Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible?   You can apply if you are interested in an advertised project and you are a BA Linguistics, BA English Language and Linguistics, BA Modern Languages and Linguistics or BA Linguistics and Philosophy student. Some projects may require a Year 2 or Year 3 skills foundation, but if a project description does not make this clear and you are a keen Year 1 student, you are welcome to apply.

Why should I consider LingRES?   Participating in a LingRES project is a great way to gain authentic research experience and to improve specific research skills, depending on the details of the project. If you are wondering whether a Master’s degree or PhD might be a suitable option for you, seeing what running a linguistic research project entails is likely to be very useful. Completion of a co-curricular project is also a good addition to your CV. Read some of the Student Testimonials if you are still not sure.

Does the scheme have course credits?   No, the scheme is co-curricular, which means you do not get course credits for it and it is not run as a taught module.

Can I apply for more than one project?   Yes. For example, if you have applied for a project and you have not been selected, you are welcome to apply for any other projects. However, we cannot allow you to participate in more than one project at the same time.

Will I be paid?   No, participation is completely voluntary. After successful completion of the project, you will receive a formal letter of confirmation which lists the skills you have developed and demonstrated through your work on the project.

What will be expected of me?   You will agree to a contract with the staff member who leads the project. The contract will detail the specific hours and tasks required in the project. In general, you are expected to be conscientious, reliable and independent, so that the project is a beneficial experience for yourself and the project leader.

What is expected of a project leader?   The member of staff who leads the project is expected to fully brief you on the background to the topic and provide the training you need to do the tasks. They are expected to respond to queries and provide any support necessary during the project. They will have to agree to the terms stated in the contract relating to contact time and correspondence. They will be encouraging and supportive of your efforts throughout the project.

What happens if I want to withdraw during a project?   The scheme is intended to be a positive experience for you and the project leader. If you feel that you cannot continue with the project due to personal or study commitments, or changes in your circumstances, you should inform the scheme's coordinator (see below) or the project leader promptly so that we can agree to either adjust the terms of the contract or void it. This will have absolutely no consequences for your degree or relationship with the staff members involved. However, you will only receive a formal letter which lists the skills you have developed and demonstrated if you complete a project.

Further questions?   For questions about a specific project, please contact the relevant member of staff. For questions about the Research Experience Scheme in general, please contact the current LingRES Coordinator, Dr Leendert Plug.