To develop skills of independent research, including use of library resources and electronic databases. To identify key primary and secondary resources relevant to the student's field of research. To develop detailed knowledge of existing scholarly debates relevant to the student's field of research.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the use of library resources, electronic databases and other scholarly resources (where appropriate) for purposes of independent research

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate scholarly judgement in the identification of appropriate primary and secondary sources as part of a research project

(LO3) Students will demonstrate detailed knowledge of existing scholarship, debates and theoretical and/or methodological perspectives in their chosen field of research

(S1) Students will gain written communication skills in the area of academic writing (inc. referencing skills and academic integrity)

(S2) Students will gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills, incl. critical analysis and evaluation

(S3) Students will gain information technology skills, incl. adopting, adapting and using digital devices, applications and services, finding interpreting, evaluating, managing and sharing information

(S4) Students will gain self-management/organisational skills, incl. managing time and workloads, meeting deadlines

As a core component of the MRes English programme, this module aims to develop subject-specific knowledge relevant to the student's own field of research. A programme of reading and other forms of research will be developed by the student in collaboration with his or her academic supervisor(s). The supervisor(s) will provide guidance on the programme of research, primarily through individual tutorials, as it develops during the semester. The programme of study undertaken on this module is intended to equip the student with subject-specific knowledge and research resources relevant to the dissertation project to be undertaken on ENGL705.

Teaching method/description: teaching on this module consists of six individual one-hour tutorials with the student's supervisor (or supervisory team in cases of co-supervision), scheduled fortnightly throughout semester 1. During the sessions, students will discuss aims and how to make the best use of self-directed learning hours.