General MA Study and Research Methodology

Module Code:

MCLA7910

When taught:

n/a

Credit points:

10

Method of Assessment:

2 x assessed projects of approx. 1,250 words each.

Teaching methods:

Module pack (both residential and distance students)

Co-ordinator:

James Richardson

Contact hours (for residential students):

N/A

Syllabus: 

The first of the two compulsory methodology modules needs to be taken by any student taking a PG Certificate, Diploma, or MA, whatever the specific degree scheme that they are enrolled on.  This module concentrates on the general skills needed to study successfully at postgraduate level and focuses on two topics in particular:  how to use various primary and secondary resources in your research, through a bibliographical project, and how to critically assess modern scholarship, through the writing of a book review.

Learning outcomes:  

• To ease you into postgraduate study.
• To provide a firm grounding in the practical skills needed to succeed at postgraduate level.

Transferable and other skills involved:  

• Academic writing skills.

Main recommended texts:  

Students are required to consult a variety of primary and secondary material for the two assessed projects associated with this module.

Evaluation (including student evaluation):  

Students will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the module. This will be used by the Department in its annual review of all its teaching to help evaluate the module’s success. The external examiner will also have the opportunity to make comments and results of the questionnaires will be discussed in the SSCC