Module overview
In this module, you will conduct an extensive, independent investigation into a topic of your choice, culminating in a Final Major Project. The aim of the module is to test your ability to conduct an autonomous, comprehensive analysis of a specific topic. Your project should demonstrate master’s-level understanding as you engage in topic identification, research design, and analysis. This should culminate in a well-structured research project that could align with a business context relevant to you and/or your career ambitions, your chosen pathway, or that addresses a contemporary marketing and/or branding issue that is of interest to you. You may choose to focus your project on the creative industries or on another industry related to your career or pathway choices.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Strategic developments and challenges relating to marketing, branding, marketing communications, digital marketing or advertising.
- Demonstrate originality in the application and evaluation of appropriate research methods in formulating a rigorous project.
- Advance critical awareness of inclusive, ethical and sustainable practices related to your area of research.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Engage with inclusive, ethical and sustainability practices in designing a project that advances your professional development.
- Create a project that demonstrates creative problem-solving to produce original research outputs.
- Communicate ideas and arguments effectively and professionally, using appropriate frameworks and with application of accurate referencing rules.
Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify and apply key theories, concepts, and frameworks to critically evaluate, underpin and strengthen your project.
- Propose relevant, innovative and creative strategic recommendations, drawn from and evidenced by your research findings.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- How ethical and sustainable considerations impact on marketing, branding, marketing communications, digital marketing or advertising practice.
- Strategic developments and challenges relating to marketing, branding, marketing communications, digital marketing or advertising.
- How to question current ideas and debates related to your area of research to construct new insights.
Syllabus
- Research aims and research question formulation suitable for a large project
- Critical and systematic literature review of relevant sources
- Research ethics and principles in the application of robust research techniques
- Overview of a variety of relevant research methods that are inclusive, ethical and sustainable
- Review of appropriate analytical frameworks
- Data presentation techniques
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Indicative teaching and learning methods include webinars, facilitated discussions and debates, guest speaker presentations and self-directed study, authentic and experiential learning collaborative opportunities, live or business-relevant ‘real world’ projects, practical activities, reflective practice activities, and case study analysis. These methods are designed to integrate theory and practice, to foster a spirit of enquiry, promote collaborative learning and meet a range of learner needs and styles. Key transferable skills are encouraged via the learning and teaching activities throughout the programme.
Teaching methods include:
- live webinars
- videos and podcasts
- case study analysis
- authentic and experiential learning collaborative opportunities
- reflective practice activities
- guest lectures
- interactive forums
Learning methods, including independent learning during non-contact time, include:
- reflection on written feedback
- evaluation of feedback: this may take the form of reflective formative tasks
- group and collaborative projects and tasks
- independent research and investigation
- online reference material research
- peer group learning and peer assessment tasks
- problem-solving activities
- class discussion and debate
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Guided independent study | 34 |
| Online Course | 26 |
| Independent Study | 90 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final project | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final project | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final project | 100% |