Module: Dissertation 1 - Research Methods for Comms & Media

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Dissertation 1 - Research Methods for Comms & Media
Module Code	MCO1031 (ITS: CM3009)
Faculty	Communications	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module prepares students to devise and complete an independent academic project. Students learn the basics research skills and methods required for undertaking a piece of research, and they work on drafting a solid and succinct research proposal.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the knowledge acquired over the duration of the BA programme to develop a research project proposal
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the literature relevant to the research topic
3. Develop distinct research methods appropriate to particular research topics
4. Discern the ethical issues involved in the project and act accordingly

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly sessions
Independent Study	40	Research and reading
Assessment Feedback	3	One-to-one feedback on proposal; Meeting with module lecturer/s
Assignment Completion	60	Developing a research proposal
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10995	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jim Rogers	Module Teacher	Aileen O'Driscoll, Eileen Culloty

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Develop a research proposal (and attendance & participation)	100%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Elements of a Research Project
Elements of a Research Project Research Project Preparation Conducting a Literature Review Choosing an Appropriate Methodology

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Babbie, E.: 2010, The practice of social research, 12th, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth,
Bazeley, P.: 2013, Qualitative Data Analysis: Practical Strategies, Los Angeles: SAGE,
Bell, J.: 2005, Doing Your Research Project: a guide for first time researchers in education, health and social science, Open University Press,
Booth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., and Williams, J.M.: 2008, The craft of research, 3rd, Chicago: University of Chicago Press,
Crano, W.D. & Brewer, M.B.: 2002, Principles and Methods of Social Research, 2nd, LEA Publishers,
Deacan, D., Pickering, M., Golding, P., and Murdoch, G.: 2014, Researching communications: a practical guide to methods in media and cultural analysis, 2nd, London: Bloomsbury Academic,
Neuman, W.L.: 2014, Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th, Pearson,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None