LA899-7-SU-CO:
Dissertation

The details
2026/27
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Summer
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 26 April 2027
Friday 02 July 2027
60
16 July 2026

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MA Q2Q912 Audiovisual and Literary Translation,
MA Q2Q924 Audiovisual and Literary Translation,
MA Q91012 Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling,
MA Q91024 Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling,
MA Q91112 Translation and Professional Practice,
MA Q91124 Translation and Professional Practice,
MA Q91T12 Advanced Interpreting with Specialised Translation (Chinese-English),
MA T1Q912 Conference Interpreting and Translation (Chinese-English),
MA Q91212 Chinese-English Translation and Professional Practice

Module description

The dissertation is a central component of the programme, providing students with the opportunity to undertake an extended independent project in an area of their choosing, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor. For many students, this represents a key opportunity to explore a topic of academic or professional interest in depth and may provide a foundation for further study at doctoral level or for specialised career development.


At 12,000-14,000 words, the dissertation constitutes a substantial piece of work requiring careful planning, sustained research, and independent inquiry. Projects may take a range of forms, including research-based dissertations, analytically driven studies, or practice-based projects incorporating elements of translation, subtitling, intercultural communication, or language technologies.


Students are expected to define a clear research question or project focus, engage critically with relevant literature, and apply appropriate methodological approaches. The dissertation should demonstrate the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with analytical or applied work, and to reflect critically on the processes, decisions, and outcomes involved.


Successful completion of the dissertation requires effective time management, engagement with supervisory guidance, and the ability to independently produce a coherent and well-structured piece of work at postgraduate level.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:



  • Enable students to undertake an extended independent research or practice-based project in an area related to intercultural communication and/or translation, which may include language technologies.

  • Develop students' ability to formulate a clear research question or project focus and to design an appropriate methodological approach.

  • Support the integration of theoretical knowledge with analytical and/or applied work in a sustained piece of postgraduate-level study.

  • Develop students' capacity for critical engagement with relevant literature, concepts, and professional practices.

  • Foster independent learning, time management, and project planning skills appropriate to advanced academic and professional contexts.

  • Develop students' ability to reflect critically on their research or practice, including decision-making processes and outcomes.

  • Develop students' capacity to engage critically with the ethical dimensions of research and practice-based work.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Design and execute an independent research or practice-based project addressing a clearly defined question or problem.

  2. Demonstrate critical engagement with relevant theoretical, methodological, and/or professional frameworks.

  3. Apply appropriate methods of analysis, investigation, or practice in relation to the chosen project.

  4. Synthesise theoretical knowledge and evidence to support a coherent and sustained argument or project outcome.

  5. Produce a substantial and well-structured dissertation at Master’s level that meets academic conventions and standards for postgraduate study.

  6. Manage time, resources, and project development effectively in line with agreed supervision and deadlines.

  7. Critically reflect on their learning, methodological choices, and the outcomes of their project.

Module information

N/A

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Scheduled group and one to one meeting with supervisors
  • Peer workshops

Bibliography*

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Dissertation - Portfolio    50% 
Coursework   Dissertation - Commentary (1000 words)    50% 

Additional coursework information

N/A

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

100 per cent Coursework Mark

Reassessment

100 per cent Coursework Mark

Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Ignazia Posadinu, email: ignazia.posadinu@essex.ac.uk.
Various
4.320A; ignazia.posadinu@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Maria Gomez-Bedoya
University of East Anglia
Associate professor in Spanish and Applied Linguistics
Dr Yan JIANG
SOAS University of London
Senior Lecturer in Linguistics and the Languages of China
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.

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