Course Catalogue

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The group project can be taken in place of the dissertation component of this degree. It enables students to undertake a sustained piece of interdisciplinary research into a contemporary media event or organisation, collaborating with at least two others. For example, this could include investigating: the role of personal/social media in shaping multiple/competing understandings of a conflict, the role of trust in shaping journalistic discourses and so-called 'echo chambers' of audience use, or the organisational memory of an organisation or institution, as carried by its archives and its members.

The group project will enable students to employ a mix of approaches and methods, drawing upon the interdisciplinary foundations of the degree programme. It will enhance research and information management, motivational (self and others) and time-management, teamwork, leadership, presentational and interpersonal skills. Each group will be allocated an academic supervisor.

This course is assessed by a final project document of 8-10,000 words or equivalent (70%); a group presentation (20%), and an individual reflective essay (10%).

3 x 2 hour seminar style for 30 students

1 x 3 hour lecture theatre for 30 students

None for the course specifically, but entry to the MSc programme requires a good first degree in a relevant discipline.

Media Dissertation.

None.

This course is assessed by a final group project document of 8-10,000 words or equivalent (70%); 

a group presentation which will be delivered to at least one external person (this representative would be drawn from one of the visiting course speakers or the external examiner, depending upon availability) as well as to the rest of the year cohort (20%), 

and an individual essay of 1500-2000 words reflecting on each student's experience, development and learning outcomes in delivering the project (10%).

The aims of the course are to:

■ Apply the concepts, theories and methods developed through the programme to a collaborative project that actively and innovatively engages with a contemporary event, issue or the changing culture of an institution or organisation.

■ Develop intellectual understanding, abilities and skills.

■ Enhance communication, cooperative and teamwork skills such as planning, management, leadership and peer support.

■ Encourage personal growth (self esteem and self confidence).

■ Enable reflective practices (reviewing and reflecting, planning for the future).

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues in the relationship between media and society.

■ Understand the benefits of an interdisciplinary (social sciences, arts and culture) lens on the continuity and change of the relationship between media and society.

■ Apply knowledge, skills and understanding in collaboratively planning and executing a significant project of media research.

■ Develop original and creative responses to problems and issue.

■ Show enhanced organisational, communication and presentational skills and in working competently and cooperatively with others to achieve a common goal. 

■ Practice in ways which draw on critical reflection on own and others' roles and responsibilities.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.