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Dissertation (Written or Project)

Module description

The module is the culmination of the MA programme. The written dissertation or dissertation project will be related to an issue covered on one of the modules. The dissertation topic will emerge from one of the elements studied in previous modules on the degree, or can be based on and inspired by the work placement. The specific topic for the dissertation project will be selected by you in discussion with one of the programme tutors – acting as the dissertation project supervisor – ensuring that the final project/dissertation is informed by the overarching learning process of the MA as a whole.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims:

• To provide an opportunity to test your learning, display your subject knowledge and explore in detail a topic that interests you.
• To make effective use of appropriate methodologies to conduct research and/or develop concepts/projects in the context of creative industries.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Critically evaluate at an advanced level current research and industry practices in the discipline and in a chosen area of enquiry (i.e. the creative industries sectors to include but not limited to TV, film, online, publishing, video gaming, VR, theatre, art market, etc.).
• 2. Use and apply at an advanced level a range of research techniques and methodologies (including arts-based ones where appropriate), business models and industry practices appropriate to the discipline and to your chosen area of enquiry.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Demonstrate advanced and autonomous skills in the research and evaluation of relevant critical and historical materials for the study of key sectors of the creative industries, creative organisations and strategic and innovative challenges
• 4. Digest, select, and organise at an advanced level interdisciplinary material and to trace the development of debate across disciplinary boundaries

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Through the planning and organisation of an in-depth research dissertation, demonstrate independence of thought and confidence in developing ideas and formulating questions
• 6. Articulate complex ideas verbally and in a clear manner

Syllabus plan

You are encouraged to begin to think about potential topics for your dissertation early in the year. You should do this in discussion with your course tutors. You will develop an initial proposal by the end of term 2/beginning of term 3 before being assigned to a supervisor. You will then work with your supervisor in term 3 to develop and bring your dissertation to completion. Dissertation supervision can take many forms, including face-to-face office meetings, telephone conversations, skype (VOIP) calls or e-mail. You are responsible for working out a plan for supervision early in the process.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Barone, T. and Eisner, E.W. (2012) Arts-based Research, Sage.
• Bauer, M. and Gaskell, G. (2000). Qualitative Researching with Text, Image and Sound – A Practical Handbook. London: Sage.
• Clandinin, D.J. (2007). Handbook of narrative inquiry: Mapping a methodology. London: Sage.
• Fielding, N., Lee, R.M. and Blank, G. (eds) (2008). The Sage Handbook of Online Research Methods. London: Sage.
• Kara, H. (2015). Creative Research Methods in the Social Sciences. Bristol: Policy Press.
• Knowles, J.G. and Cole, A.L. (eds). (2007). Handbook of the arts in Qualitative Research: Perspectives, Methodologies, Examples and Issues. London: Sage.
• Leavy, P. (2015). Method Meets Art: Arts-Based Research Practice. 2nd ed. New York: Guilford Press.
• Patriarche, G, Bilandzic, H., Linaa Jensen, J. and JurišiÃ?��Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½, J. (eds) (2014). Audience Research Methodologies. Between Innovation and Consolidations. Abingdon: Routledge.
• Pickering, M. (ed) (2008). Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
• Rose, G. (2016). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials. 4th ed. London: Sage.
• Yin, R. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 5th ed. Los Angeles: Sage.

Key words search

Creative industry, innovation, creative management, business strategy