Major Thesis - Media Communication

Subject MECM90005 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points:
Level: Research Higher Degree
Dates & Locations: This is a time-based subject, taught on campus at Parkville.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular supervision throughout the year
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Scott Mcquire

Contact

Scott McQuire

mcquire@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Supervised research project of 30,000 words, on a topic approved by the course coordinator. This thesis is undertaken by candidates enrolled in course the Master of Arts in (Thesis Only), and is weighted at 100% of the overall mark for the degree. The thesis may be conducted at an abstract level of theoretical discussion or engage in extensive empirical study. Wherever situated across the theoretical-empirical continuum, all theses will be expected to be informed by relevant positions of theory and make reference where useful to do so to empirical findings and examples.
Objectives: Students who complete this subject will:
  • be able to demonstrate that they can conceive, design, execute and present a self-developed and sustained inquiry;
  • be able to marshal and balance empirical findings and theoretical discussion as appropriate to their self-defined topic of interest;
  • be able to present in written mode a sustained, structured and sequenced presentation that conforms to the protocols of academic presentation; and
  • be able to demonstrate research reflexivity in respect of their confrontation with research findings, research performance and positions of theory.
Assessment: A thesis of 30,000 words according to stipulated criteria re: presentation, theoretical frameworks, methodology, findings and analysis, originality and reflexivity.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
  • demonstrate an informed awareness of the changing international and global contexts of media communication and how these are currently being researched and studied;
  • demonstrate understanding of major positions of theory and debate informing the study of global media communication and be able to critically engage with these;
  • deploy methods and selected methodology in sustained media and communication research;
  • demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research and present research findings and argument in a suitably structured and sequenced thesis that conforms to protocols of academic presentation and research practice; and
  • demonstrate an adequate understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics in their research practice.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Media and Communication) Thesis

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