Module: MScPR Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	MScPR Dissertation
Module Code	MCO1044 (ITS: CM5017)
Faculty	Communications	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	25

Description

Students will prepare and write a substantial and original piece of independent academic research in the area of Public Relations. With the benefit of research workshops in the first semester, students will develop their dissertation topic by the end of semester one. During the first half of the second semester each student will present work in progress to the class for discussion and receive feedback from students and the module co-ordinator. Each student, working in tandem with the module co-ordinator and individual project supervisors, will submit the completed dissertation at the end of June. Students may, in some instances, complete a practice-based project in lieu of an academic dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to collect, sort and analyse insights and perspectives gleaned from a literature review.
2. Identify the ways in which a suitable research methodology must be selected and applied to individual research projects.
3. Demonstrate a sound grasp of the theoretical principles underpinning a defined area of Public Relations and communications.
4. Demonstrate a capacity for original thought, logical argument and the ability to discuss objectively and rigorously.
5. Show proficiency in the planning of an extended, systematically developed research project, worked upon independently, incorporating insights gained from taught modules, with the guidance of a supervisor.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	20	Regular meetings with project advisor
Independent Study	150	Reading and preparation of literature review.
Directed learning	5	Library instruction on aspects of research.
Independent Study	400	Independent project work undertaken by student (research, analysis and writing).
Assignment Completion	50	Preparation of research proposal.
Total Workload: 625

Section Breakdown
CRN	11690	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Madeline Boughton	Module Teacher	Martin Molony, Padraig Mckeon

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Dissertation / Project Proposal & Presentation	25%	Sem 1 End
Thesis	Submission of 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation or project.	75%	Sem 2 End

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

Introduction
Overview of the research process.

Critically analyse and discuss existing literature relevant to the chosen topic.

Develop a Research Project
Develop research questions, aims, objectives and statements.

Select appropriate methodologies and method rationale.

Implement time management.

Literature Review
Conduct a review of the published material relating to the chosen topic, creating a foundation for the dissertation or project.

Data Analysis
Undertake a systematic analysis of data.

Conclusions
Draw appropriate conclusions.

Identify areas for further research and the limitations associated with his/her dissertation or report.

Develop a reflective account of the research process.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Denscombe. M.: 2014, The Good Research Guide, 5th, Open University Press,
Furseth, I. & Everett, E.: 2013, Doing Your Masters Dissertation, Sage,
Thomas, G.: 2013, How to do Your Research, Sage,
Kumar, R.: 2013, Research Methodology, Sage,
Schreier, M.: 2012, Qualitative Content Analysis, Sage,
Easterby-Smith, Thornhill, R. & Loww: 2001, Management Research: An Introduction (SAGE series in Management Research), Sage,
Walliman, N.: 2005, Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time Researcher, 2nd, Sage,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Web site: 2009, DCU Library guide to citation, Dublin, DCU, http://www.library.dcu.ie/citing&refquide08.pdf
Web site: 2009, Online guide to avoiding plagiarism, Cardiff University, https://ilrb.cf.ac.uk/plagiarism/tutorial/index.html