MP6049 - Media and Communications Project

You will learn primarily through independent learning. Apart from the initial lecture covering generic subjects such as health and safety and ethics, this module will be delivered totally via tutorials with your project supervisor. These will deal with your project ideas on a one-to-one basis and include advice and support on such things as the production process, technical issues, project development and production management, and the critical and reflective aspects of the project.

Through a preliminary lecture you will be introduced to the module by the Module Leader. Your group will be allocated a supervisor in the first weeks of the module. This supervisor will then guide you through to submission via one-to-one tutorials. Additional supporting documents and other materials will be available via the electronic learning portal.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will develop your skills & knowledge within a key medium that reflects your academic studies & your main interests with a view to entering industry. (LO1)
• You will develop your understanding of the standards expected in the industry by effectively presenting your ideas and content. (LO2)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will evidence creative ideas, based on thorough research. You will use various media – (for example, but not limited to the creation of audio/video content, images and written work which best compliment the project. (LO3)
• You will demonstrate specific skills appropriate to the medium that you are working in. You will also employ general skills will include timekeeping, teamwork, heightened production values and scheduling. (LO4)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will learn to work effectively in a small group and reflect upon that learning through critical analysis of your work practice and achievements. (LO5)
• You will be made aware of and contribute to an understanding of the ethical issues that running your website may include (LO6)
• You will understand the importance of and hone your skills in applied research techniques. (LO7)

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments. You will be given verbal formative feedback continually throughout the module during meetings with project supervisors.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
(1) the production and ‘live’ running of a website in collaboration with other group members (40%);
(2) a portfolio showcasing the student’s individual contribution to the website (30%) and
(3) a 1,500-word reflective essay (30%)
Students will work in groups to plan and run a website on a subject of their choosing for one week during semester 2. The website will contain a range of appropriate audio, video and written content produced by the students both individually and collaboratively. It will be supported by appropriate social media output. (LOs – 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
The portfolio will demonstrate the students’ individual contribution to the website. This may include material in a range of media (e.g. video, written work), or demonstrate a specialism in a particular medium (e.g. presenting or producing social media content). (LOs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
In reflective commentary students will critique the planning for the website as well as the production process and running of the website. They will reflect on their own contribution as well as the experience of working in a group and what they have learned from this. (LOs – 2, 6, 7)

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The Media and Communication Project is the summit of three years’ work as you learn to independently synthesise theories and skill sets from many modules. You will work in small groups to conceptualise and build a website on a topic of the group’s choosing, that you will run ‘live’ for a week during the second semester. The website will include audio, video and written content and be supported by appropriate social media content. You will also produce a portfolio showcasing your individual contribution to the website and a 1,500-word reflective commentary. Your supervisor will be allocated according to their area of expertise. This module should also be viewed as a valuable referent which you can use to showcase your skills to potential employers upon graduation. This module gives you a degree of freedom to express yourself and your talents.