Module Details

Module Code: JOUR9008
Title: Journalism MA Project
Long Title: Journalism MA Project
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 30
Field of Study: 3210 - Journalism
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The Master Project draws on content successfully completed in the taught element of the programme, requiring students to apply their knowledge of professional communications through significant industry research and engagement. The Master Project comprises two main elements: the completion of a web-based documentary and the Professional Communications Mentorship Programme. The web-based documentary requires the student to use a systematic approach to creating a significant documentary suitable for broadcast/publication in an online environment. The Professional Communications Mentorship Programme requires the student to engage with industry professionals to exchange business experience, knowledge and expertise, and career advice.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Initiate and direct work in journalistic and professional communications contexts to an industry standard
LO2 Interact in a professional manner with experts in journalism and professional communications disciplines in the pursuance of both elements of the Master Project
LO3 Demonstrate the integration of critical thinking processes in the development and completion of the Master Project, including real-world examples and work situations
LO4 Critically appraise the role of both elements of the Master Project within a wider practical and theoretical context and understand the concept of developing a work identity through knowledge, engagement and experience
LO5 Apply career development theory and career planning models to career research undertaken in pursuance of the Professional Communications Mentorship Programme
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Content
The content of the Master Project is characterized by (a) the submission of a major journalistic project comprising a web documentary (b) a Professional Communications Mentorship Programme. Choosing a suitable topic for the documentary; research and construction of video narrative; storytelling, shooting technique and video editing skills.
Career Theory
Career development theory, incorporating psychological, sociological and behavioural concepts. Establishing occupational interests; personal traits and motivators; occupational mobility; influencers of career development and their management.
Mentorship
Fundamentals of Mentorship and its role in developing career knowledge and professional skillsets. Mentorship activities and their role in creating work-related knowledge and skills.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Completion of web documentary, subject to specified criteria
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Reflective journal detailing the main thematic aspects of mentor interaction and critical reflection on mentor-mentee relationship, main learnings regarding career exploration and development
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End of semester student presentation detailing experiences and learnings of involvement in Professional Mentorship programme
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Supervision of project Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Completion of media project and written report. Completion of research, preparation of draft reports and undertaking reflective practice. Every Week 41.50 41.5
Total Hours 42.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Kenneth Kobre. (2012), Videojournalism: Multimedia Storytelling, Focal Press, UK, [ISBN: 9780240814650].
  • Robert McKee. (1999), Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting, Methuen, London, p.480, [ISBN: 0413715604].
  • John Yorke. (2014), Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why we Tell Them, Penguin, p.336, [ISBN: 0141978104].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Daniel Reimold. (2013), Journalism of Ideas: Brainstorming, Developing and Selling Stories in the Digital Age, Routledge, New York and London, [ISBN: 9780415634670].
  • Martyn Denscombe. (2014), The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research, Open University Press, Maidenhead, p.376, [ISBN: 0335264700].
  • [edited by] Hugo de Burgh. (2008), Investigative journalism, 2nd. Routledge, p.416, [ISBN: 0415441447].
  • edited by Klaus Bruhn Jensen. (2011), A handbook of media and communications research, 2nd. Routledge, London, p.448, [ISBN: 0415609666].
  • Jennifer A. Moon. (2004), A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice, Routledge, London, p.264, [ISBN: 0415335167].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HJDCC_9 Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Content Creation 3 Mandatory