Module:

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: CM572)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

To prepare and write a substantial and original piece of independent academic research in the area of political communication.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1D64690B-2B85-0001-946F-132BED2810D2
2. show proficiency in the planning of an extended, systematically developed research project, worked upon independently, incorporaing insights gained from taught modules;
5. 1
6. 1D64690B-422B-0001-3ADB-4AC180211B94
7. demonstrate the ability to work on a research project over an extended period of time, with the guidance of a supervisor;
10. 2
11. 1D64690B-5063-0001-F6D8-B89816201761
12. demonstrate the ability to collect, sort and analyse insights and perspectives gleaned from a literature review;
15. 3
16. 1D64690B-5EEA-0001-CF14-B5975C05F240
17. identify the ways in which a suitable research methodology must be selected and applied to individual research projects;
20. 4
21. 1D646958-85CF-0001-8555-11A017E47700
22. critically analyse the most appropriate ways to integrate theoretical perspectives already acquired into the pursuit of new empirical data appropriate to the dissertation.
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	25	Introduction to writing an academic thesis; overview of DCU thesis procedures and guidelines; class presentation on selected topic.
Lecture	35	Research supervision
Independent Study	690	Research and writing
Seminars	24	Introduction to writing an academic thesis; overview of DCU thesis procedures and guidelines; class presentation on selected topic.
Total Workload: 774

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Thesis	20,000 word dissertation	100%	n/a

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	p,
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 to writing an academic thesis; overview of DCU thesis procedures and guidelines

Research supervision

Research and writing

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Zina O'Leary: 2017, The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project, 3rd, Sage, 9781473952089
Deacon, D. Pickering, M. Golding, P. and Murdock, G. (eds): 2010, Researching Communications A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Analysis, 2nd, Bloombury, London,
Hansen, A. Cottle, S. Negrine, R. and Newbold, C.: 2008, Mass Communication Research Methods, Palgrave Macmillan, London,
McQuail, D.: 2010, Mass Communication Theory, 6th, Sage, London,
Krippendorff, K.: 2004, Content Analysis An Introduction to its Methodology, 2nd, Sage, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None