Course description
Course Description
The MRes in Linguistics provides tailored support for the researcher-in-training in any of the areas covered by the Department, with a choice from all the 70 plus graduate modules available, according to the nature of their dissertation project.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: DISSERTATION (RESEARCH)
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : familiarity with contemporary approaches to the study of language
A2 : conducted advanced piece of linguistic research
A3 : practical and theoretical knowledge of major paradigms and interpretive traditions in linguistics
A4 : knowledge of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria, used in contemporary linguistic research
A5 : knowledge of methods and tools employed to conduct linguistic analysis
A6 : critical, in-depth comprehension of one or more theoretical and/or descriptive subdisciplines of linguistics
A7 : knowledge or range of research support skills
Teaching Methods
A1 and A3-7 are addressed in lectures, as well as seminar, class and tutorial discussion. A2 is achieved through individual supervision. Web and instructional course materials, including library and internet materials are used to achieve A1-4 and A6-7. Students will also gain knowledge of the skills required for future professional engagement in academic life through a Professional Development course. There is also office and email consultation with staff as well as written and oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
A1, A3-7 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. The dissertation is instrumental in the achievement of A2, A5-6, being the most significant form of assessment with respect to knowledge and understanding acquired in the taught part of the course.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Critically evaluate contrasting linguistic theories/ accounts/explanations/approaches, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data or practice
B2 : Ability to abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying central concepts and findings.
B3 : Make systematic observations and insightful generalisations about complex behaviour (or data, or other materials), and analyse the relevant material using advanced specialised techniques.
Teaching Methods
B1 - B3 are developed in seminars, classes and tutorials. B2 is developed in directed reading of library and internet materials, as well as printed instructional course materials. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
B1 0 3 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. In its development of advanced intellectual and cognitive skills, the dissertation is central in assessing B3.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g. Library, WWW, CD-rom)
C2 : Utilise advanced techniques and tools relevant to the collection, analysis or presentation of linguistic data, with a minimum of guidance
C3 : Propose, plan, undertake, write up and present an independent survey or report (e.g. on research undertaken individually or in collaboration with others, or on a case study), with a minimum of guidance
Teaching Methods
Throughout the scheme practical skills C1 - 3 are developed through independent learning in preparation for classes, seminars, essays and presentations. In particular, these skills are mobilised in preparation for tutorials for the dissertation. Office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work is provided through both the coursework and dissertation phases of the degree.
Assessment Methods
Coursework and essays play an important part in the assessment of all skills C1 - 3. It is in marking of the dissertation, however, that these skills, particularly C2 and C3 - become particularly salient.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing, writing essays, reports and reviews using the appropriate register and style.
D2 : Using advanced computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) to analyse data and results
D3 : Under guidance, interpreting relevant statistical information and, where required, showing familiarity with complex procedures of symbol manipulation
D4 : Analysing complex data-sets or behaviour, abstracting insightful generalisations and testing abstract hypotheses
D5 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management in tackling and solving complex problems
Teaching Methods
The key skills, D1, D2, D4 and D6 are taught throughout the scheme in preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials and coursework assignments. Oral presentation in class may be used to develop skills of oral communication in parallel with D1; students are also encouraged to collaborate with others to achieve common goals e.g. in project planning, management and presentation. Seminars and tutorials are used to develop D3 and D4. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
Coursework essays are used in the development of all key skills D1 to D4 and D6. Coursework exercises specifically develop D3 and D4. The dissertation constitutes an overall assessment of these skills in judging communication, problem solving and independent learning.
