Stylistics Research Centre

Introduction

Welcome to the Stylistics Research Centre at the University of Huddersfield.

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The Centre provides a focal point for research and pedagogy in stylistics (the linguistic analysis of style in literary and non-literary discourse), one of the key research areas of English at Huddersfield. In the most recent national research assessment exercise (RAE 2008) the centre was commended for demonstrating ‘evidence of international excellence’ and was described as ‘the department’s main strength’. This is in the context of an RAE result for English that saw 70% of our published research acknowledged as ‘internationally significant’ or ‘world leading’ (the other 30% was ‘nationally significant’).

Expertise

Our approach to stylistics is inclusive and encompasses the analysis of both literary and non-literary discourse from a perspective that places stylistics firmly within the discipline of linguistics. Our areas of specific expertise include the following:

Cognitive stylistics
Corpus stylistics
Critical stylistics
Historical stylistics
Literary stylistics
Pedagogical stylistics
Pragmatic stylistics

Activities

In order to develop and sustain research in all of the above areas of stylistics, we:

Carry out research, in particular through internally and externally funded group projects
Run international and national conferences in stylistics
Supervise research students
Provide training events for A-level teachers
Work with third sector organisations
Publish monographs, textbooks and journal articles
Run research seminars
Give talks at other HE institutions in the UK and abroad

On these pages you will find information about staff in the centre, our work and publications, conferences organised by the centre and opportunities for postgraduate study.

Postgraduate study

Potgraduate students are a large part of the success of the Stylistics Research Centre and we are keen to attract new students to come and work with us. We offer research degree supervision in all areas of stylistics and taught courses that incorporate substantial stylistics components. As a postgraduate student you will join a thriving research community in an internationally acclaimed research centre. Below you will find details of the courses we currently offer. For more information about any of the courses listed below, contact Dan McIntyre.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

The PhD is the highest research degree for which a student can register and is awarded for the completion of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. Most people undertaking a PhD do so because they wish to pursue a career in research, either within academia or in the public or private sector. Increasingly, the PhD is seen as an apprenticeship for this kind of career. PhD theses are around 80,000 words in length and normally take three years of full-time study, or the equivalent part-time, to complete (though it is sometimes possible to complete a PhD in two years if you have previously been awarded an MA by Research or an MPhil). Most PhD students are registered initially for an MPhil and transfer to PhD following the successful submission of a progress report after approximately one year of study. Assessment is by thesis and viva voce examination. Successful graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters PhD. The entry requirement for the PhD is normally a master’s degree or its equivalent in English or a cognate subject. Non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS score of at least 7 or its equivalent.

DAppLing (Doctor of Applied Linguistics)

The Professional Doctorate in Applied Linguistics is a three-year doctoral programme with a substantial taught component. As such, it offers a more structured route to a doctoral qualification than conventional PhD programmes. The degree is aimed at students wishing to develop their expertise in Applied Linguistics. Our interpretation of Applied Linguistics goes beyond the common use of the term, which usually refers to the study of language in educational settings, and instead encompasses the application of linguistic techniques in the solving of real world problems generally. This could include linguistic approaches to conflict resolution, language impairment, bilingual education and so on. In your first year, you follow the modules taken by MA Modern English Language students and spend your third term developing your research proposal. In your second year you take modules in Applied Sociolinguistics and Research Methods in Applied Linguistics and begin work on your thesis. The third year is devoted to completing a thesis of around 50,000 words. Assessment for this degree is by a combination of coursework, examinations, thesis and a viva voce examination. Successful graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters DAppLing.The entry requirement for the Professional Doctorate is normally a high 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent in English or a cognate subject. We will consider other qualifications and experience on their merits. Non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS score of at least 7 or its equivalent.

MPhil (Master of Philosophy)

The degree of MPhil is awarded for a thesis of around 40,000 words that critically investigates and evaluates an approved topic, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of research methods. Like the Master of Arts by Research, the MPhil takes one year of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent) to complete but is assessed both by thesis and viva voce examination. Most students who register for an MPhil do so with the intention of progressing to a PhD, though it is possible to take the MPhil as a stand alone degree. Successful graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MPhil. The entry requirement for the MPhil is normally at least a high 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent in English or a cognate subject. We will consider other qualifications and experience on their merits. Non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS score of at least 7 or its equivalent.

MA by Research (Master of Arts by Research)

The Master of Arts by Research is a one-year research degree (two years part-time) with no formal taught component (although you have the opportunity to attend a Research Methods module). It is an ideal degree if you have a specific small project in mind, or if you wish to gain more experience of research before embarking on a PhD. You will be allocated a supervisor who will work with you to bring your project to fruition. Assessment is entirely by a 25,000 word thesis. Successful graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MA. The entry requirement for the Master of Arts by Research is normally at least a high 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent in English or a cognate subject. We will consider other qualifications and experience on their merits. Non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS score of at least 7 or its equivalent.

MA in Modern English Language (Master of Arts)

This course is designed to bring your basic knowledge of the description of the English Language to a high level of competence. There is an emphasis on the practical analysis of language in use, including spoken and written language, and literary and non-literary texts. The course covers a range of topics reflecting staff expertise. Modules include:

Structure of English (30 credits)
Stylistics (30 credits)
Interaction in English (30 credits)
Critical Discourse Analysis (30 credits)
Dissertation in English Language (60 credits)

This course is particularly suitable for students who have an undergraduate degree in language study or for teachers of English wishing to update their skills. The MA in Modern English Language is also an excellent springboard to a higher degree by research. Successful graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MA. The course is available full-time and part-time.