This course offers Masters-level academic and professional training to students taking Masters programmes in English Language and Linguistics. Students will build on their skills in research methods, written communication and professional academic practice in order to produce a dissertation proposal.

5 x weekly two-hour seminars

2 x attendance (minimum) at the one-hour English Language & Linguistics research seminars (or other university research seminars/events or SCS reading/research groups or comparable online seminars or events)

ENGLIT 5101 Research Training Course: English Literature

TRS 5031 Research Training Course: Theological and Religious Studies

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 50% Set of two blogs reflecting on research seminars/events (500 words each)

■ 50% Dissertation proposal (1,000 words)

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 assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (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:

■ develop and apply students' knowledge of research techniques in preparation for their dissertation;

■ enable students to write research proposals;

■ facilitate the acquisition of relevant methodological skills;

■ provide a forum for the critical discussion of key issues related to the development of professional academic and employability-related skills;

■ enable students to assess their progress in research skills within their Masters' programme.

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

■ plan their research effectively;

■ present their ideas effectively to a professional cohort engaged in advanced research in subjects in the field of English Language & Linguistics;

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

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

■ produce a research proposal in accordance with accepted academic practice.