The MA Linguistics thesis is a one-of-a-kind research project that requires a candidate to engage with previous theories and research in order to articulate research questions, collect and analyse data, interpret research findings, and eventually produce new knowledge in an academic setting.

MA thesis in linguistics allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent original research. It allows them to hone their research and writing skills, as well as plan and carry out an independent study under the supervision of the professors.

Guideline for preparing a tentative research proposal for registration to a master’s degree by thesis or a PhD degree by the online or traditional method

Title: the applicant should give a clear title of the research topic that will be the basis for deciding on the faculty in which the research will be conducted and guiding the faculty on the search for supervisor(s).

A brief statement of the research problem: under this heading, the applicant should outline the research problem, giving the background to it and its significance.

Brief literature review: the applicant should also give a brief review presenting the principal literature on the problem area, i.e., what has been done on the research problem. He/she should list the preliminary references cited in the text of the statement or tentative research proposal. Authors names should be according to agreed conventions.

Research objectives: the applicant should show the principal objectives of the intended research, outline what gaps of knowledge will be filled through the research, and what advances will be made when the research plan is executed. Provisional hypotheses should be presented if already formulated.

Research methodology: the applicant should briefly indicate the instruments to be used and methods to be adopted in carrying out research.

However, remember that individual postgraduate programmes may have specific requirements, which are not presented here. Therefore, kindly see the details regarding the programmes of your choice at the Open University and related issues in our current University Prospectus, which is available on our website www.out.ac.tz or at the OUT Centre closest to you.