LG994-7-FY-CO:
Dissertation (Research)

The details
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 27 June 2025
90
18 October 2024

 

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

 

(none)

Key module for

MRESQ14512 Analysing Language Use,
MRESQ11012 Applied Linguistics,
MRESQ10012 Linguistics,
MPHDQ14548 Analysing Language Use,
PHD Q14548 Analysing Language Use,
MPHDQ11048 Applied Linguistics,
PHD Q11048 Applied Linguistics,
MPHDQ1X348 English Language Teaching,
PHD Q1X348 English Language Teaching,
MPHDQ10448 Experimental Linguistics,
PHD Q10448 Experimental Linguistics,
MPHDQ10048 Linguistics,
PHD Q10048 Linguistics,
MPHDQ15048 Psycholinguistics,
PHD Q15048 Psycholinguistics,
MPHDQ14048 Sociolinguistics,
PHD Q14048 Sociolinguistics,
MPHDQ91048 Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
PHD Q91048 Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling)

Module description

The dissertation is a central component of the MRes or Integrated PhD. Writing your dissertation is your chance to research a topic of your choosing with the guidance of an experienced researcher.

At 22,000 words, the dissertation represents a substantial piece of writing and is the equivalent of three academic journal articles of the type you will have read during your programme. It therefore requires careful planning and research, and considerable determination to stick to a carefully worked out timetable.

If you are integrated PhD student you may choose to continue this area of Research into the second and third years of your PhD.

Module aims

The module aims that students will:

1. produce a sustained and in-depth piece of research on a specific linguistic topic.
2. develop practical research skills in practical hypothesis testing and research planning.
3. critically examine the scientific literature relevant to your topic.
4. explore and develop appropriate methods of data collection, sampling and analysis.
5. develop your skills in academic writing and presentation in response to constructive feedback from your supervisor.

Module learning outcomes

N/A

Module information

On this module, students will:

1. examine existing models, theories, methods and/or results in the scientific literature as a guide to producing your own work.
2. propose, develop and refine research questions and associated hypotheses with constructive feedback from your supervisor.
3. consider existing methods of data collection, reduction and analysis, and adopt or adapt them, or develop new ones, as needed for your own research.
4. examine published research and dissertations to make yourself familiar with typical structures and requirements of academic writing.
5. carefully plan, produce and revise the sections of your own dissertation in response to constructive feedback from your supervisor.

If you are an Integrated PhD student, you will consider the possible relationship between this dissertation and your proposed PhD research. This may include a pilot project, an extension of research questions or data, the resolution of preliminary issues, etc.

Learning and teaching methods

Students will mainly work independently, however, group and individual meetings with their supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on work presented.

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 (Research)  27/06/2025   

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
Prof Enam Al-Wer, email: enama@essex.ac.uk.
Various
enama@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 4 hours, 4 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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