MC499     
Dissertation: Media and Communications

This information is for the 2017/18 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Alison Powell TW3.7.01.J and Dr Omar Al-Ghazzi TW2.7.01.C

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and Fudan), MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and UCT), MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE 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. The dissertation must be not less than 10,000 words and not more than 12,000 words in length.

Teaching

MC499.1: Compulsory Teaching and Supervision

MC499.1A

Two lectures in LT for all students.

MC499.1B

(ii) Group Supervision Sessions (three): each supervisor holds group supervision sessions for their supervisees in LT and again in ST.

(iii) Individual Supervision Sessions: ad hoc sessions for each student with their supervisor that can be organised during feedback and consultation hours in LT and ST.

MC499.2: Dissertation Skills – Optional Sessions

MC499.2A

A lecture in LT on dissertation preparation skills (literature reviews, ethics, etc).

MC499.2B

Workshops led by Graduate Teaching Assistants in MT and LT.

Places in these workshops are limited, students must attend all sessions in order to keep their place.

Formative coursework

Students are required to submit Ethics Checklist, Literature Review and Dissertation Plans to their 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).

The dissertation must be submitted in August.

Student performance results

(2013/14 - 2015/16 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 29.2
Merit 49.9
Pass 17
Fail 3.9

Key facts

Department: Media & Communications

Total students 2016/17: 259

Average class size 2016/17: Unavailable

Controlled access 2016/17: Yes

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information