SEL8510 : MA Linguistics Dissertation
SEL8510 : MA Linguistics Dissertation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Daniel Duncan
- 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 3 Credit Value: | 60 |
ECTS Credits: | 30.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Completion of 120 credits of the programme for the MA in Linguistics with an average mark of 50% or more
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to research a specialist subject in depth and, where appropriate, prepare themselves for doctoral study in the chosen area. It serves as the capstone of the MA in Linguistics by building on research skills and knowledge gained in the taught elements of the programme.
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. The topic relates to previous modules and will be arranged in consultation with the DPD and the potential supervisor.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
1. An in depth knowledge of a topic of the student’s choice within linguistics/language sciences
2. Understanding of how their chosen topic fits within relevant wider theoretical and empirical issues
3. Increased awareness of theoretical paradigms and how they relate to empirical studies
4. Critical perspectives on an area of the field
Intended Skill Outcomes
Participants should demonstrate the ability:
- to seek out, select, read and synthesise a substantial body of relevant scholarship
- to formulate aims, objectives and/or hypotheses and to use them to guide their research
- to choose, implement and justify appropriate research methods in the light of project aims and relevant research-methods literature
- to analyse their findings in the light of relevant theory and relevant previous research, and show their relevance to wider theoretical and empirical issues in the discipline
- to reflect critically on their own and others’ research methods and outcomes
- to report on all the above in a coherent, clearly-written and well-presented document which respects the academic conventions relevant to the topic-area and research methods chosen
- manage a project effectively
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 592:00 | 592:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | N/A |
Total | 600:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The dissertation will give student an opportunity of researching a topic in depth, and of designing and carrying out an appropriate study in an area of linguistics.
Workshops guide students in
- Topic selection
- Understanding benchmarks for progress
Tutorials allow student and supervisor to
- ascertain progress
- identify problems
- plan study tactics
- develop an overall strategy for completion
and the supervisor to offer staged support through guided and progressively adjusted autonomous learning.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dissertation | 3 | M | 100 | 15,000-18,000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The dissertation will allow student to demonstrate higher intellectual skills of understanding, analysis and critical evaluation, and will provide written evidence of all the learning outcomes
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8510's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8510's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.