Research Project

On completion of this module students should have an understanding of the theory, concepts, sources and methods pertaining to a selected field of film and documentary that they have chosen for the purposes of compiling a 7,500-word long dissertation based on original research.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory, concepts, sources and methods pertaining to a selected field of film and documentary that they have chosen for the purposes of compiling a 7,500-word long dissertation based on some degree of original research.
2. Acquire a detailed knowledge and understanding in a specialised area of film and documentary.
3. Possess the kind of knowledge required to design, execute and complete an independent written piece of film and documentary research using both primary and secondary sources.
4. Demonstrate an ability to use a complex and specialised range of research skills (e.g. archives, fieldwork, surveying, interviews, questionnaires, quantitative techniques).
5. Examine and review literature across the various disciplines concerned with their film  and documentary research topic.
6. Apply both descriptive and analytical techniques to their written narratives, and comprehend many practical and organisational problems associated with conducting independent work.
7. Exercise appropriate judgement in a number of complex planning and design functions related to their film  and documentary research topic.
8. Act effectively under guidance in a peer relationship with their dissertation supervisor.
9. Act in variable and unfamiliar locations that may have to be visited during the course of their dissertation research.  Furthermore, they should be able to display precision, structure and clarity in their communications.
10. Defend their research findings to a panel of academics  in a ‘Viva’ examination.  This will provide them with an intellectual opportunity to verbally and graphically explain the rationale behind their choice of dissertation topic, the methodologies of their investigation, their key research findings, and the validity of their conclusions and recommendations.  Oral discussion of the work will also enable the panel to evaluate the student’s overall grasp of the issues raised in the dissertation, and to gauge their understanding of any limitations over the nature and scope of the research undertaken.