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Research Extension - LAN00023H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

If you want to write a dissertation, this module is for you.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24
B Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module provides an opportunity to study in some more depth a research topic being studied in another H-level module. By expanding the word limit of the research piece demanded for the other module by 5,000 words, it will give students in L&LS the opportunity to undertake a substantial (dissertation length) piece of independent research in Linguistics.

Module learning outcomes

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

  • design and carry out a theoretical and/or empirical study in a chosen area of Linguistics
  • understand the challenges posed in carrying out a substantial piece of independent research
  • demonstrate an ability to critique and challenge theoretical ideas which have been proposed in one of the sub-fields of research in Linguistics
  • demonstrate some ability to move towards the resolution of empirical and/or theoretical puzzles that arise in the chosen area of research
  • demonstrate progress towards the ability to synthesise and to present complex ideas with clarity

Module content

Students must have:

  • Relevant I-level module and H-level research module (see module list below)
  • A mark of 60% or higher in the relevant I-level module(s) and an average of 60% or higher for Year 2. (Since this prerequisite cannot be fulfilled until the end of Year 2, students who register for a research extension must register for one additional back-up module, which will be dropped if this research extension prerequisite is met.)

In 2023–24, the Research Extension module can be combined with any of the following modules:

  • Advanced Topics in Phonetics and Phonology
  • Advanced Topics in Psycholinguistics: Language Processing
  • Advanced Topics in Language Variation and Change
  • Advanced Topics in Syntax
  • Dialect Grammar of British English
  • English Corpus Linguistics
  • English Place-names across Time & Space

Contact hours

Four tutorials to be scheduled as appropriate, alongside the relevant research module, which will serve as opportunities to discuss the content of the research, including issues of research design, practical issues in data collection (if appropriate), as well theoretical background to the project.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Written feedback within the University mandated time limit.

Indicative reading

To be determined by the student in consultation with the module tutor.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.