Module overview
The dissertation is an independent research project which is the result of an in-depth study of an area of Film, TV and Digital Media studies. A dissertation gives you the opportunity to study a subject in much greater depth than usual and, with guidance from a supervisor, you will rigorously explore your topic, formulate a research question and develop a distinctive argument.
You will be able to choose between a traditional dissertation or a practice dissertation:
-the traditional dissertation is a sustained piece of independent study (8,000 words) on an area of Film, TV and/or Digital Media studies.
- a practice dissertation consists of two parts: a digital media or data-based output (e.g. data collection project, a short film or video essay or other digital media output), plus an independent critical analysis of 4,000 words.
It should not replicate assessed work in other final year modules.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- engage with critical debate through sustained argument over an extended piece of work.
- analyse, evaluate and synthesise primary and secondary sources.
- make relevant connections between different critical methodologies and use, where appropriate, interdisciplinary modes of approaching the subject.
- arrive at a series of informed and nuanced conclusions as a consequence of sustained inquiry and reflection.
- craft a structured and fully developed exposition of those same conclusions.
- demonstrate originality of thought and approach, moving beyond a simple synthesis of secondary materials.
- organize your ideas in a systematic and fully developed fashion.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- employ the appropriate use of web-based research and display general competence in using electronic research methods and data.
- employ general research skills such as information retrieval and library searches.
- engage in interpretation and critical commentary in order to develop at length a chosen line of argument.
- where appropriate, develop relevant empirical research techniques.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how to engage critically in the analysis of film, television, and digital media texts.
- a chosen area of investigation which reflects and embodies your own particular expertise and enthusiasm.
- how rigorous intellectual inquiry within a relatively narrow field of study can nevertheless inform and enhance a wider engagement with one or more constituent disciplines.
- relevant theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen area of study.
- how to apply the skills and techniques studied during your degree to the benefit of industry and society.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- advise on some of the technical aspects of digital media production and editing, and be able to offer a critical review of professionally- produced materials, where relevant to your project.
- locate, synthesise, evaluate and organise evidence as part of the process of addressing issues within film studies.
Syllabus
The dissertation is an extended piece of work, usually divided into chapters and amounting to 8000 words in length.
The practice dissertation has two parts, the digital media or data-based output’ plus an independent critical analysis of 4,000 words.
The topic and content are determined by you. The module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate how much you have learnt and acquired in years one and two of your degree programme. It will enable you to develop in depth an area of study of your own choice, however, the topic will be chosen in consultation with a member of the Film Studies teaching staff.
The dissertation must conform to the guidelines with respect to format, house style and referencing as laid down in the programme handbook. The final draft must have a clear structure and the standard of written English must demonstrate your familiarity with the basic principles of grammar, punctuation and sentence construction. The ability to communicate in a clear, coherent, and attractive fashion will enhance the overall quality of the dissertation.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
• one-to-one supervision with your tutor
• a series of workshops or seminars on a range of topics related to the preparation for and writing of the dissertation.
Learning activities include:
• engaging in genuinely independent learning through gathering, assimilating, synthesising, and interpreting information pertinent to your chosen topic of inquiry.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Lecture | 10 |
| Completion of assessment task | 280 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
R. Preece (1994). Starting Research: An Introduction to Academic Research and Dissertation Writing. Cassell.
R. Berry (2000). The Research Project: How to Write It. Routledge.
C. Grant et al. (2019). The videographic essay: criticism in sound and image. Caboose.
V. Braun et al. (2017). Collecting Qualitative Data: A Practical Guide to Textual, Media and Virtual Techniques.. Cambridge University Press.
T. Bowell and G Kemp (2001). Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide. Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External