This course offers Masters-level academic and professional training to students taking Masters programmes in Theology and Religious Studies. Students will develop their skills in research, oral and written communication, and professional academic practice.

10 x weekly two hour seminars

Attendance at the weekly TRS / Literature Theology and the Arts research seminar

ENGLIT5101

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ A 2,000-word portfolio of a set of reflective pieces on students' research training development is completed by the end of the course. This will include a 1.000-word refection on the TRS /LTA research seminars. These reflective pieces are peer assessed, and graded pass/fail. 

■ A final 2,000-word reflective exercise, applying learnings from the course to the student's Master's dissertation project. This will be assessed by the student's dissertation supervisor. The grade for this reflective exercise will form the grade for the course. 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the Portfolio, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There is no alternative to the Dissertation, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

1. introduce students to research techniques relevant to Masters level programmes in the School of Critical Studies and Theology and Religious Studies;

2. facilitate the acquisition of relevant employability-related skills;

3. provide a forum for the critical discussion of key issues related to the development of professional academic skills including: research planning and management; project funding; ethics; conference presentation and networking; writing for publication; and public engagement and the use of social media.

4. enable students to assess their progress in research skills within their Masters course.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. plan their research effectively;

2. present their ideas effectively to a professional cohort engaged in advanced research in subjects in the field of Theology and Religious Studies

3. participate actively and with understanding in workshops designed for their academic and professional development;

4. reflect critically on the development of their skills from the perspectives of research preparation, employability and personal development.