It cannot be underestimated how important a suitable project topic is. That said you can choose any topic you wish as long as it:
- resides within your degree discipline if you are studying a single subject degree or in your major discipline if you are studying a modular degree. If you are uncertain about the relevance of your topic, consult with your course director.
- is practically viable
- is academically sound
- is ethical*
- allows for data collection that does not pose any undue risk to you (the researcher).
Ideas for project topics can come from a wide variety of sources including previous modules, contemporary issues, your placement (if appropriate) and your lecturers.
*The issues of ethics and risk are of extreme importance (discussed more in the week 3 lecture). In selecting a topic and presenting a research proposal, your project must not carry any undue level of ethical concern or risk.
With regards to ethics, it is the policy of the School of Communication that undergraduate projects should not:
- require access to children (i.e. under 18 years of age) except in the most exceptional circumstances.
- require access to adults (or children) with learning difficulties or special needs require access to persons employed by the National Health Service (NHS)
- require access to persons in their capacity as patients of the NHS, or require data to be collected on NHS premises require access to patients/residents in nursing or residential care homes
As noted earlier, all projects must be cleared by the School of Communication and Media Risk and Ethics filter committee
You should also refer to the section entitled ‘Consent’ in this handbook.