Dissertation in Media Studies

The topic is chosen by the student with the aid of tutors during the second term of the academic year, and researched and written mainly in the period after examinations (in effect, during the three summer months).

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of the Dissertation the student will have:

• Demonstrated their capacity to carry out a substantial piece of academic work on a selected topic in the field of Media Studies.
• Defined a topic for examination and articulated a coherent scheme for examining the topic.
• Gathered the relevant information and analysed and presented this information in a way which satisfactorily assesses the topic.

Scope and syllabus

The fourth element of the degree is a Dissertation on any topic agreed with the Director of Studies of the MA Critical Media and Cultural Studies and the candidate’s supervisor (section II.iv). The dissertation may be either an essay of 10,000 words length or a multimedia presentation of 8,000 words and up to half an hour of video or audio materials, or 100 still images, or an equivalent combination of elements. See also the outline of Theory and Methods in Media and Film Studies in that section.

By linking their dissertation topic with their optional courses, students can focus half of their work on the MSc to their own particular interests, whether disciplinary, geographic or thematic in focus. There is also ample scope for developing such special interests by taking advantage of the rich calendar of regular seminars and special lectures at SOAS, organised by all the School’s departments and centres.

Method of assessment

100% Coursework

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