English Language for Graduate Researchers provides research students with a thorough grounding in culturally relevant academic writing conventions and English language features required to write, present and communicate with a variety of audiences appropriate to doctoral level studies. The development of research and language skills through this unit will complement discipline based research activities. Students undertaking the unit will be able to negotiate assessment tasks which may stem from these activities.

Unit details

Location:
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
UGR7008

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. communicate research information drawing on various research text types intended for various audiences with particular reference to their discipline (eg. thesis, seminar presentation, article);  
  2. identify and exploit academic discourse conventions in their discipline to explain and critique theories, theoretical propositions, and methodologies;  
  3. demonstrate a critical understanding of and ability to employ discipline-specific linguistic and language elements in order to communicate appropriately within discipline conventions; and  
  4. demonstrate a proficiency in English academic writing conventions to support all aspects of the design and development work fundamental to AQF9 research activities.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Exercise A statement of your intended research focus (1000 words) 25%
Literature Review A literature review for an agreed aspect of the student’s research topic (2000 words) 40%
Presentation An oral presentation on a negotiated topic (2000 words) 35%
Total word equivalence is 4500-5500 words.

Where to next?

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.