Directed Studies within Screen and Media Studies

Directed Study in Screen and Media Studies is aimed at highly motivated students with specific research interests.

The objective of a Directed Study, at either Undergraduate or Graduate level, is to conduct an individual research project designed by the student. Each project is supervised by one or more members of staff. Because enrolments in Directed Studies are limited, you must contact the Convenor well before the semester in which you hope to be enrolled.

The definition of research for a Directed Study in Screen and Media Studies is relatively broad, and may incorporate a variety of critical and creative perspectives and practices. The Programme is also interested in developing innovative research paradigms within the multi-disciplinary field that constitutes Screen and Media Studies.

Enrolment in a Directed Study is not automatic, so please read the guidelines below carefully.

Criteria for enrolment

At undergraduate level, the Programme offers SMST390 A, B, & Y.

The normal criteria for enrolment are the completion of the level two SMST programme, a minimum B+ grade in SMST207, and the approval of a research proposal by the Convenor of Directed Studies. Where a practical component is included in the research proposal, the student needs to demonstrate adequate practical skills and/or grades in relevant papers.

At graduate level, the Programme offers SMST501 A, B, S & Y.

The normal criteria for enrolment in these papers are the completion of the level three SMST programme, a minimum B+ grade in SMST207 and/or SMST501, and the approval of a research proposal by the Convenor of Directed Studies. Where a practical component is included in the research proposal, the student needs to demonstrate adequate practical skills and/or grades in relevant papers.

In very exceptional circumstances the Programme may be able to waive the pre-requisites for enrolment in an undergraduate or graduate Directed Study. Please approach the Convenor if you believe you have a strong case for this.

Enrolment in directed study

At undergraduate level, candidates require the approval of the Directed Studies Convenor before enrolment can be completed.

At graduate level, candidates must first contact the Graduate Advisor in order to confirm eligibility for graduate studies. Following that, candidates require the approval of the Directed Studies Convenor before enrolment can be completed.

If you are considering enrolling for a Directed Study, you need to contact the Convenor well before the semester in which you intend to be enrolled. You will be asked to draft a research proposal (see below), for which you will have developed a clear and comprehensive idea for your research project.

Ideally, you should have a completed proposal four weeks before the semester begins - this means before the end of January for A semester enrolment, and before the end of A semester in preparation for B semester studies.

The Convenor, on behalf of the Programme, reserves the right to not accept a candidate's research proposal. The role of the Convenor is:

1. to ensure that candidates meet the basic criteria for enrolment,
2. that proposals meet an acceptable standard (including adherence to ethical standards of conducting research involving human subjects),
3. that the Programme (and the University) has access to adequate resources for the proposed research,
4. and to negotiate supervision for projects within the Programme

A proposal may be declined at any of these stages of enrolment.