MC499
Dissertation: Media and Communications
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Simidele Dosekun will convene the teaching and organisation of this course, and will oversee allocation of dissertation supervisors (one per student).
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Global Media and Communications (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Fudan), MSc in Global Media and Communications (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and UCT), MSc in Global Media and Communications (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and USC), MSc in Media and Communications, MSc in Media and Communications (Data and Society), MSc in Media and Communications (Media and Communications Governance), MSc in Media and Communications (Research), MSc in Media, Communication and Development, MSc in Politics and Communication and MSc in Strategic Communications. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The aim of this dissertation is for students to pursue an independent piece of research within the field of media and communications following the guidelines provided in the MSc Dissertation Guide and the instructions by the School's staff members. The dissertation is usually a combination of theoretical enquiry and original empirical enquiry concerning an issue in the field of media and communications. On rare occasions it is based on a theoretical interrogation. Students are encouraged to select a topic that reflects the content of their MSc programme. In all cases, students must obtain the approval of their supervisor before embarking on any research.
Teaching
This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and one-to-one supervision in Michaelmas, Lent and Summer Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and flipped-lectures delivered as online videos. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas and Lent Term.
Formative coursework
Students are required to submit ethics checklist, literature review and dissertation plan to their dissertation supervisor in LT and ST.
Indicative reading
There are no formal reading lists, but students are encouraged to consult departmental handbooks on how to write dissertations.
Assessment
Dissertation (100%, 12000 words) in August.
The dissertation must be not less than 10,000 words and not more than 12,000 words in length.
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 30 |
| Merit | 49.1 |
| Pass | 17.6 |
| Fail | 3.2 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Media & Communications
Total students 2019/20: 313
Average class size 2019/20: 12
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: One Unit
