Module Directory

This module prepares postgraduate students to explore and select research topics and equips them for their creative or non-creative dissertations.

The dissertation is a crucial component of all these MA schemes and this module enables students to use methodologies, major concepts, and approaches to pursue independent research in literary and cultural issues, as well as the chance to develop their creative practice in terms of the different modes of research that inform a creative dissertation.

This module will also expand the students' understanding of research from other primary and secondary textual and digital sources to include archives and experiential research. This module will show students how research can shape and guide multiple outputs and will demonstrate potential pathways from the genesis to delivery and dissemination of creative and/or critical projects.

The course is also recommended to first-year LiFTS PhD & MA by Dissertation students undertaking a creative project as the main component of their doctorate

The aims of this module are:

• To introduce students to the various research methods involved in creative practice.


• To help students through the conception and execution of their dissertation.


• To enable each student to identify their research interests and provide each student with the skills to effectively organise and express the arguments and points of view key to the research field selected.


• To provide students with structured inspiration and preparation that will orientate their expectations and working practices for future creative projects.


• To gain experience in workshop sessions that promote exchange, questioning, experimentation and discussion.


• To assist the student in accessing and connecting individual creativity to the creativity of the works under study.

Embarking upon a dissertation project should be an exciting challenge that fosters personal growth and expression as well as critical and analytical disciplines.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the research methods relating to their dissertation subject and to post-graduate study in general.


2. Critically evaluate the pertinence of particular research methods in relation to their own creative practice and/or area of study.


3. Feel confident in accessing library research resources, including online resources to support research and referencing for their dissertation.


4. Understand how to use various resources and methodologies, such as archives, field work and experimental strategies, and the benefits that they offer in supporting new and original research.


5. Understand how to write, evaluate and structure arguments relating to their subject.


6. Ability to address theoretical, stylistic and editing issues in critical writing relating to their research topics.

In the Autumn term, students consider what constitutes research and increase their skills in library, online and archival research. Development of bibliographies and managing references are also addressed in a workshop environment. Skills in structuring research questions, dissertation proposals and critical writing are the focus of other workshops where discussion is emphasised. The module's elements focus on how to explore different approaches to studying and analysing the issues posed by texts and developed in research questions.

Lecturers engaged with artistic practices will also be invited to speak on the notion of research as a creative endeavour, and how creative practice can constitute research in itself. This will be of value to all MA students in enriching their understanding of independent enquiry and advanced exploratory study.

The Spring term will offer guidance on critical articulation of research positionally, in academia and creative practice, to specifically support Critical Commentaries of creative dissertations, and to foster the intellectual modes in each research project.

This module will be delivered via:

• Fortnightly 2 hour seminar/lectures over both Autumn and Spring terms.
• One three hour research skills session in the Spring term.