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Module

SEL8542 : Research Methods II

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Lucy Pearson
  • Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The primary aims of this module are:

• The development of an ambitiously conceptualized dissertation proposal on the part of each
student
• The introduction of students to methodologies and principles of postgraduate independent research.

Outline Of Syllabus

An indicative syllabus would include workshops on:

• Conference organization
• Development of methodologies and frameworks for a Masters dissertation
• The purpose and practice of peer review
• Related careers

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion154:0054:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading1120:00120:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching91:009:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity71:007:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity91:009:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision20:301:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Small group teaching/workshops are the most appropriate strategies for successful delivery of the material being taught, as well as the fostering of the intellectual independence required of Masters students. Individual and collaborative independent work will underpin this work, introducing students to a wide range of research methodologies and enabling them to evaluate the best approaches for their own work.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2A65A Final Assessment of no more than 2500 words.
Portfolio2M35A portfolio of work of no more than 1500 words.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The initial portfolio will comprise short written exercises designed to explore the skills and concepts covered in seminars and workshops, designed to underpin the processes involved in planning a dissertation. By undertaking this exercise earlier in the academic term, the Module Leader will also be able to begin the process of pairing students with potential supervisors. The final assessment will ask students to think about their own dissertation/research topic in relation to an existing body of critical work and to situate their project within it. Students will gain a full understanding of the different possible approaches to independent research, and a deeper conceptual understanding of the principles of good academic practice. By the end of the module, they will be prepared to embark on the independent dissertation project.

Reading Lists

Timetable