Learners will be introduced to the theory of research in their lecture classes and will have an opportunity to
develop their research skills & competency as part of their dissertation project assessment. The module
aims to develop, not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical competence in research skills. The
teaching & learning strategy is thus very practical and applied in nature including weekly supervision support for the
learners.
Students will develop the practice element of their dissertation through ongoing feedback and support from supervisors and the programme board.
Module Aim:
This module affords students the opportunity to combine creative practice with primary research and critical analysis. Principles of good research practice underpin the approach to developing an individual piece of work that is connected to and contextualized within existing fields of media scholarship. To undertake dissertation by practice students must have a track record of producing high-quality practice work. (ongoing grades in range of 2:1 to 1:1)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Prepare a research proposal with clearly defined research question, research objectives and approach to practice element.
LO2
Conduct independent research
LO3
Outline contribution to existing critical, theoretical and methodological approaches within a specified field of study
LO4
Produce a piece of media work that is connected to and illustrative of written thesis
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Research design
Definition & purpose of research; research approaches; research/practice topic generation; defining research
questions and objectives; methodological strategy; writing a research proposal and practice outline, ethics in research.
Literature
Literature search - high quality academic literature; literature review process; citing and referencing relevant and timely literature; managing literature
Practice Element
Develop a media piece that is part of a coherent project alongside the elements of primary and secondary research. Media practice skills (web, video, photography, audio, written)
Research design
Reporting research, structure of research project, writing style, Harvard Referencing System.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Project
50.00%
Practical
50.00%
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment