Introductory description

During the third term of the programme (April to September), you can choose between either completing a dissertation or going on an experiential placement combined with a major project. The dissertation and the major project usually involve the application of some of the ideas and skills gained in the first two terms to the circumstances or issues in a professional context. Through the whole experience of preparing for the dissertation or the major project, conducting the research and writing it up, you will gain a sound understanding of the nature and range of research in intercultural communication and Applied Linguistics.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Students will work independently on their chosen topic, which can be any topic that falls within the remit of the programme. Dissertation work will normally comprise the following aspects:

• Initial planning: topic selection
• Literature review
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis
• Writing up

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• By the end of the module the student should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of a selected topic within intercultural or professional communication, and to explain the main elements of analytic frameworks that are important and useful for understanding the selected topic.

Indicative reading list

• Bell, M. (2005) Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th Edition). Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
• Creswell, J.W. (2008) Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. (3rd edition). London: Sage.
• Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-researchers. (2nd edition). London: John Wiley.
• Spencer-Oatey, H. and Franklin, P. (2009) Intercultural Interaction. A Multidisciplinary Approach to Intercultural Communication. Basingstoke: Palgrave. Chapter 10: Research Topics in Intercultural Interaction; Chapter 11: Culture and the Research Process.
• Thomas, G. (2009) How to do your Research Project: A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences. London: Sage.

Research element

The aims of this module are to:
(a) Stimulate students to reflect on issues critically and identify aspects that need further research;
(b) Provide students with the opportunity to explore a topic in considerable depth including carrying out a major literature review;
(c) Enhance skills in time-management, research management, project organisation and decision-making.

International

This module strongly focuses on students development as competent and rigorous researchers. The module allows students to not only apply their knowledge from the MSc programme, but also explore a topic systematically and comprehensively. Students will hone their research skills by going through the entire process of empirical research, including a critical review of relevant literature and research methods, as well as analysis, and reporting of empirical insights. Students will also improve and expand their practical skills of collecting data quantitatively and/or qualitatively.

Subject specific skills

• Explain the professional relevance of their research.
• Draw credible links between theory and professional practice.

Transferable skills

• Identify knowledge gaps and develop research questions.
• Search the literature effectively.
• Devise and carry out an appropriate research plan.
• Communicate ideas effectively in writing, using appropriate wording and structure.
• Work independently.
• Plan and manage time and workload to meet deadlines.