PGR (PhD) Thesis Writing Skills

Overview of the module

This module is intended for non-native speakers of English who wish to familiarise themselves with the conventions of academic writing and to practise some of the language that will be expected of them during their postgraduate studies.

The main aim is to prepare students for all the academic writing tasks that will be required during their studies. Students will become familiar with a number of reference sources and academic writing styles.

Aims of the module

The main aims of this unit are to:

• introduce essential aspects of academic writing for a PhD
• Scoping the question
• Critical evaluation of literature
• introduce students to referencing methods
• help students to avoid plagiarism
• help students to build up arguments in writing
• help students to comment on data
• demonstrate to students how to use impersonal language
• help students to find their own ‘voice’ when writing
• give advice on writing introductions and conclusions

Student learning outcomes

Having successfully completed the unit, students will be aware of:

• different genres and styles for writing
• how to avoid plagiarism and use referencing methods
• how to build up arguments, and comment on data in writing
• how to include their own ‘voice’ when writing
• how to write introductions and conclusions.

Learning and teaching methods

The sessions will run as a mixture of seminars and workshops. Students will be expected to participate actively and to produce some written work.

Assessment

There is no formal assessment for this module.

Further information can be found on English for Academic Purposes WEBSITE

The EAP skills support programme offers academic language support to international students who need to develop their English language and academic literacy skills during their studies. All classes are free of charge to international students registered at the University of Southampton. If you want to continue to improve your English, we offer the following academic language skills support classes: academic writing skills; PhD thesis writing skills; Masters level dissertation writing skills; critical thinking skills; presentation & seminar skills and everyday English skills.

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