6B009E - The Big Pitch 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B009E
Module Title: The Big Pitch
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Film and TV
Faculty Sub Group: Film and TV
Module Leader: Delme Parfitt
Module Team: Julie Kissick
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100439 - broadcast journalism 100440 - digital media 100442 - journalism 100445 - multimedia journalism
HECOS Code Weighting: 25 25 25 25

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • To develop students’ ability to plan and execute independent, research-based investigations relevant to sport and media. 

  • To enable students to analyse, interpret, and synthesise complex evidence using appropriate research methodologies. 

  • To build confidence in professional and academic communication through presentation, discussion, and critical defence of findings. 

Content Summary

This module serves as the dissertation-equivalent experience for final-year students, providing the opportunity to undertake and present an original, research-based investigation into a significant issue within sport and media. Students will apply advanced research, critical analysis, and presentation skills to design, execute, and communicate their independent projects. Rather than submitting a written dissertation, students will deliver their findings through a professional symposium presentation supported by visual and oral discussion formats. The module bridges academic research and professional communication, encouraging students to synthesise evidence, theory, and journalistic insight to address complex real-world questions. By the end of the module, students will be confident independent researchers capable of defending their work to both academic and industry audiences, demonstrating intellectual rigour, clarity, and creativity in how they communicate original insights about sport and media. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 56
Guided Study 10.5
Summative Assessment 60
Independent Study and self-directed learning 173.5
Total Hours Selected 116

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Conduct independent, research-based investigation into a sport/media issue.
LO2 Communicate and defend findings effectively for academic and professional audiences.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Individual Presentation (Asynchronous) 25-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A (equivalent to 2,500–3,000 words). 30 N/A 70 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Individual Presentation (Asynchronous) 15-minute oral discussion (equivalent to approx. 1,000 words). 15 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Individual Presentation (Asynchronous)
Individual Presentation (Asynchronous)

Reading List

Week 1 – Designing Independent Research 

Essential Reading 

  • Wimmer, R. & Dominick, J. (2019) Mass Media Research: An Introduction. Cengage. 

  • De Burgh, H. (2021) Investigative Journalism. Routledge. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • USW Library: Research Proposal Writing Toolkit. 

  • TED Talk: How to Communicate Complex Ideas. 

 

Week 2 – Literature Review and Sources 

Essential Reading 

  • Harcup, T. (2022) Journalism: Principles and Practice. Routledge. (Ch. 12). 

  • Bryman, A. (2016) Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • Google Scholar / JSTOR sport media resources. 

  • Reuters Institute (2023) Sport, Media, and Society Research Digest. 

Week 3 – Data Collection and Analysis 

Essential Reading 

  • Berger, A. (2020) Media and Communication Research Methods. Sage. 

  • Houston, B. (2018) Data for Journalists. Routledge. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • Full Fact: How to Analyse Media Claims. 

  • SPJ (2023) Best Practices in Journalism Research. 

Week 4 – Structuring Findings and Argument 

Essential Reading 

  • Belbin, R. (2018) Writing Research Reports for Media Students. Routledge. 

  • Briggs, M. (2019) Journalism Next. CQ Press. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • LinkedIn Learning: Storytelling with Data. 

  • TED Talk: Making Research Accessible. 

 

Week 5 – Symposium Presentation Skills 

Essential Reading 

  • Ward, M. (2018) Broadcast Journalism. Routledge. (Ch. 11: Presenting information). 

  • USW Study Skills Centre: Professional Presentation Guide. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • YouTube: Tips for Academic Conferences. 

  • Podcast: The Media Show – Presenting Complex Ideas Clearly. 

Week 6 – Reflection and Peer Feedback 

Essential Reading 

  • Harcup, T. (2022) Journalism: Principles and Practice. (Ch. 13). 

  • Schön, D. (2017) The Reflective Practitioner. Routledge. 

Supplementary Reading 

  • LinkedIn Learning: Feedback and Reflection for Professionals. 

  • SJA (2023) Student Research Showcase Archive.