Course

Unit I : Preparations and identifying a project

• Discussions with supervisors to delineate a project
• Project outline / proposal (500-750 words)
• Team-internal ethics review to understand any ethics implications

Unit II : Background research

• Identify appropriate topics for which background research is needed
• Undertake a literature review on the identified topics
• Compile other sources for background research besides publications
• Summary of findings from background research (1,000-1,500 words)

Unit III : Project planning

• Formulate specific research questions in relation to the project.
• Identify (a) suitable methodological framework(s) for the project (field study, survey, prototyping, online activity, etc)
• Create a timeline of activities and a summary of resources needed for the project
• Identify a field site setting and gain field site permissions if applicable
• Convene a project team and conduct team members’ onboarding if applicable
• Identify beneficiaries of the project, if applicable, and plan for their involvement

Unit IV : Implementation of the project

• Select project-specific methodologies and address any methodological skill gaps
• Implement project actions according to the project plan, with readjustments as necessary
• Logistics and coordination with other team members or institutions if applicable
• Maintain an implementation log / field diary / portfolio or similar format throughout the project

Unit IV : Project outcomes

• One written output of 4,000 – 5,000 words from the following list (word count may include (sections of) the project outline and the literature review as appropriate):
  • Project outcome report
  • Policy briefing or other stakeholder-oriented output
  • Self-reflective report
  • Co-authored (part of) an academic publication

Prerequisites: Good reading skills in English; basic familiarity with the proposed sub-field(s) in applied sign linguistics

• To gain experience in designing, planning, implementing and reporting on a personal project in Applied Sign Language Studies.
• To learn how to undertake background research into a selected topic, including both literature review and other sources.
• To practice academic writing at advanced postgraduate level.
• To understand the basics of research ethics.
• To apply knowledge in research methodologies to a project in a logical way.
• To learn project management skills such as planning, team building, logistics and coordination.
• To practice documentation of a project alongside its implementation.
• To understand the perspective of stakeholders and beneficiaries in relation to a personal project.

• CO1: Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and the role of research in applied sign linguistics and related interdisciplinary contexts.
• CO2: Define a researchable or practice-relevant problem and articulate clear research questions and objectives grounded in prior literature and stakeholder needs.
• CO3: Justify an appropriate research design and methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed), including sampling/participant engagement and suitable research tools, and formulate testable hypotheses where relevant.
• CO4: Collect, manage, analyse, and interpret project evidence, presenting results using appropriate qualitative syntheses and/or descriptive and inferential summaries.
• CO5: Communicate project outcomes through structured academic and professional writing, using appropriate citation practices and demonstrating academic integrity.
• CO6: Conduct the project ethically, demonstrating informed consent procedures, confidentiality, responsible data stewardship, and reflection on governance and, where applicable, intellectual property considerations.

• Apply scientific thinking and critical reasoning to refine the project approach as evidence evolves.
• Plan, manage, and coordinate an independent project, including timelines, resources, and risk mitigation.
• Conduct and synthesize a literature review to justify the project rationale and methodological choices.
• Design and implement data collection using appropriate research tools and participant engagement strategies, where applicable.
• Analyse and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative evidence, presenting findings through appropriate tables, charts, and narrative syntheses.
• Produce structured academic and professional writing outputs (proposal, field diary/progress log, report, publication-oriented paper) with correct referencing.
• Implement ethical research procedures (participant information, consent, confidentiality, data management) and maintain transparent documentation.
• Coordinate project activities with stakeholders/beneficiaries through reviews and feedback, and use suitable project management and documentation tools.

• Portfolio of work (outline, field diary, documentation, etc) 30%
• Written output of 4,000-5,000 words 70%

• Academic literature and other sources as recommended by supervisors for the specific project.