What will I learn on this module?
‘Media Dissertation’ involves the researching and writing of an 8,000-10,000 word media-related dissertation on a subject of your own choosing. You should attend a series of mandatory lecture/workshop sessions in which the fundamental requirements of preparing and researching a dissertation will be examined and explained. These sessions will be spread across semester 1 and semester 2. In Semester 1, you will develop your initial dissertation proposal up to the point where you are ready to start writing the dissertation itself. You will develop your information-retrieval skills, familiarise yourself with your chosen subject, find solutions to any problems arising out of your research design, consider the significance of any ethical constraints, formulate your principal research question, and determine the methodology you will use. You are required to complete a 2000 word dissertation plan as part of your progress (however, the module grade will be entirely assessed against your final 8000-10000 word dissertation). In Semester 2 you will develop and amend the ideas in your dissertation plan, carry out further research, prepare and write the final dissertation. Supervision will continue to be provided through regular meetings with your supervisor.
How will I learn on this module?
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.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
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.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
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)
What will I be expected to achieve?
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)
How will I be assessed?
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)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
‘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.
Course info
UCAS Code P3N5
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Arts
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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