On this module you will write a dissertation of 10,000 words. The choice of topic and the research question must be approved by the module leader and your supervisor, and should normally be from the general subject area of television studies. The dissertation must be the result of independent, critical investigation by you and show evidence of relevant research methods and detailed knowledge of established literature and other resources in your chosen area of study. You will be expected to undertake research through appropriate resources, such as libraries, archives, film and DVDs, survey, questionnaires and interviews.
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of journalism, broadcasting or television studies with reference to historical and theoretical frameworks in the relevant field. You will develop your skills in scholarly writing and research methods. You will survey relevant existing academic scholarship and compose a literature review. You will frame a suitable research questions, investigate, analyse and debate a specific case-study. The choice of topic must be approved by the Module Leader and your supervisor. The module will develop your studentship skills as an independent learner through the completion of a dissertation on a topic of your choosing that is relevant to your programme of study.
During Trimester 1 you will undertake a taught programme which will cover framing and generating research questions, advanced literature reviewing, research methodologies (including reflexivity), qualitative research methods, critical analysis, scholarly writing and presentation. Students undertake independent study, under supervision, to produce a 10,000 word Dissertation over two trimesters (Tri 1 & 2). The Dissertation must be the result of independent critical research and investigation by you and demonstrate evidence of appropriate research methods and detailed knowledge of established literature and other resources in your chosen area of study.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Assemble and appraise research which demonstrate extensive knowledge of a specialist investigation into Television studies.
LO2: Evaluate analytical and research skills that encourage and expand independent enquiry and debate.
LO3: Defend the use of appropriate academic research methodologies and techniques.
LO4: Devise and manage effectively a schedule for independent research and writing.
LO5: Compose a dissertation which assembles and combines the research, the methodologies, analysis and develops conclusions appropriate for a critically reflective research project.