English & Linguistics Bridge Dissertation with Creative Practice - ENG00121H
Module summary
The dissertation is one of the most exciting and ambitious modules of your degree. You will produce a sustained piece of work on a topic of your choosingthat bridges English and Linguistics (subject to approval).
The English and Linguistics Bridge Dissertation with Creative Practice is your opportunity to undertake a substantial interdisciplinary research project (7000-8000 words total), combining a critical essay (of at least 4000 words) with a practice-based creative component. Together, these should form a cohesive literary and linguistic research project, investigating a topic of your choosing (subject to approval).
The practice-based component might include the following:
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a portfolio of creative or non-academic writing
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a critical edition of a primary text or linguistic data (or collection of texts / set of linguistic data)
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an external engagement project
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a print publication (e.g. in collaboration with Thin Ice Press)
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a translation project
NB: This is not a comprehensive list of every possible practice-based component. These are indicative examples only.
Based on your dissertation proposal (submitted in Semester 2 of your second year), you will be allocated a dissertation supervisorwho will offer tailored support throughout the process, and you will attend lectures that guide you through the challenges of refining your topic, structuring your research, and writing an extended piece of critical prose. You will learn how to engage critically with existing scholarship, identify your own original contribution to your chosen field, and develop and sustain an argument and creative practice.
The module will help you to undertake extensive independent research, communicate your critical insights and close textual readings to a range of readers and audiences, and present your research clearly and persuasively. You may extend and develop ideas that have fascinated you in previous English and/or Linguistics modules, or undertake interdisciplinary research in an area that you have not previously studied.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 to Semester 2 2026-27 |
Module aims
The aims of this module are to enable English and Linguistics students to develop key skills in independent research and writing, with appropriate academic guidance and writing support. The module will offer students the opportunity to explore one element of their literary and/or linguistic interests in considerable depth. It will further enhance students’ core skills in research and writing, library and IT use, and transferable skills in communication, time management, and organisation.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with an appropriate range of primary texts and linguistic data, as identified by you, and the ability to undertake independent research on a focused topic.
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Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with relevant contextual, critical, creative, and theoretical materials and approaches in English and Linguistics.
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Evaluate key debates within the relevant critical and creative fields dealing with your chosen research topic.
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Produce independent arguments and ideas which demonstrate an advanced proficiency in critical thinking, research, management of a creative project, and writing skills
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The total word count for this interdisciplinary research project of 7000-8000 words must combine a critical essay of at least 4000 words and a linked practice-based creative component.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
- You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Consultation & Feedbackhours
- For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment
Indicative reading
Key texts will depend on the subject of the bridge dissertation (with creative practice) research.