MP6006 - Media Dissertation

You will learn through directed independent study. You will have six lectures which will explain the general approach to dissertation writing, structuring the dissertation, formulating research questions, organising your time, overcoming potential problems, as well as specific information regarding matters such as formatting and writing style. You will be assigned a dissertation supervisor, and they will be your main point of contact during the module. Your supervisor will offer advice on your project specifically, helping you to structure your work, to overcome problems with finding appropriate sources, focusing your research questions and so forth.

The module leader will be available in office hours to answer general concerns relating to the module, and there will also be opportunities to ask broader questions during the lecture sessions. The main source of academic support will be your individual supervisor, who is available both during formally arranged meetings and in their office hours. The delivery of the module will be supported with learning and lecture materials that are accessible via the e-learning portal.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will be expected to demonstrate significant knowledge of the issues and themes that contextualise your chosen research topic (LO1)
• You will be expected to demonstrate significant understanding of scholarly debates related to your chosen research topic (LO2)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
/ Professional skills & abilities:
• You will be expected to demonstrate enhanced ability to deploy research methods, theories, and concepts relevant to the field of study (LO3)
• You will be expected to demonstrate the analytical and interpretive skills required to present a substantial piece of research (LO4)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• It is expected that your dissertation project will demonstrate your personal and critical engagement with a topic that has industrial, social, and/or political pertinence. (LO5)

You will receive formative feedback on your progress during meetings with your dissertation supervisor. You will also submit a 2000 word (ungraded) dissertation plan in semester one, and this will allow your dissertation supervisor to identify strengths and potential weaknesses in your project before you begin drafting chapters.
The module is summatively assessed via the submission of a dissertation which will be between 8000 words (minimum) and 10,000 words (maximum). A successful dissertation will demonstrate your ability to: a) carry out thorough research on a specialist topic; b) select, organise and present information effectively; c) understand and elucidate relevant theoretical issues; d) structure an argument leading to a conclusion; e) show evidence of personal reflection on and involvement with, the topic studied; f) work independently and to be self-motivated. (LO1-5)

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‘Media Dissertation’ allows you to conduct an in-depth analysis of a subject area of your choice within the context of the media. You will research the topic and write an 8,000-10,000-word dissertation, supported by a member of staff who will act as your supervisor for the duration of the module. You will develop an initial proposal as well as information-retrieval skills before considering which methodology you are to use. You will also complete a 2,000-word dissertation plan which will demonstrate your progress. Your supervisor will give assessment on the plan and at regular meetings to chart your development through the module. ‘Media Dissertation’ will give you valuable transferrable skills across a range of career paths and be very valuable to those planning to continue in Higher Education.