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 develop detailed knowledge of existing scholarship, debates and theoretical and/or methodological perspectives in their chosen field of research

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Personal action planning

(S2) Improving own learning/performance - Record-keeping

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S6) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S7) Time and project management - Project management

(S8) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S9) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S10) Information skills - Information accessing: [Locating relevant information] [Identifying and evaluating information sources]

(S11) Information skills - Record-keeping

(S12) Research skills - All Information skills

(S13) Skills in using technology - Information accessing

(S14) Personal attributes and qualities - Willingness to take responsibility

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.