Course Resources Archive

The module provides the opportunity to undertake a piece of research into an area of journalism or the journalism industry. The final project may be an 18,000 word written dissertation, or a combination of practical and written work. A practical project will demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge of theory and practice gained through the MA’s earlier modules, which shows substantive reflection upon the practical work produced. The student may choose any appropriate journalism platform for this project: broadcast, print or online, or they can take a multi-platform approach.

Students will begin this module in their second semester, with taught sessions in research methods and approaches, providing a solid understanding of academic conventions and information literacy skills, to prepare them for their project.;these would be intensive  sessions, held during the Easter Break.  In their core units in Semester 1 students will  have covered the Information Literacy skills needed for all their assignments. They will be required to carry out research exercises to formatively assess their ability to progress with their project. These taught sessions will be delivered alongside students taking MES 406 and MEC 406 in order to provide opportunities for collaborative working and sharing of ideas and approaches. They will complete either a written dissertation or a practical project which demonstrates advanced levels of research, production, analytical and presentation skills. Students will be required to work independently towards submission of their project. Proposals must be submitted on the appropriate PMS form for consideration by a sub-committee of the Course Board of Studies. Supervisory support will be provided at the planning, research and production/writing stages.

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

i. formulate a challenging and creative project proposal based upon a detailed understanding of appropriate research methods and approaches and a clear of application of academic conventions
ii. initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work for TV, radio, the web or print, demonstrating high technical expertise
iii. structure clearly a theoretically informed argument and an ability to synthesise information and argue alternative approaches to journalism
iv. critically analyse the cultural context in which journalism operates and the implications of ethical dilemmas involved in journalism and an ability to communicate that awareness in their writing
v. maintain a challenging schedule and work to tight deadlines using organisational and problem solving skills
vi. engage in academic debate at a significant level and an ability to critically evaluate journalism texts and practices including their own.

16 hours contact time
584 hours independent study

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.