Course Resources Archive

The module provides the opportunity to undertake an extended piece of independent research into an area of media, creativity, social and/or commercial enterprise. The final project may be an 18,000 word written dissertation or a combination of practical and written work that can be theoretically focused or practice/industry-focused. In either case, the project would demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge of theory and practice/production gained through the MA’s earlier modules, which shows substantive critical understanding of media and creative enterprise.

Students will begin this module in their second semester, with taught sessions in research methods and approaches, providing a solid understanding of academic conventions 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 JOP 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. critically analyse the implications of ethical, political, legal and social dilemmas involved in the project
iii. engage in academic debate at a significant level with an ability to make a theoretically informed contribution
iv. produce an extensive piece of written work with rigorous attention to academic conventions
v. initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work for one or more media formats/industries demonstrating technical expertise and reflective practice
vi. maintain a challenging schedule and work to tight deadlines using organisational and problem solving skills

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.