Students will investigate a media-based research topic through creative practice methodologies. Practical outputs may include: short film, documentary, animation, photography, audio-visual installation. Though a creative output is crucial for the paper, the intent is for students to familiarise themselves with relevant theoretical frameworks that enhance critical thinking skills. Essentially, students will work with their Supervisor to produce scholarly research through practice-related methodologies. The project is expected to be of a high standard, ideally suited for public exhibition. Traffic Light System conditions allowing, students will present their work to both peers and Screen and Media Studies staff at the end of trimester.

Students will initially create a robust research proposal to be submitted on Moodle. The proposals will then be circulated with staff for Supervision confirmation. Additionally, staff may list projects they are currently working on that require support from students. In this instance, students will apply to be part of these projects.

From the proposal, students will be assigned a Supervisor in the early stages of the paper, and will then meet regularly to discuss the progress of the project. It is likely that a research plan will be devised between the supervisor and students to structure the development of the project.

A typical structure for creative research projects is the following:

-Topic of interest (media-related)

-Choice of medium and research questions for investigating your topic

-Proposal/plan for practical research project

-Implementing the project

-Completion and evaluation

The project can be approached in a variety of forms, e.g. one large project (e.g. 10 minute short film) or a variety of shorter pieces of work (e.g. several 1 minute shorts).