This module is designed to prepare students for their dissertation research. It begins by introducing them to the fundamental aspects of research in the field of media and communication studies, looking at how to find and critique existing knowledge in the field, research project design, and ethical considerations.
Students will then be introduced to a number of approaches in the field of political communication research such as media content analysis, frame analysis, survey design, interview techniques, focus group research, as well as the basics of statistical data analysis and data visualisation. By the end of the module, students will be in a position to present and submit their own dissertation proposals.