A choice of either a Dissertation or a Portfolio (100% weighting)

1. A portfolio of commercially publishable/useable journalistic material or print/digital/broadcast product for use by specified organisation or targeted at a specified audience. 7,000 words. This will be supported by a rationale and reflective evaluation (100%) [Learning Outcomes 1-9]

OR

2. A dissertation on a journalism or journalism-related topic. 7,000 words (100%) [Learning Outcomes 1-9]

This module provides an intensive period of independent study in which you will research and produce a substantial body of work appropriate for publication or commercial use in journalism or a journalism-related field. The range of project formats, subjects and topics, which can be used is extremely wide and you are encouraged to choose an area of investigation and mode of working which fits your career aspirations. The possibilities include: a series of in-depth articles on a specific subject or topic; a series of articles produced in a particular style or format; a formal dissertation on an academic perspective of journalism; original project design, development and production in print, online, TV or radio; a professional practice portfolio produced on behalf of and in agreement with a specific employer.
Your supervisor will be able to advise you regarding suitability in complying with the module requirements. Although submission to a publisher or appropriate commercial user is not a requirement in the module you are strongly advised to identify a publication or allied professional use for which your work would be appropriate. Guidance will be available from your chosen project supervisor who will provide tutorial support until the project is completed. The focus throughout is on producing work to professionally publishable/useable standards.

8 x individual tutorials (total 2 hours) = 2 hours
Providing guidance and feedback

Independent learning = 298 hours
Developing advanced knowledge and understanding of the demands of specialist areas of journalism and allied industries.

Library resources
Newsrooms with appropriate Mac software programmes
Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

Advisable as appropriate to individual projects/dissertations

1. DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO THINK LATERALLY AND CREATIVELY TO EXPLOIT THE FULL POTENTIAL OF IDEAS AND MARKETS [Learning]

2. DEMONSTRATE ADVANCED, CONTEXTUAL GRASP OF PROFESSIONAL AND/OR THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES [Knowledge & Understanding]

3. PRESENT, EVALUATE AND INTERPRET QUALITATIVE AND/OR QUANTITATIVE DATA IN APPROPRIATE FORMATS [Enquiry]

4. EVALUATE AND INTERPRET PRACTICAL AND/OR THEORETICAL CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES RELATING TO JOURNALISM [Analysis]

5. EVALUATE AND SELECT APPROPRIATE APPROACHES, SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TO REALISE THE PROJECT/DISSERTATION [Problem Solving]

6. COMMUNICATE THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH/STUDY/WORK WITH APPROPRIATE TONE, STYLE AND CONTENT [Communication]

7. SHOW EVIDENCE OF EXTENDING SKILLS IN A TIME-CONSTRAINED, SELF-MANAGED ENVIRONMENT [Application]

8. DEMONSTRATE A RANGE OF QUALITIES AND SKILLS PERTINENT TO JOURNALISM AND/OR ACADEMIC ENDEAVOUR WHICH ARE ALSO TRANSFERABLE TO OTHER DOMAINS AND DISCIPLINES [Reflection]

9. DEMONSTRATE ADVANCED COMPETENCE IN PRODUCING/ASSESSING TO PUBLISHABLE/PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS [Practical and Professional]

You will research and produce a substantial piece of work – either for print, digital or broadcast – of professional quality, suitable for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or for a radio or TV outlet. This is where you put a marker down for future employers, by pursuing an in -depth sporting subject you are passionate about.