Transitional Research Project

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of specific, as well as general research skills appropriate to a research project at doctoral level. This includes advanced information search/retrieval techniques and a relevant range of empirical fieldwork techniques
• Compose under deadline conditions an extended piece of writing which is logically structured, coherently argued, and clearly written, supported by a detailed bibliography
• Use information technology appropriately to support and present your research
• Understand ethical and legal issues involved in applied linguistics research
• Design an empirical research project in applied linguistics/English Language Teaching
• Critically assess some previous work on your chosen subject
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills whilst working with others in the investigation of problems, and in the presentation of arguments and evidence
• Demonstrate originality of thought and approach which moves beyond a simple synthesis of secondary materials

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Scholarly and (where relevant) policy debates relating to your topic
• The topic you have selected in your chosen field of study
• Relevant theoretical approaches applicable to your topic
• Research design and techniques appropriate for your topic

Module Title: Transitional Research Project Module Type: Non-credit-bearing module Level: Doctoral / iPhD transition stage Credit Value: 0 credits Aims of the Module The module aims to: Support students in developing a coherent and original doctoral research proposal Develop critical engagement with relevant theoretical and empirical literature Strengthen research design and methodological decision-making skills Enhance academic writing and argumentation skills Prepare students for independent doctoral research Learning Outcomes By the end of the module, students will be able to: Identify and justify a clear and focused research topic Demonstrate critical awareness of relevant scholarly literature Formulate coherent and researchable questions Design an appropriate empirical research project Select and justify suitable research methods Communicate complex academic ideas clearly and effectively Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations in research Module Content The module includes the following areas of development: Identifying and refining a research topic Conducting literature searches and critical literature evaluation Developing theoretical frameworks Formulating research questions and aims Research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) Data collection methods in Applied Linguistics / ELT Ethical issues in research Teaching and Learning Methods The module is delivered through: Independent research and self-directed study Individual supervisory meetings Formative feedback on written drafts Guided academic reading and discussion Students are expected to actively prepare written work for supervision and engage in ongoing revision of their report based on feedback. Supervision Structure Supervision is central to the module and includes: Discussion of research topic scope and feasibility Guidance on literature and theoretical positioning Feedback on research questions and design Support in structuring and refining the proposal Ongoing formative feedback on written sections Assessment This is a formative module. However, completion is based on the submission of: A 3000-word report. The report should demonstrate: A clear research focus Engagement with relevant literature Original contribution to the field Appropriate and justified methodology Academic clarity and coherence Students are expected to include: Title Introduction Rationale / research problem Background and context Research questions Literature review Methodology References

Teaching and learning on the Transitional Research Project module are primarily research-led and supervision-based. The module does not involve formal lectures; instead, learning is structured around independent study supported by regular one-to-one supervisory meetings.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Assignment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment:
• Group Work: No