LG676-7-SU-CO:
Research Proposal
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Summer
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Tuesday 22 April 2025
Friday 27 June 2025
0
15 September 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MPHDN42KJS Accounting and Finance,
PHD N42KJS Accounting and Finance,
MPHDC84KJS Applied Psychology,
PHD C84KJS Applied Psychology,
MPHDG40KJS Computer Science,
PHD G40KJS Computer Science,
MPHDML9KJS Criminology,
PHD ML9KJS Criminology,
MPHDL10KJS Economics,
PHD L10KJS Economics,
MPHDQ1XKJS English Language Teaching,
PHD Q1XKJS English Language Teaching,
MPHDL20KJS Government,
PHD L20KJS Government,
MPHDB99KJS Health and Organisational Research,
PHD B99KJS Health and Organisational Research,
MPHDQ10KJS Linguistics,
PHD Q10KJS Linguistics,
MPHDN20KJS Management,
PHD N20KJS Management,
MPHDG10KJS Mathematics,
PHD G10KJS Mathematics,
MPHDB93KJS Occupational Therapy,
PHD B93KJS Occupational Therapy,
MPHDL40KJS Social Policy,
PHD L40KJS Social Policy,
MPHDL30KJS Sociology,
PHD L30KJS Sociology,
MPHDB62KJS Speech and Language Therapy,
PHD B62KJS Speech and Language Therapy,
MPHDG30KJS Statistics,
PHD G30KJS Statistics,
MPHDN32KJS Actuarial Science,
PHD N32KJS Actuarial Science,
MPHDL50KJS Social Work,
PHD L50KJS Social Work,
MPHDG34KJS Data Science,
PHD G34KJS Data Science,
MPHDQ91KJS Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
PHD Q91KJS Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
MPHDN60KJS Human Resource Management and Organisation Studies,
PHD N60KJS Human Resource Management and Organisation Studies,
MPHDQ1CKJS Language and Communication Science,
PHD Q1CKJS Language and Communication Science
This module introduces students to the form and function of an effective PhD research proposal. The module will help students to understand the expectations of the research proposal for their own subjects/supervisors and will help them to work on how to produce a quality proposal.
The module will help students to develop their skills and confidence in their own research topic as well as their ability to write and talk about their proposal to a range of different audiences. The module will provide students with an overview of the relevant academic theory and ideas about the writing process as well as practical and hands-on experience of writing their own proposals.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide students with a generic understanding of the role, function and importance of a clear and coherent research proposal as well as a detailed understanding of what is required within their own discipline and for working with their nominated supervisor.
- To help students identify a relevant research topic and appropriate proposal format.
- To help students understand, identify and make use of the appropriate rhetorical features of an effective research proposal.
- To introduce students to the different formats research proposals take and what the core components are for their own disciplines.
- To prepare students to be able effectively summarise their proposal and to be able to communicate it effectively in speaking and in writing.
- To help prepare students to work effectively with their nominated supervisor.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role and purpose of research proposals and be able to identify the core linguistic and rhetorical features of proposals in their disciplines.
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the different components of research proposals in their field.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect and act on feedback received from their supervisor.
- Demonstrate their understanding of the aims and objectives of their research proposal in appropriate written and spoken academic language.
The module will make use of three main modes of teaching. These will include sessions that take a more traditional lecture/seminar style forms where ideas will be introduced and discussed (weeks 1,2,3) as well as weeks where students will work with their nominated supervisors (weeks 4,6 and 8), and more interactive writing workshops where students will have time in class to work on their writing and receive help and feedback on drafts.
Indicative syllabus:
- Introduction to the research proposal and working with your supervisor
- Identifying the different components of research proposals
- Analysing the language of research proposals
- Working with your supervisor - identifying topic areas
- Writing workshop - writing about your research topic
- Working with your supervisor - reviewing the literature
- Writing workshop - writing about your sources
- Working with your supervisor - data collection and methods
- Writing workshop - writing about your research work and presentation preparation
- Assessed Presentations
This module will be delivered via:
- Four 2-hour seminars
- Three 2-hour workshops
Plus, a minimum of three meetings with their PhD supervisor.
Students will be taught via a range of lecture and seminar sessions. These sessions will combine lecture-style input along with practical activities and discussion. The students will work in groups as well as individually and will work with colleagues from the Department of Language and linguistics as well as their onward Departments. The module will also include independent learning activities and self-directed study. The module will draw from model/sample texts provided by the different Departments and all materials will be available on Moodle.
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 |
Oral presentation |
|
25% |
Coursework |
Research proposal |
18/07/2025 |
75% |
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
Assessment required in future academic year.
Reassessment
Assessment required in future academic year.
Module supervisor and teaching staff
No
No
No
Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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