Module Details

Module Code: THES H4401
Module Title: Dissertation
Title: Dissertation
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Myles Kelly
Module Author:: Pauline Flanagan
Domains:  
Module Description: The main aim of this project is to enable the student to understand the research process and produce a dissertation thesis. The project will help the student to identify a research problem and carry out an independent research project within the field of media/public relations.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Undertake primary and secondary research on a topic involving multiple disciplines within the course
LO2 Analyse and present the findings of their research
LO3 Critique recommendations on the basis of their analysis
LO4 Demonstrate research and academic writing skills
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Overview
Students will receive a 12 contact hours in Research Methodology These classes cover: Research process, defining the problem and research objectives; developing a research plan; implementing the research plan, writing a literature review, preparing a research methodology, interpreting and reporting the findings, secondary research – development and analysis, primary research. These classes provide the students with the research skills to use in addition to the skills and knowledge gained from their other subjects. The students will be given a log-book at the beginning of the academic year containing precise details on the requirements for the dissertation. Each student will be allocated a project supervisor with whom they will agree the research topic. A timetable of weekly meetings will be developed at which progress or problems will be discussed and dates for deliverables agreed. Deliverables as follows:- • Project requirements explained – request for project proposals • Project proposal discussed with student • Research methodology • Review of secondary research • Implementation of primary research plan • Student submits final project
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
Project60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Percentage mark of each deliverable:-

Initial topic/research proposal;
research methodology;
literature review;
Findings/Analysis
project management (includes attending scheduled meetings with supervisor, attendance at research lectures, submission of continuous chapters on time etc..); presentation of work
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Completed thesis submitted at agreed date
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact No Description Every Week 7.75 7.75
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact No Description Every Week 0.25 0.25
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.25
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Martin Brett Davies. (2014), Doing a Successful Research Project, 2nd. Martin Brett Davies.
  • Collis, J. & Hussey, R.. (2009), Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Third edition Ed.,, Palgrave: Macmillan London.
  • Oakshott, L.. (2009), Essential Quantitative Methods, 4th Ed, Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Niranjala Weerakkody. (2017), Research Methods for Media and Communication, Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 9780195588033].
  • Bonnie Brennen. (2013), Qualitative Research Methods for Media Studies, Routledge, p.238, [ISBN: 9780415890212].
  • Gillian Rose. (2016), Visual Methodologies, Sage Publications Limited, p.456, [ISBN: 9781473948907].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Journals and other relevant material can be accessed by checking www.library.itcarlow.ie.
Other Resources
  • SPSS for Dummies e-book available from library.
  • Statistical Methods for Practice & Research e-book available from library.
  • Business Statistics Demystified e-book available from library.
Discussion Note: