MSc Computational and Corpus Linguistics

The dissertation unit consists of an independent research project, designed and executed by the student, which leads to a 10,000 to 12,000 word dissertation. The project includes original research that contributes to the field of Computational and Corpus Linguistics. The student is expected to identify and develop a dissertation topic appropriate to the scale of the project which is focused into a specific research question providing scope to explore the most sophisticated kind of evaluative and critical issues. Several sessions of the "Research Methods in CCL" units and the dissertation supervisor provide guidance on research methods, research ethics, analysis of data, and academic writing. Student and supervisor will arrange two to four planning and supervision meetings. Three lectures will address the technical aspects of planning a dissertation project and writing a research proposal. This unit involves significant independent research. 

The unit aims to:

Provide students with guidance for successfully designing and conducting an independent, original research project in the fields of Computational and/or Corpus Linguistics, and for disseminating their research findings in a written dissertation. 

Students will be able to: 

• Design a feasible research project in the area of computational and/or corpus linguistics and, if applicable, address the ethical issues with data collection.
• Demonstrate the application of computational and corpus linguistic methods to appropriate datasets
• Build on and critically evaluate existing scholarship in the field.

Students will be able to: 

• Formulate basic linguistic research questions and testable hypotheses
• Evaluate and synthesize a substantial body of primary research literature
• Describe and analyse substantial data sets using and appropriate theoretical framework
• Develop an extended written argument of depth and complexity

Students will be able to: 

• Design and manage an independent research project
• Identify and access relevant primary sources and critical literature
• Collect and analyse substantial data sets using an appropriate methodology complying with ethical standards

Students will be able to: 

• Present the motivation for and (preliminarily) results of a research project
• Communicate a coherent and critical argument of depth and complexity in written form
• Employ data analysis and categorisation skills
• Develop their project planning and time-management skills

Research Proposal - In writing on Turnitin and during supervision meeting.

Ethics application - Where applicable, written comments and during supervision meeting.

Draft Chapter - In writing on Turnitin and during supervision meeting.

Dissertation - In writing on Turnitin and/or feedback form.