This research preparation module focuses on core research design issues in linguistics (particularly the formulation of research questions and the collection of data). Students are trained to identify gaps in linguistic knowledge, to formulate sound discipline-specific research questions, and to explore the diverse linguistic approaches which might fruitfully be applied to these questions. They will be introduced to practical issues in data collection, considering, for example, the medium, size and representativeness of data samples, and the ethical considerations involved in collecting data from different sources. The module will lead into the more analytically focused research methods module in Semester 2 and will lay the groundwork for the dissertation module in Semester 3. The module begins with an audit of students’ exposure to linguistic sub-fields, and of their skills and interests. Weekly readings of published studies allow students to compare different theoretical and sub-disciplinary approaches to a similar topic. Class discussion centres on an evaluation of the merits of different approaches for the studies’ stated aims and on the data-collection processes suggested by those approaches.
This second research preparation module builds on the core semester 1 module on Research Design by providing students with the knowledge and skills to select and apply data analysis methods. Following the stages of the research process from the organisation of data (into, for example, a corpus or database) to annotation and analysis, it exposes students to a range of linguistic data drawn from various subfields of linguistics and encourages them to reflect on appropriate analytical techniques. Drawing on tutors’ diverse range of expertise, the module will cover quantitative approaches including statistical testing, as well as qualitative approaches such as thematic and discourse analysis, and train students in the use of relevant software. Students will be encouraged to consider the application of these approaches to their own upcoming dissertation research and it is intended that the final few weeks of the module will be flexible in terms of content, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in areas identified as of high priority according to the cohort.
This dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to conduct a programme of independent and original research into a topic in Linguistics approved by the Linguistics Programme team. Preparatory work on principles of dissertation planning and the consolidation of skills required to complete the dissertation will be covered in Research Methods 1 and Research Methods 2, thereby laying the foundation for progression to the specific dissertation work undertaken by individual students. The dissertation module requires students to identify a viable research issue in Linguistics, design an appropriate methodology for investigating and analysing the issue in question, interpret the findings with reference to relevant existing work in the area, explain the benefits and limitations of the completed work, and outline its implications for future research on the topic. Depending on the particular orientation of the dissertation, students may choose to collect original data or use existing datasets. Where the project requires research with human subjects, students must apply for and be granted ethical approval before commencing fieldwork.
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in English, French or Irish Language and/or Linguistics or related discipline. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 13th August 2027 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page. The University’s requirements for Recognition of Prior Learning, including the amount and level of credit that may be awarded, are set out in the QUB Study Regulations. To apply for recognition of prior learning please visit the link below. http://go.qub.ac.uk/PostgraduateRPL
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .
| QS 综合 | 院校 | 学制 | 学费 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第 8 位 | 伦敦大学学院University College London | 1年 | 36800英镑/年 |
| 第 11 位 | 香港大学The University of Hong Kong | 1年 | 281300港币/年 |
| 第 12 位 | 南洋理工大学Nanyang Technological University | 1年 | 43622新币/年 |
| 第 18 位 | 香港中文大学The Chinese University of Hong Kong | 1年 | 219780港币/年 |
| 第 32 位 | 多伦多大学University of Toronto | 3 个学期（全日制），注册序列 FWS | - |
| 第 40 位 | 曼彻斯特大学The University of Manchester | 1年 | 31400英镑/年 |
| 第 45 位 | 不列颠哥伦比亚大学University of British Columbia | 平均 2 年（最短 2 / 最长 5） | 10,081.65 加元（国际生首年学费；本国生 5,738.52） |
| 第 72 位 | 德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校The University of Texas at Austin | 2年 | 43,996美元 |