Postgraduate Course: Dissertation (Language Teaching) (REDU11090)

Course Outline
School	Moray House School of Education and Sport	College	College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)	SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course type	Dissertation	Availability	Not available to visiting students
SCQF Credits	60	ECTS Credits	30
Summary	The dissertation (approximately 12,000 words) is the outcome of a guided process of research - planning, implementation and writing up - largely carried out in the last three months of the programme. In it, candidates are encouraged to explore links between theory, their own research findings, and the practical realities of their own teaching context. Examples of possible dissertation topics are: - evaluation of teaching materials on paper and/or in observed use - pedagogical description of a specific language area for a specific learner group - case studies of classes or learners - needs analysis for teaching a language for specific purposes - test evaluation and design. Students receive individual guidance in preparing and implementing their research plans.
Course description	There are a number of possible types of dissertation that may be considered appropriate (e.g. empirical research, desk-based research, research proposal). Students in discussion with their supervisors and with the MSc Dissertation Director should decide the focus and design of the study. Whether empirical or not, the dissertation should demonstrate an understanding of research design, data collection and analysis, presentation and research ethics. Before writing the dissertation and/or collecting any data, students must submit a detailed dissertation proposal and they must obtain ethical approval for their project. If the proposal is satisfactory, a student may begin work on the dissertation. Students will receive support and guidance from their supervisor while developing their proposals and while carrying out the project. In addition students will be able to access school level support in the form of evening lectures and a week of sessions covering different aspects of research design, data collection and data analysis. MSc Language Teaching students will also receive (jointly with MSc TESOL students) research support specific to the field of Language Teaching.

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites		Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations		Other requirements	None

Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to: use appropriate skills in library and electronic research; demonstrate knowledge and understanding, at a basic level, of a range of research paradigms and research instruments; apply theapply the above knowledge and understanding in the evaluation of published research and in the design and implementation of their own research, paying due attention to the fit between context, purpose, paradigm and instrument; produce academic writing of an acceptable standard