LG981-7-FY-CO:
MA Dissertation
2026/27
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 08 October 2026
Friday 02 July 2027
60
13 May 2026
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA Q11012 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q11024 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q16012 English Language and Linguistics,
MA Q16024 English Language and Linguistics,
MA Q10012 Linguistics,
MA Q10024 Linguistics,
MA Q15012 Psycholinguistics,
MA Q15024 Psycholinguistics,
MA QX1312 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),
MA QX1324 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),
MA Q91L12 Intercultural Communication and Translation
The dissertation is a central component of your MA course. Writing your MA dissertation is your chance to research a topic of your choosing in depth under the guidance of an experienced researcher, that is, your supervisor.
The MA dissertation is 12,000-14,000 words in length and represents 100% of the LG981 mark. In other words, your dissertation is a substantial piece of writing which requires careful planning and focused work. You are responsible for effective time management and undertaking the research at the core of your dissertation. Your allocated supervisor will advise you throughout the process.
In addition to individual meetings with your designated supervisor, seminar-supported supervision will provide guidance and feedback on work presented and offer advice on a range of topics, including research methods and data analysis. There are a number of set group seminars taking place for this purpose during the Summer Term.
Furthermore, a number of sessions on dissertation-relevant topics are timetabled throughout the academic year, e.g. on academic integrity, research ethics, referencing, proposal-writing, among others.
The aims of this module are:
- To enable students to gain in-depth insight through extensive reading into a topic area related to modules studied during their course.
- To give students the opportunity to plan and carry out a research project on a topic of their choice by developing a research design, gathering and analysing data, and writing up a detailed project report.
- To enable students to talk about their work with clarity, explain it to others and respond to questions in the context of seminar-supported supervision sessions.
- To develop skills in working on a research project independently under the guidance of a supervisor.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Perform a variety of research-related tasks such as collecting and analysing data, organising material and proofreading text;
- Produce a substantial piece of written work of postgraduate-level academic quality;
- Present work in progress to peers and staff for feedback and discussion;
- Take a professional approach to research by showing appreciation of issues such as academic integrity and ethics, among others;
- Demonstrate time management and other organisational skills in order to address a defined project to an agreed schedule and meet deadlines;
- Reflect on knowledge and performance, seek and make use of feedback, and identify career development needs.
No additional information available.
Students are encouraged to work independently. Group seminars in the Summer Term and individual meetings with the supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on work produced and presented. Support sessions throughout the academic year will offer training on research-relevant topics, as outlined above.
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 |
17/09/2027 |
|
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
Dr Karen Roehr-Brackin, email: kroehr@essex.ac.uk.
Various
No
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 22 hours, 16 (72.7%) hours available to students:
6 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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