What will I learn on this module?
This module enables students to negotiate a programme of work with a supervisor to investigate a field of interest that is not catered for by other postgraduate modules. The teaching will comprise six half-hour tutorials with a supervisor, but students are expected to undertake the major portion of the semester's study on their own. Where more than one student is interested in a particular field, some classes may be held in lieu of tutorials. The content, level of achievement required, and total workload will be comparable with those of other postgraduate modules in the programme, although the balance of taught and independent work may be adjusted to allow for lower teaching contact hours.
The MA Programme Leader will be informed throughout the process of syllabus development, this overview ensuring the area or topic in is not covered elsewhere in the core or option modules, and that there is no repetition of content for the student(s).
Like all other MA modules, assessment will be a combination of either theoretical essay, language description and analysis or other appropriate work totalling the equivalent of 4,000 words. Topics and titles will be negotiated by the supervisor and student(s).
How will I learn on this module?
Having negotiated the programme of work, students will be expected to work independently and in a largely self-directed fashion.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Six half-hour tutorials will be conducted through the semester. Where more than one student is following the same programme of work, some of the tutorials may be replaced by taught classes. You will develop your academic knowledge and skills in order to attain the module learning outcomes. Your academic development will be facilitated through engagement with the academic literature and by talking with your peers and the module tutor about your understanding of this literature (i.e. reading around the topic, and discussing and reflecting upon what you have read).
Formative feedback will be on-going throughout the tutorial activities. Formative feedback will also be provided on an essay plan, prior to completion of the module’s formative assessment (an essay)
In addition, you have a designated Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Guidance Tutor’s role includes: monitoring your ongoing academic progress; helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development; directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus). You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. be able to appraise, evaluate and synthesize theories and concepts in terms of their relevance to the study of language
2. demonstrate advanced and critical knowledge of an aspect of the field of linguistics
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. work independently (with guidance) engaging with primary literature.
2. produce advanced written analysis that uses academic conventions and exhibits awareness of primary and secondary research methods.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. value curiosity, collaboration, and academic integrity as keystones of learning
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment and rationale for tasks
Assessment will be comparable with that of other postgraduate modules in the programme.
b. Feedback strategy
Students will receive:
• oral formative feedback on their progress in tutorials
• written formative feedback on essay drafts
• written summative feedback on the MA feedback template
Formative assessment
1. You will present your ideas during tutorials and will receive formative feedback from the module tutor (and peers) on any perspectives you share Such formative feedback will enable you to test and form your own understanding of the chosen topic .
2. 500-word essay plan
This formative assessment will aim to ensure you organise your ideas and material for the assessed essay, by selecting relevant resources to help you answer the question they have chosen. The plan will be submitted and feedback provided via email, supported by a one-to-one meeting with the module tutor as necessary. The rationale for this is to enable you to road-test ideas before committing yourself to an argument or position.
Formative assessments address MLOs in ‘Knowledge and Understanding’, ‘Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities’, and ‘Personal Values Attributes’.
Summative (graded) Assessments
1. 3500-word academic essay
Modes of assessment will be determined by the module tutor in negotiation with the student, and will be one or a combination of a maximum of two of the following: theoretical essay, description and analysis of language or other appropriate data analysis. The assignment (or combination of assignments) will total the equivalent of 4,000 words.
The essay assessment will be part of the learning process, and addresses all five MLOS.
Feedback will be provided using the Programme template and comments on the script.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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