Course Resources Archive

This module will introduce students to research methods for academic study and also to investigative skills that cross research boundaries.  The emphasis will be to prepare students for their dissertation in Level III, but also explores how to find other types of information that would be useful both in academia and the workplace.

Students will examine research practices exploring issues of clarity, subject-specific terminology and 'jargon' in academic papers. Students will also examine relevant research methods drawn from social sciences and related disciplines; quantitative and qualitative methods. They will reflect on the ethical considerations raised by journalistic and academic research practice. Information sources and skills will be examined and understanding of referencing conventions reinforced.

i. Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a) have a broad understanding of the methods and working rationales behind academic research
b) can evaluate the distinctive registers and communication styles governing journalistic and academic practice
c) are familiar with a range of academic research models relevant to journalistic practice
d) have a critical awareness of these methodologies and understand the possible ethical implications of research practice.

ii. Skills
By the end of the module students should have developed skills in:

a) Application and problem solving
Can discriminate between academic and journalistic research

b) Sources and research
Able to identify sources for research and establish a strategy for research using standard research tools.

c) Analysis, evaluation, critical judgement and synthesis
Able to research, create and justify a feasible and relevant study proposal

d) Autonomy and ability to learn
Able to carry out reading and study with limited staff guidance. Able to manage and plan their workload. 

e) Communication and literacy
Able to communicate theoretical values clearly, both orally and in writing.

f) Other key skills
Able to use electronic sources to present an accurately word processed text

Staff/student contact: approx 20%
Independent Study: approx 80%

Please note – staff/student contact may vary from the norm in modules with larger or smaller student numbers

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