Undergraduate Research in Applied Linguistics
In the curriculum: Modules
Research, Academic and Professional Skills
“What is research and how can we do it? What skills do you need to successfully conduct research? And, which of these skills are also relevant to the professional world? This module addresses questions like these, as it helps you to develop the research, academic and professional skills you need to be successful at university and beyond. You will explore different approaches to research and see how research has been conducted on a range of real life issues and concerns connected to language, culture and communication. The lectures will provide you with knowledge about different research methods and the process of conducting research in general. The seminars, on the other hand, will help you develop your analytical toolkit that will serve you in multiple contexts, including your future workplace.”
Quantitative Research Methods
“While focusing on the generic principles of planning, collecting and analysing data that is quantitative in nature, there is a strong emphasis on honing your own research skills. This is achieved not only through weekly exercises in the seminar, but also via an empirical group project that you will carry out together with some of your colleagues. Throughout the module, you will learn about the purpose and application of different quantitative research designs and their relevance in applied contexts, such as organisational analysis and consulting. At the end of the module you will not only be able to critically review quantitative data and understand its power as well as its limitations, but also demonstrate those skills that are crucial to generate, analyse and interpret such data in the workplace.
Qualitative Research Methods
“The ability to conduct research is a great skill to have and is one that is highly sought after by employers. In this course you will develop an understanding of qualitative research, including the primary approaches to carrying out qualitative research, some of the important data collection techniques, and how to analyse qualitative data. You will also have an opportunity to hone the crucial skills and attributes you need to be able to conduct research in the future including resilience, intellectual curiosity, personal and project management and critical thinking. This course will give you an opportunity to formulate, design and conduct your own qualitative research project related to a language, culture and communication issue you are interested in, and will provide you with support and feedback along the way to help foster your development as a researcher.”
Dissertation
For the dissertation module you get the opportunity to develop a project around one of these interests and, with the support of a supervisor, conduct research and write it up! As well as developing content knowledge in an area of interest to you, the dissertation will help you enhance your research, critical and creative thinking, time management and academic writing skills. The dissertation module also provides excellent training if you are interested in undertaking postgraduate study beyond the BA.”
Co-curricular research
Applied Linguistics International Research Students' Conference
Students have the opportunity to take part in the department’s International Research Students’ Conference in June as presenters, organising committee members or attendees.
“This conference is a successful tradition which, every year, brings together many research students (masters and PhD) from within and outside the UK. This year, however, we have decided to welcome contributions from Undergraduate students, as well! Being a ‘conference by students for students’, we aim to provide a platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students to showcase their research and receive valuable feedback from other renowned scholars in the field.”
Visiting Speaker Presentations
The three research groups in the Centre for Applied Linguistics also organise regular visiting speaker presentations, which students are encouraged to attend.