Compulsory research modules (all MRes Humanities)
HIS-40017 Research Skills in the Humanities (15 credits, Semester 1)
You will receive training in the practical and technical skills necessary for postgraduate research in the humanities, so you will be able to plan, then find and use the necessary resources for your research and writing. This includes: relevant University regulations; procedures for managing a research degree; the differences between popular press dissemination of research and academic forms; how to identify issues of research ethic affecting your work; and how to use real-world and digital archives and be creative in looking for primary research sources, such as film archives, digitised magazines and pamphlets, first editions of out of print literature. You will also develop essential personal and professional skills in time, stress and project management.
HIS-40016 Reflective Practice in the Humanities (15 credits, Semester 2)
Reflective practice describes a systematic approach to reflection that involves creating a habit, structure and routine around reflecting on our experiences and engaging in continuous learning. Whether you choose to learn from experience as an individual or with others, there are many benefits to be gained from sharing ideas, experiences and considering how you can change or improve your creative practice. Throughout this module, you will be asked to explore the intellectual connections between your research area and wider fields of study. We look at ‘big ideas’ relevant to contemporary society, such as the concept of ‘post truth’, ‘big data’ and the pulling down of statues, and we work to understand them from the perspective of our disciplines.
Compulsory pathway-specific modules (Media, Communication and Culture)
MDS-40001 Cultural Theory (30 credits, Semester 1)
The module aims to introduce students to and further develop their knowledge of cultural theory appropriate to the field of Media and Communications. It enables students to explore some of the major movements in cultural and screen media theory. The module introduces students to the theory and practice of reading culture in general as well as various specific forms and modes of cultural self-representation. Topics to be considered may include cultural history, subcultures, cybercultures, cultural geographies, modernity, postmodernism, (post-) feminism, postcolonialism, psychoanalysis, and ecocriticism
MDS-40003 Individual Research Orientation (30 credits, Semester 2)
The module aims to further students’ understanding of the research area or topic that has been chosen as the theme of the dissertation. It comprises individual study, directed by a reading programme drawn up by the student and their prospective supervisor, and the student works with their supervisor to plan and develop an essay topic. A literature review is usually completed to enable the student to situate their projected work within current disciplinary debates. It is the student’s responsibility to meet their supervisor regularly and determine what form the IRO assessment will take.
MDS-40002 (MCC) Dissertation (90 credits, studied throughout the course)
Depending on the area of research chosen, students research, plan and produce one of the following: A Dissertation of 20,000 words, supervised by an expert from their discipline, or: a Media Project, supervised by an expert from their discipline. The nature of this project and balance between practical and critical components are negotiated and agreed with the supervisor and approved by the appropriate research committee, but at least 25% of the submitted work should comprise an accompanying critical essay.
