Media and film studies

Researching Media and Communication

Module code: P5016
Level 5
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module introduces you to the importance of studying research methods, enabling you to critically evaluate the work of researchers – and your own. It will also enable students to reflect on the issue of research ethics.

The module is taught through a lecture series plus seminars. The lectures cover quantitative and qualitative approaches commonly used in media and communications, such as questionnaires, content analysis, textual and visual analysis, interviewing, and ethnographic approaches.

The seminars provide you with a general training in these research methods, including research design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

Module learning outcomes

• Critically understand the principles and practices that underlie a range of methodological traditions and approaches in the field.
• Critically understand the principles and practices of research methods in relation to research ethics.
• Critically understand the principles and practices of research methods in relation to their own research interests.
• Demonstrate an ability to propose solutions by developing, researching and formulating critical questions.
• Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate detailed information and analysis.