To produce an extended piece of research in a Communication and Media-based subject.

To develop specialist subject knowledge in the student's chosen area of research.

To gain experience of postgraduate-level academic research in Communication and Media, with a view to possible future progression to doctoral research.

To make an original contribution to knowledge in the field of the Communication and Media.

(LO1) Students will acquire detailed specialist knowledge in their chosen field of research and will be able to make an original contribution to knowledge in that field.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of research methodologies in the Arts, as appropriate to the chosen field of research.

(LO3) Students will demonstrate the ability to present original research in a coherent written form, including the use of an appropriate academic voice and accuracy in presentation in referencing.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – persuading

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (including referencing skills)

(S6) Time and project management - Personal action planning

(S7) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S8) Time and project management - Project management

(S9) Time and project management - Project planning

(S10) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S11) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S12) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S13) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S14) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S15) Information skills – Critical Reading

(S16) Information skills - Evaluation

(S17) Information skills – Record Keeping

(S18) Information skills - Information accessing:(Locating relevant information) (Identifying and evaluating information sources)

(S19) Research skills - All Information skills

(S20) Research skills - Awareness of /commitment to academic integrity

(S21) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc)

(S22) Skills in using technology - Information accessing

(S23) Personal attributes and qualities - Initiative

(S24) Personal attributes and qualities - Willingness to take responsibility

This module is a core component of the MRes Communication and Media programme and as such, its syllabus will vary according to the individual research project and will be determined by the student with guidance from the academic supervisor(s).

The supervisor(s) will provide guidance on the programme of research, primarily through individual tutorials, as it develops during the semester (or year for part-time students). Tutorials take place either face-to-face or through virtual channels such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

The module is taught by individual tutorials with the student's supervisor (or supervisory team in cases of co-supervision) every fortnight.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.