5. Research in the MAAL Degree
5.1 The MAAL is a coursework Masters degree, but is it possible to do a research project?
5.2 Is there a required thesis?
5.3 Which degree will allow me to pursue PhD research?
5.4 How do I apply for the MAAL (Hons)?
5.5 How do I enrol in LING600?
5.1 The MAAL is a coursework Masters degree, but is it possible to do a research project?
This is what MAAL (Hons) is for (see 5.3). Most students taking the MAAL choose only coursework units. However if you have established an excellent track record in the coursework units and have a well-developed research proposal in mind, then you can apply to the MAAL Coordinator for permission to enrol in LING600, which is a 24 credit point Dissertation unit in which you plan and carry out a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
5.2 Is there a required thesis?
Not in the MAAL and MAAL (TESOL) major as it is a coursework degree. You will almost certainly write essays as part of your assessment, but there is no required thesis. The MAAL (Hons) degree has a 24 credit point thesis, also known as a dissertation, which you complete by taking LING600.
5.3 Which degree will allow me to pursue PhD research?
We have designed MAAL (Hons) specifically for those students who may want to apply for PhD programs either at UNE or another university. Most PhD programs (including UNE’s) require either a BA (Hons) degree OR a Master’s degree with a minimum 25% research component. The MAAL (Hons) comprises 24 credit points of research out of a total of 72 credit points, i.e. a 33% research component. The dissertation is normally approximately 15,000 words. No program will guarantee entry to a PhD, of course, since candidates are assessed on the strength of their research proposal and the availability of suitable supervision as well as on their academic record. Generally the MAAL (Hons) provides an excellent preparation for a PhD application, but if you have a specific university in mind, it is advisable to check what their requirements are for potential PhD candidates.
5.4 How do I apply for the MAAL (Hons)?
For information on how to apply for the MAAL (Hons) see FAQ3.7.
If you are interested in doing the MAAL (TESOL) Major as the coursework component of your MAAL (Hons) and you think you might qualify for Youth Allowance or Austudy then you will need to apply for the MAAL (TESOL) course option, MAALTL, first and then once this has been completed, and you have met entry requirements, you apply for the MAAL (Hons) Dissertation component separately. See FAQ7.6.
5.5 How do I enrol in LING600?
Once you have been accepted into the MAAL (Hons) Degree after completing the MAAL Degree (or equivalent at another university), or you have completed the 48 credit point coursework component of the MAAL (Hons) Degree, then you will be eligible to enrol in LING600. Acceptance into LING600 is not automatic. You will have to have met progression requirements in the coursework component of the MAAL i.e. a minimum of 'Distinction' average. A record of ‘High Distinction’ may give you an advantage. (See 4.7 ‘The Grading System’). Other considerations are staff availability to supervise and the quality of the project proposal.
When planning your MAAL degree program, please note that it is not compulsory for MAAL (Hons) to have taken LING 561 Research Methods in Second Language Acquisition, but it is highly recommended.
If you are a current candidate in the MAAL (Hons) Degree:
- You need to have a proposed project in mind during the trimester before you plan to enrol in LING600 and you will need to lodge a Thesis Proposal Form with the MAAL Coordinator by April 30 (if commencing LING600 in Trimester 2) or November 30 (if commencing LING600 in Trimester 1. Once your Thesis Proposal has been approved you will be able to enrol in LING600.
If you have completed the MAAL Degree and you are applying for admission into the MAAL (Hons) Degree (Dissertation component only):
- You will lodge the Thesis Proposal Form with your application. Once your Thesis Proposal has been approved and you have been offered a place in the MAAL (Hons) Degree, then you will be able to enrol in LING600.
Ideas for a research project may develop out of one of the units you study during the MAAL, or out of a problem or question that arises in your workplace, in your family or in the society in which you live. It is worth noting that projects that fall within the research interests of one of our staff members may have some advantage in the selection process.
Once you have a carefully thought out an idea, express it in writing as clearly as you can and then:
either email the staff member who you think might be the most appropriate to supervise the project,
or, if you are not sure who to send it to, send it to the MAAL Coordinator who will be able to forward it to the most appropriate staff member.
Information on linguistics staff, and their areas of interest, who you may wish to contact regarding supervision is available here.
The staff member will be able to advise on whether the project looks feasible, and either give you some guidance on how to develop it into a research proposal, or will suggest a more suitable approach.
All proposals will be considered once the closing date has passed, and you will be advised whether yours has been accepted, based on the strength of the proposal and the availability of staff to supervise.
Once your proposal has been accepted, you will then be able to enrol. Don’t attempt to enrol before you’ve received approval to go ahead. After that you develop the project under the guidance of your allocated supervisor, who will advise you how to apply for clearance from the Human Research Ethics Committee if applicable.
Although it is possible to complete LING600 in a single trimester, in practice research usually involves unforeseen delays, with the Ethics application, the fieldwork or the writing of the dissertation, so we recommend that you aim to take it over two trimesters where possible.
More information about LING600 is available in our Courses and Unit Catalogue.