Dissertation module

1. WELCOME TO
FINAL
INDIVIDUAL
PROJECT
COURSE CODE:
LB616
Final Project Coordinator: Rob
Greens
Module tutors: Rob Greens
Lance Dann
2014-15

2. This is a 40-credit module which runs over two
semesters.
It is double the weight of the standard modules
that you have been studying.
As such, it is an extremely important element
of your degree, which could make a real
difference to the classification of degree that you
are awarded (i.e. a 2.2, 2:1 or a 1st).
40 Credit Weighted Module

3. Teaching and Learning
Strategies
 Taught lessons
 Practical workshops
 Supervisions
 Independent Study
The student will work individually under the
supervision of a member of the academic staff,
including regular meetings.
There will also be a compulsory weekly class-
based workshop throughout the year.

4. Overview
 in-depth research in an area or ‘field’ that is of
interest and importance to you.
 the student independently produces and project
manage their own individual work
 you coordinate the input of others who are
contributing to the project.

5. The students will be able to:
1. Critically discuss themes in the literature of their chosen
field to situate and justify their project.
2. Creatively execute ideas based on a research question
and theoretical work in a practical production
3. Demonstrate advanced production skills;
4. Critically evaluate in detail aspects of television, radio,
multimedia, film principles, practice, standards and
techniques
5. Communicate ideas accurately, persuasively and
succinctly in writing
6. Conduct extensive research and apply findings from a
practical production to support a critical
Learning Outcomes

6.  Increased knowledgeable on a subject;
 Critical awareness;
 Time-management;
 Project Management;
 Research Skills;
 Advance production and technical skills;
 Self-management;
 Working with others;
 Analytical and valuation techniques in relation to the research
sources that they site, their own work, and the work of their
peers.
Transferable Skills

7.  An aspect of Television, Radio or Film
principles, practice, standards and techniques;
 Be succinct – don’t be too broad! Common
error is to try to cover too much in 5,000
words.
What can you research about?

8.  you will only get out what you put in
 you need to demonstrate commitment and
dedication to the project.
You drive this project forward
 select a topic that
drives you, motivates
you and impassions
you.

9. Assignment Deadlines
Work Deadline
Presentations (20%) Between Monday 30 November
and Friday 4 December 2015
1st chapter of
Research Report
(formative)
Wednesday 11 February 2016
Production (40%) Wednesday 4 May 2016 (12pm)
Research Report
(40%)
Monday 16 May 2016 (12pm)

10.  The presentation, practical, and research
report, must be all related. Although the work
is marked separately and individually – you
need to remember that all pieces have to be
interlinked and are connected to one another.
 You should not therefore, write your
research report within one area – and then
undertake your production in another,
different area.
One Piece of Research: Three
Projects

11. The research process
Choosing a topic
Presentation
• Focusing your
thoughts
• Identify scope and key
issues
•construct a working
statement that will form
the basis of your
literature review - a
slant on the literature
itself;
• include the authors
who would or could
contradict your ideas.
Research Report
reporting and
evaluating a specific
aspect of Broadcast
Media production
demonstrate what you
have learnt in the
research and
production processes
Production
Express the
influence of your
research in the
production
Maybe demonstrate
a new approach

12.  Request via Studentcentral
 record an area or ‘field’ of
interest.
 Request three choices of
supervisors
 Must do this by Sunday 12
March
Request Form and Skills Audit

13. Supervisors interests
and areas of research*
*these are not comprehensive. All staff cover a variety of areas to support a wide range
of dissertations.

14.  Television drama
 Practices and principles of directing
 Entertainment shows
 Comedy
Phil Connolly

15.  Documentary
 Fiction Films
 Gender
 Sexuality
Catherine Donaldson

16.  Digital Media, online media, interactivity,
gamification, no-linear media
 Radio Drama
 The Radio Industry
 Pitching and developing ideas for scheduling
 Sound design and use of sound in visual media
 Creative writing, narrative theory, storytelling
and script writing
Lance Dann

17.  Creative writing, narrative theory, storytelling
 Screenwriting
 Short and feature film
 Directing
 Film and television theory
 Genre
 Adaptation
Rob Greens

18.  Experimental cinema
 Editing
 Colour and film
Mark Soye

19.  Media Studies
 Radio
 Critical theory
Abigail Wincott

20.  You are entitled to a 20-minute tutorial every
other week over a 24-week period;
 You may not necessarily need/use all of this
allocation up – but this is the maximum time;
 You must always book these tutorials in
advance with your supervisor;
 You must make contact with your supervisor
this week in order to schedule your first
meeting.
Supervisor/Student Meetings

21.  You need to provide your supervisor with some
work that you have carried out for your project
prior to the meeting;
 This needs to be within a pre-agreed time
frame with your tutor;
 For example – for Rob’s students who he’ll
usually meet on a Wednesday – you will need
to email me the work before 11am on Monday;
 If there is no evidence of some form of
work/notes/planning, the tutorial time could be
wasted.
Meeting Format

22.  If you miss a tutorial or are late for a tutorial,
you lose that time;
 You must notify your supervisor in these
instances;
 Do not send materials through to be read after
the pre-agreed time/at the last minute.
Ground Rules