APPLIED RESEARCH SKILLS - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module will be based around an innovative assignment: a student-led broadcast - The Weekly Social - devised, researched, delivered and reviewed by groups of students who will take on the roles of producers, researchers and presenters on a rolling basis. Underpinned by specialist lectures in the relationship between the law, politics and sociology with the media, and supported by media theory and broadcast practice, the module will allow students to apply key learnings across real-world situations in the social sciences through innovative learning practices that will build skills in social science research, written and oral communication, team working and presentation.

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

SHANAHAN Mark (FABSS Admin)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 3

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 99

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Students will acquire foundational social science research skills, delve into supporting media theory and put their knowledge to practical use via a public-facing weekly broadcast. The module encompasses lectures and assignment workshops and culminates with a live (or as-live) broadcast.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

If a student is unable to participate in the group broadcast as part of the 'Weekly Social', they will be permitted to record an individual research-based broadcast to a length and format specified by the module convener by way of an alternative assessment. 

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to enable students to showcase their comprehensive understanding of media theory and practice. This understanding is cultivated through the lecture series and is put into practice through the creation and delivery of a social science magazine-style broadcast. The assessments are structured to encourage students to integrate various elements learned throughout the programme, highlighting their awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of knowledge and the versatility of acquired skills. These assessments are directly aligned with Learning Outcomes 1-5. 

The summative assessment for this module comprises two components: 

• 
  Group Broadcast: As a collaborative effort, students will come together to produce and present a group broadcast. This broadcast not only synthesizes their understanding of media theory and practice but also demonstrates their ability to work effectively in a team and deliver engaging content to a wider audience. These broadcasts will be delivered and assessed on a rolling basis throughout the semester. 
  


• 
  Media Essay (1500 words): Students will be tasked with crafting a well-considered essay. The essay topics will be drawn from the lecture schedule, encouraging students to apply the theoretical knowledge they've gained to real-world issues and questions. 
  

Formative assessment and feedback 

Peer review and self-reflection: To support student-led broadcasts, periodic peer review sessions will be integrated into the module. Students will assess each other's work, offering insights, suggestions, and constructive criticism. This process not only enables students to learn from their peers but also fosters a culture of collaboration and open communication. In addition to peer reviews, students will be encouraged to engage in self-reflection, critically evaluating their own performances and identifying areas for improvement. This self-awareness and self-assessment are fundamental to personal growth. 

Mentorship and faculty guidance: The role of mentors, faculty, and media professionals is instrumental in guiding students throughout the production of "The Weekly Social." This mentorship not only provides a valuable learning experience but also ensures that students receive expert guidance and support in honing their broadcast and research skills. Mentors and faculty members will offer regular feedback on research methods, content quality, presentation techniques, and overall broadcast execution. 

Group feedback and collaborative learning: As "The Weekly Social" assignment relies heavily on teamwork; students will engage in collaborative feedback sessions within their groups. This process fosters a culture of shared learning, where individuals learn from the collective insights of their peers. Collaborative feedback also strengthens interpersonal skills and communication, which are vital in media and broadcasting roles. 

Continuous iteration: Formative assessment and feedback are not isolated events but are integral to the continuous iteration of the student-led broadcast. Students will have opportunities to make improvements based on feedback received, enhancing the quality of their broadcasts as the module progresses. 

Module aims

• Build knowledge of applicable social science research methods:
  
  In this module, students will not only learn about social science research methods but also actively apply them. They will gain a deep understanding of how to design research, collect and analyse data, and draw meaningful conclusions in the context of social sciences.
• Develop knowledge of media theory and practice:
  
  Students will delve into media theory, understanding the underlying principles and concepts that drive the media industry. Additionally, they will gain practical experience by participating in the creation and dissemination of media content, learning how to apply these theories in real-world scenarios.
• Provide students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned across the program through a structured broadcast:
  
  "The Weekly Social" project will serve as a tangible platform for students to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their academic journey. This hands-on approach ensures that theoretical knowledge is directly applied to a practical setting.
• Build teamwork skills and deploy those skills in a public-facing environment:
  
  The broadcast project involves collaboration among students who will take on different roles within their groups. This teamwork experience is crucial in fostering effective communication, task delegation, and adaptability, skills that are vital not only in academia but also in the public-facing world of media and social sciences.
• Develop students¿ capacities to research and present that research coherently:
  
  Through the broadcast project, students will learn how to conduct research effectively, gather data, and present their findings in a coherent and engaging manner. This aligns with the broader goal of building strong communication skills, both in writing and orally, a valuable skill set for future academic and professional endeavours.
• Increase confidence in relevant skills:
  
  By actively participating in the creation and delivery of a broadcast, students will not only acquire new skills but also gain confidence in their ability to apply these skills. This confidence boost is essential in encouraging students to actively engage in their studies and future careers with a sense of self-assuredness.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Running across Semester 2, this module will be based around an innovative assignment: a student-led broadcast – The Weekly Social – devised, researched, delivered and reviewed by groups of students who will take on the roles of producers, researchers and presenters on a rolling basis. Underpinned by specialist lectures in the relationship between law, politics and sociology with the media and supported by media theory and broadcast practice, the module will allow students to apply key learnings across real-world situations in the social sciences through innovative learning practices that will build skills in social science research, written and oral communication, team working and presentation.   

The module encompasses the following key components: 

1. 
   Lectures: Through comprehensive lectures, students will explore the theoretical underpinnings of news production, its profound influence on audiences, and the intricate interplay between law, politics, sociology, and the media. 
   

2. 
   Assignment Workshops: These workshops will serve as hands-on sessions, equipping students with valuable insights into researching, editing, and effectively presenting content tailored for broadcast. 
   

3. 
   The Weekly Social Broadcast: Running for eleven weeks during semester 2, this innovative component empowers students to participate in a dynamic learning experience. Student groups will assume roles such as producers, researchers, and presenters, in a rotating fashion over three-week periods: 
   

• 
  Week 1: Students engage in Broadcast Preparation, with a formative assessment that aids in refining their skills. 
  


• 
  Week 2: This is the Broadcast Delivery phase, where students take the lead in bringing their content to life. 
  


• 
  Week 3: Broadcast Debrief offers a critical opportunity for students to review and reflect on their performance. 
  

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: SOC0005

Other information

The Foundation Programme in Social Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module contributes to the five pillars in the following ways: 

Employability  

This module offers an immersive and hands-on approach to developing essential employability skills. Through active participation in The Weekly Social, a student-led broadcast initiative, students are empowered to develop skills critical to employability, including social science research, written and oral communication, teamwork, presentation abilities, and very basic broadcast production technique. As students navigate the challenges and responsibilities of creating and delivering content for The Weekly Social, they develop a versatile skill set that is highly transferable to a wide range of career opportunities, making them more competitive and capable professionals in the field of social sciences and beyond. 

 

Digital capabilities  

A certain level of digital proficiency is both anticipated and exhibited as students actively engage with the module's content and learning resources. All teaching materials and essential content will be accessible in diverse multimedia formats via the Virtual Learning Environment, SurreyLearn. Additionally, students will gain exposure to fundamental broadcast production techniques, using a variety of available software. Students will emerge from this module well-prepared to navigate the digital landscape and contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of media and social sciences. 

 

Global and cultural capabilities  

Students gain firsthand experience in researching and creating content that reflects the global nature of today's society. This helps foster a deep understanding of global issues and improves essential skills such as communication, creativity and empathy. Through these learning practices, students are not only prepared for the complexities of our interconnected world but also equipped with the cultural competence necessary to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to a more inclusive and globally aware society. 

 

Sustainability 

By having the option of integrating sustainability topics into the content of their broadcasts, students not only gain a deeper understanding of sustainability issues but also learn how to effectively communicate these concepts to a wider audience. This applied approach prepares students to become informed advocates for sustainability in the real world.  

 

Resourcefulness and resilience  

As they face the challenges and uncertainties inherent in real-world scenarios within the social sciences, students are encouraged to adapt, learn from their experiences, and develop the resourcefulness and resilience needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of media and communication. 

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.