use methodologies, and what to expect when presenting work at conferences.