Course description: In this module, students will learn how to conduct language-based research that has the potential for real-world impact. This will be achieved by gaining theoretical and practical skills in research methods and the research process, in order to perform and critique empirical research. The module takes a primarily Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. At the start of the module, students will be briefed by an external partner (e.g. business, charitable and/or policy institute partner) on the themes and landscape (e.g. mental health, gambling, ageing, etc.) which their research will inform. Students will then develop the necessary research skills to carry out a group project whose findings will have value for the external partner. These activities, alongside attendance at taught sessions and engaging with course activities, will prepare students for study at higher levels and will demonstrate how these skills can be realistically applied to professional and academic spheres.
