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

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

40% Set of two blogs reflecting on research seminars/events (400 words each)

60% Short-answer portfolio on methodologies (1500 words or equivalent). No reassessment available.

Reassessment is not normally offered on any of the elements comprising the 60% short-answer portfolio on methodologies

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to research techniques relevant to Masters' level programmes in English Language and Linguistics;

■ 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.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.