Research Methods in Media and Communication

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MDIA 2021
Course ID icon
Course ID
208509
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Comm, Media and Jour
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Cameron McTernan
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of media and communication research methods, methodologies, processes and approaches, and their use and application across academic and industry perspectives in a variety of forms of research. The course will provide students with an understanding of the nature of media and communication research and the research process, including issues such as planning research, aligning aims and expectations with methods, and thinking about resources, ethics and equity. The course will also teach students specific methodological skills and tools that are applicable across a range of sectors and industries.

  • Understanding Research: Research Methods In Context
  • Understanding People: Audiences And Producers
  • Understanding Data

Course learning outcomes

  • Possess an understanding of media and communication research, including the nature of different types of research approaches and how to plan and carry out research
  • Understand and apply a range of research methods to a range of media and communication and in response to needs across academic, industry and government settings
  • Develop a coherent research plan that could, if needed, be applied to a contemporary issue or problem within the field of media and communication
  • Reflect on, in an informed way, some of the key ethical questions and considerations in media and communication research
  • Develop the ability to critically evaluating existing media and communication research through an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and best practice in planning research projects

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 23440
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 9:10am - 10am Adelaide City Campus East Napier, 102
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 9:10am - 10am Adelaide City Campus East Napier, 102
Class number
Class number 23441
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
Class number
Class number 23442
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 12:10pm - 2pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 12:10pm - 2pm Adelaide City Campus East Schulz, 408
Class number
Class number 23773
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Playford, P3-19
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Playford, P3-19
Class number
Class number 23774
Section
Section TU04
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Playford, P3-18
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Playford, P3-18

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course