RESEARCH METHODS - 2020/1

Module Overview

In this module, students will learn about the principal frameworks, methods and data types used in conducting research into translation and interpreting.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

FRANKENBERG-GARCIA Ana (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

JACs code: X200

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Introduction to research in translation and interpreting


• Developing a research question


• The literature review, including critical reading


• Research design and research ethics


• Researching translation and interpreting process


• Researching translation and interpreting product


• Mixed methods


• Presenting research projects and results.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• Knowledge and understanding of approaches to research in translation and interpreting


• Ability to conduct a systematic literature review and to engage critically with existing research


• Ability to develop and present a research proposal

• A critical review of a research article (800 words). Students select a recent research article, synthesise its main arguments and provide a critical appreciation of the research including of its methodological approach


• A research proposal (2000 words). Students identify an original research problem and draft a proposal for addressing this problem in a systematic way, with a focus on formulating appropriate research questions and outlining an appropriate methodology.

• Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module


• Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments


• Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required

Module aims

• Equip students with the means to initiate and carry out their own research projects
• Provide students with a sound understanding of how to link research questions with methods and data
• Enable students to present the outcomes of their research in an effective way
• Provide training which will allow students to develop critical reading and evaluation skills

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Provide students with a good understanding of research in the field of translation studies. This is in line with the MA in Translation’s overall aims of instilling in students the capacity for carrying out independent research in an area of translation.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures will be interspersed with opportunities for group and whole class discussions (22 hours)


• Contact hours will be complemented with materials for and activities for guided study posted on SurreyLearn (8 hours)


• Self-study (120 hours) 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

Reading list for RESEARCH METHODS : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/tram478

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.