Students will build on and integrate their knowledge, skills and experience by undertaking an independent research project in the form of a supervised dissertation. Research can be undertaken in a broad range of areas, however it is expected that the content of the thesis will demonstrate clear links to other elements of the programme, for example, focusing on an aspect of the cultural and/or institutional role of journalism. The finished dissertation/project will therefore represent the synthesis and culmination of the skills and knowledge gained elsewhere on the programme.
Total Contact Hours: 28
Private Study Hours: 422
Total Study Hours: 450
BA (Hons) Journalism
Main assessment methods
Presentation – 10%
Plan (2,000 words) – 20%
Dissertation (10,000 words)- 70%
Reassessment methods
Like for like
Altheide, D.L and Schneider, C.J. (2013), Qualitative Media Analysis. London: Sage
Atton, C. (2002) Alternative Media, London: Sage
Bignell, J. (1997) Media Semiotics: An Introduction, Manchester: Manchester University Press
Brennen, B. (2013) Qualitative Research Methods for Media Studies, New York: Routledge
Frost, C. (2000) Media Ethics and Self-Regulation, Harlow: Pearson Education
Gunter, B. (2000) Media Research Methods: Measuring Audiences, Reactions and Impact, London: Sage
Pink, S. (2007) Doing Visual Ethnography: Images, Media, and Representation in Research, London: Sage
Reeves, I (2014) The Newspapers Handbook, London: Routledge
Walliman, N.B. (2001) Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time Researcher, London: Sage
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Identify, plan and sustain a supervised study in a specific area of Journalism
2. Understand the epistemological and methodological issues involved in research projects in journalism, and the relationship between these concepts
3. Conceptualise a question for investigation in the field of multimedia journalism, and to design the appropriate research methodology
4. Deploy the appropriate concepts in the study of journalism
5. Evaluate and interpret practical and/or theoretical concepts and principles relating to journalism
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Work with theoretical knowledge and apply theory to practical issues
2. Show awareness of the ethical, theoretical, epistemological and methodological dimensions of the scholarly work done in their discipline in general and their own work
3. Undertake analysis of existing areas of knowledge and make carefully constructed arguments
4. Achieve a level of conceptual understanding that will allow them to critically evaluate research, policies and practices
5. Use the libraries, the internet, bibliographic search engines, online resources, and effectively conduct research
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
