Module manager: Todd Graham
Email: T.Graham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is concerned with the different ways in which researchers investigate the social world. In particular, we explore the different approaches that are employed by media and communication researchers when conducting social research in all its phases from formulating research questions and sampling populations to collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. By ‘social research’, we are referring to the systematic investigation and study of the social world and human society more broadly, its institutions, organizations, communications, artefacts, relationships, and behaviours. When researching the social world, media and communication scholars employ a variety of methods to collect and analyse data, including surveys, interviews, observations, content analysis, discourse analysis, and grounded theory. The way we design our research approach and methods is a central part of the social research process, one which we will explore in great detail in this module.
This module introduces students to key research perspectives and methods in media and communication and to the principles of research ethics. The module combines lectures, required readings, practical exercises in seminars to build skills, and assessments that promote reflection on the social research process and the value of different research strategies, designs, and methods.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following subject specific learning outcomes:
1. Describe and explain the key social research methods and approaches in media and communication
2. Identify and explain the key debates about research strategy and design, sampling, and research ethics
3. Identify and assess social research methods and approaches commonly used in media and communication
4. Formulate a media and communication research question for empirical research
5. Plan and design a viable social research project in media and communication, with applicable research questions and appropriate research methodology
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6. Evaluate different perspectives using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories, and ideas
7. Write clearly and concisely, supported by relevant research evidence and adhering to academic conventions
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Student progress will be monitored in the seminars. Attendance will be monitored at lectures and seminars. Office hours will be available for students to come and discuss the module and assessments (e.g., research proposal plans) throughout the semester. We will also hold assessment prep workshops in the seminars. During these prep workshops, teachers will go over the assessments, providing useful/helpful guidance, insight, and tips for completing their assessments. Students will also have an opportunity during these seminars to discuss their work (receiving feedback in return) and ask questions about the assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Research proposal | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen exam | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 12/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team