LG981-7-FY-CO:
MA Dissertation

The details
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
60
20 November 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MA Q11012 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q11024 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q16012 English Language and Linguistics,
MA Q16024 English Language and Linguistics,
MRESQ10412 Experimental Linguistics,
MA Q10012 Linguistics,
MA Q10024 Linguistics,
MA Q15012 Psycholinguistics,
MA Q15024 Psycholinguistics,
MA QX1312 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),
MA QX1324 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Module description

The MA dissertation is a central component of the MA.

Writing your MA dissertation is your chance to research a topic of your choosing with the guidance of an experienced supervisor; often, indeed, this is what motivates students to take up graduate study in the first place and, in some cases, to carry on to do PhD.

At 12,000-14,000 words, the dissertation represents a substantial piece of writing and is the equivalent of two academic journal articles of the type you will have read during your programme. It therefore requires careful planning and research, and considerable determination to stick to a carefully worked out timetable.

Module aims

This module offers students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed earlier in the master's course to work on a project of their choice.

Students will mainly work independently, however, group and individual meetings with the supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on work presented. Seminar-supported supervision will be in place; this consists of a minimum of 4 meetings with supervisors and other students on the module further supported by a number of group sessions focussing on different aspects of the dissertation.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should:
• be able to work effectively managing time and activities in order to address a defined project to the agreed supervision schedule and deadlines.
• be able to produce a significant and substantial piece of written work at an academic level.
• have performed a variety of tasks such as researching and collecting data, organising and proof reading.
• be able to present draft work to peers and staff for feedback during the summer term.
• be able to reflect on knowledge and performance, seek and use feedback, and identify career development needs.

Module information

N/A

Learning and teaching methods

Students will mainly work independently, however, group and individual meetings with the supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on work presented. Seminar-supported supervision entails one meeting prior to the Easter vacation, followed by a minimum of three further monthly meetings involving supervisors and other students. These meetings/seminars will focus on different aspects of the dissertation.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Dissertation    100% 

Additional coursework information

N/A

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

100 per cent Coursework Mark

Reassessment

100 per cent Coursework Mark

Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Marisa Brook, email: marisa.brook@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Louise Rolland, email: l.rolland@essex.ac.uk.
Various
l.rolland@essex.ac.uk; marisa.brook@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Petra Schoofs
University of Birmingham
Lecturer
Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
Dr Ian Cunnings
University of Reading
Associate Professor in Psycholinguistics
Dr Troy McConachy
University of Warwick
Associate Professor
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 16 hours, 16 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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