Preparing for the Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• define and manage small research projects;
• communicate clearly and persuasively in an academic register;
• demonstrate effective research skills;
• construct, develop, and sustain an argument.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• evaluate and develop different research methodologies, using them effectively for your chosen project;
• evaluate your sources

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• appropriate ways to present research project outlines clearly and concisely;
• research skills suitable for the preparation of a dissertation on a film or television related topic;
• recent research findings relevant to the academic discipline of Film Studies;
• key debates in the field.

This module aims to prepare you for writing your Masters dissertation. In doing so, it will show you how to identify and define your topic and its scope, as well as developing your existing research and methodological skills. You will research and evaluate key sources, developing an annotated bibliography and literature review. The research proposal produced for the final assignment will form the research outline for your Masters dissertation. The module comprises both plenary taught sessions, one-to-one tutorials and independent study.

Teaching methods include

• tutor-supported individual work
• seminars

Learning activities include

• identifying important sources of information for your chosen research topic
• assessing key sources for research
• assessing and analysing the arguments of key critics
• gaining an awareness of key debates in the field
• individual research and analysis

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.