module specification

CU6063 - Creative Research Dissertation Project (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Creative Research Dissertation Project
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
30 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
75 hours Guided independent study
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   001 Individual project plan. Subject-specific.
Coursework 50%   002 Individual review/testing of research or a literature review or subject-specific task.
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

This module allows students to develop research and project planning that encapsulates learnings and aspirations developed throughout their course. It is expected that students can demonstrate a range of skills and techniques acquired during previous years. The project module should encase their own investigations and interests while targeting a specific audience defined in advance. This module allows students to demonstrate academic and/or professional skills compatible with their level of study as the project stimulates experimentation and innovation as part of their preparation for future academic or professional life.

The module aims to:
• develop skills of planning, research, and delivery of a professional-level project in their area.
• help students choosing areas of interest or affinity in their professional practice.
• enhance writing, research, and pitching skills.
• equip students with the skills necessary to produce an independent body of work relating to their discipline
• prepare students for future independent practice.

Syllabus

The programme of study may include the following topics:

• Best practices in academic and non-academic writing
• Classic and innovative formats available for their project
• Researching methods such as interviews, archival research, and other correlated methods appropriate to their specific field
• Pitching sponsors or funders
• Identifying audiences, consumers or customers
• Developing original and reliable sources
• Editing findings and materials found in their research
• Project closure and review

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Teaching methods include formal lectures, seminar discussion, screenings, library sessions, tutorials, site visits and one-to-ones with individual supervisors. Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars: in the seminars they will at times work in small groups and be given practice in listening to each other’s contributions and offering constructive criticism, and in chairing and reporting discussion to the plenary seminar group. The module booklet will be available online, as will lecture outlines and some readings. Weblearn or its equivalent will also be used for communication with students individually and as a cohort. In addition to guided reading, students are expected to read and to use variety of sources (primary and secondary) and use seminars and tutorials to raise issues, questions and seek feedback.

A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used as a platform to support online activities including on-line discussions, evaluation of online resources, and access to electronic reading packs. The VLE will also be used to facilitate formative assessment and related feedback, as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by research institutions, academic publications, professional organisations and other relevant sources.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. plan and execute research and production of a project.
2. acquire professional or research methods such as interviews, audio or video production routines, and writing.
3. understand the practical, legal, or production limitations to the creation of a professional project.
4. be acquainted with current literature or knowledge available, as well as technical, market or industry standards for their craft.
5. develop a portfolio aimed at further study or professional development.

Bibliography