Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Successful completion of 120 credits of the taught modules of the IPhD in Linguistics with an average of 60%, of which 20 credits will be from SEL8531. This module is the final component of the taught phase of the IPhD programme and is taken at the end of year 1.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The Research Project for IPhD students helps the students prepare for the research phase of the IPhD programme and helps them apply the methodology and/or theory introduced in the taught modules to a novel research project. The 15,000-word project encourages students to design their proposed research topic and provides an opportunity to enhance analytical and writing skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

The assessment to be completed for this project is research-based. There is no formal teaching component. Students will have received all training and skills needed for completion of the assignment in the modules leading up to this. They will meet with the allocated advisors for the project up to 3 times between June and August to discuss progress and seek advice on theoretical and methodological issues arising.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

In line with the IPhD regulations, which stipulate that “students should be encouraged to use their assignments from the taught element of the IPhD programme to help formulate their ideas, construct the methodology and explore the literature for their thesis”, the assignment for this module was designed to help students develop their knowledge of the subfield of linguistics that they plan to focus their PhD research on. The emphasis is on two or more of the following:
•       developing research questions and formulating testable hypotheses
•       devising appropriate methods of data collection & analysis
•       identifying and advancing students' knowledge of appropriate theoretical frameworks for addressing the research questions
•       identifying & reviewing the relevant literature
•       understanding the processes involved in planning and carrying out a research project
•       understanding the strengths and limitations of the chosen methodology
•       to establish which steps will be required for the execution of the research involved with the IPhD research in the research phase (years 2-4)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Skills outcomes: On this module, students will develop the following transferable skills:
•       problem-solving skills (identifying problems or issues of controversy and developing a plan to address or resolve these)
•       critical thinking skills (identifying relevant literature/data sources & assessing their reliability & relevance)
•       writing skills (writing coherently to develop a convincing argument & defend evidence for it)
•       research skills (designing a feasible research study; gathering data and planning appropriate analysis)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The taught modules undertaken in Semesters 1 and 2 (and in particular the compulsory module SEL8531) equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake independent study and research. Workshop sessions guide students in topic selection and understanding benchmarks for project progress. Supervision sessions provide students with direction and advice for research plans. These sessions are also opportunities for interim oral feedback prior to the submission of the 15,000-word research project.
Independent study enables students to undertake relevant reading, investigate relevant areas, execute independent research, and develop their methodology before writing up their projects.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The research paper will demonstrate students’ ability to:
•       develop research questions
•       develop an appropriate research design
•       (where relevant to the proposed thesis project) identify and execute appropriate methods of data collection and analysis
•       identify and account for relevant theoretical frameworks
•       account for, evaluate, and synthesise relevant literature
The research paper should also demonstrate the feasibility of research that will be undertaken in Years 2-4 of the IPhD programme.

General Notes

This is a core module for the taught part of the IPhD in Linguistics and English language, and students are required to pass this module with a mark of at least 60 in order to progress to Year 2 and the research phase of the IPhD.