1. To further elaborate upon key research methods in communication and media studies with a focus on their application.
2. To provide a range of case studies that elaborate on specific methods, theoretical frameworks, and analytical approaches.
3. To provide students with an opportunity to design their own proposal for a final year capstone project/dissertation.
4. To provide students with an opportunity to discuss their ideas for final year capstone project/dissertation.

(LO1) Students will demonstrate knowledge of the key principles of research, including design frameworks and methods.

(LO2) Students will identify and justify a suitable research idea/topic/question in the field of communication and media studies for potential exploration in an academic dissertation or a major capstone project.

(LO3) Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of research methods.

(LO4) Students will analyse and synthesise evidence from a range of sources and present reasoned and coherent arguments.

(S1) Research skills

(S2) Global citizenship skills

(S3) Study skills

(S4) Digital fluency skills

(S5) Critical thinking skills

(S6) Communication skills

The module content may include the following topics in no particular order:

Re-cap the principles of research & formulating research questions/problems for capstone projects.
Potential approaches could include (but are not exhaustive):
Analysing texts continued (could include: Textual Analysis, content analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis medium specificity, and qualitative approaches).
Studying media audiences and producers I – quantitative approaches (could include surveys, analysing online data).
Studying media audiences and producers II – qualitative approaches (could include interviews, focus groups, ethnography).
Theorizing media audiences and producers – frameworks of analysis.
Archival research – how to use archives and databases.
Researching media industries and production studies approaches.
Research proposal for final year project/dissertation - what makes a good student dissertat ion/final year project and communicating your research.

Teaching method: Lecture/Workshop
Description: The lectures will introduce students to key concepts, theories, approaches and ideas. There workshops will provide space for discussion of the key concepts/ideas and opportunities for the students to attempt some of the approaches and methods introduced on the module.
Schedule directed student hours: 24
Unscheduled directed student hours: 126
Attendance recorded: Yes
Notes:
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used:
Students should always complete the assigned readings and take relevant notes before the lectures/workshops, as well as any other set activities by the tutors. They should start working on their assignments as soon as the assignments are introduced in class. It is also a good idea for students to book themselves onto any offline or online tutorials or book individual appointments with the aim of improving their academic writing and critical thinking skills.