Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Media and Communication Project Research
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: JAC10131
Module leader: Pauline Miller Judd
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

On this module you will explore mass communications strategies and their purposes to identify a significant research problem. You will design a research project to investigate this research problem. Developing this strategy, you will draw upon the knowledge and skills you have learned across your degree studies to identify core issues in your research problem. You will then explore and experiment with research methods and practices to determine a viable, productive, and creative approach to the problem. From this research you will produce a research report that explains and critically reflects upon your research processes and findings, and a proposal for a mass communications project. The scope of each project will be agreed by the module leader. Proposals produced by the class will form the basis of the projects undertaken in the Mass Communications Major Project module in trimester 2, and can be for either solo or group projects. The proposals will outline not only the issues that still need to be researched, but also an associated communications strategy. This communications strategy should draw on your tuition in persuasion, advertising, public relations, journalism, television, and/or film, as appropriate.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically reflect on media and communication issues and strategies to identify a problem to research.

LO2: Experiment with research methods and practices to determine appropriate means to investigate a research problem in the field of media and communication.

LO3: Test and critically reflect on selected research methods to demonstrate their validity for a research project.

LO4: Propose a research project in media and communication.

LO5: Demonstrate awareness of and compliance with research integrity.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, IN PERSON,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Pauline Miller Judd
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 30 During the reading week, students will work towards their formative assessments, consolidating their research from the first half of the trimester.
Face To Face Seminar 10 Seminars will be held which allow you to explore approaches to research in different communication sectors. Activities and discussion in seminar groups may be done in small groups or individually to suit diverse student needs.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 10 Practical classes and workshops will be available in the second half of the trimester to explore research and production skills for possible projects. Activities in practical sessions may be done in small groups or individually to suit diverse student needs.
Online Guided independent study 150 Guided independent study will allow you to explore different approaches to research in communication and develop appropriate proposals for projects.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 40 1~3~5 Week 14 , WORDS= 1500 A critically reflective report that explains and critically reflects upon your research process and findings. This is due in week 14. An alternative assessment format is available in discussion with the Module Leader.
Oral Presentation 60 1~2~3~4~5 Week 14 HOURS= Max. 20 minutes A recorded pitch presentation of a Major Project proposal. This is an individual or group project proposal that includes your research problem, preliminary findings, proposed communications project and strategy, and proposed project timetable. Alternative assessment formats are available in discussion with the Module Leader.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
JAC10126 Mass Communications Project Research
 

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