(in Polish) Seminarium dyplomowe 4100-IMSD

Upon completion of the seminar:
Knowledge – the student knows and understands:
1. selected models and theories in applied linguistics at an advanced level and can relate them to the context of their own research (K_W02),
2. the main theories and models of language acquisition and their application in language education, in the context of planning and justifying their own research as well as interpreting results (K_W04),
3. the main theories and models of language competence and proficiency, as well as their relevance for designing their own research (K_W05),
4. social and educational challenges and dilemmas, and can take their context into account when interpreting phenomena discussed during the seminar and in their own research (K_W13).
Skills – the student is able to:
1. apply knowledge of applied linguistics to the analysis, interpretation, and critical evaluation of research material collected for their master’s thesis (K_U01),
2. use knowledge of language competence and proficiency to develop research tools and/or interpret research findings (K_U02),
3. apply knowledge of the principles and methods of inclusive education and universal design for learning in teaching foreign languages to learners with diverse educational needs when developing the research concept and when interpreting and discussing results (K_U03),
4. analyze and interpret research phenomena and problems related to multilingualism and multiculturalism in the context of preparing the master’s thesis (K_U04),
5. plan and organize their own research work for the thesis, and effectively collaborate in the seminar group by providing feedback to peers (K_U12).
Social competences – the student is ready to:
1. critically evaluate their own knowledge and the content analyzed in applied linguistics with reference to the preparation of the master’s thesis (K_K01),
2. appreciate the role of knowledge and consultations with the supervisor and other experts in cases of cognitive and practical research problems exceeding their own competence (K_K02).

Learning outcomes by semester:
Semester I
K_W02, K_W04, K_W05 – The student identifies basic theories and models in applied linguistics, language acquisition, and language competence and proficiency in the context of the thesis topic and planned research.
K_W13 – The student recognizes selected social and educational problems relevant to the thesis topic and the planned research area.
K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04 – The student uses knowledge of applied linguistics to develop the structure of the theoretical chapters of the thesis as well as the preliminary research concept and direction of data analysis.
K_U12 – The student plans and implements the initial stages of thesis preparation and collaborates within the seminar group.
K_K01, K_K02 – The student perceives the need for critical reflection on the analyzed content and for consulting the supervisor in cases of cognitive and practical problems.
Semester II
K_W02, K_W04, K_W05 – The student has in-depth theoretical knowledge of applied linguistics, language acquisition, and language competence and proficiency in the context of the thesis topic and planned research, necessary for preparing the theoretical chapters of the thesis and carrying out their own research design.
K_W13 – The student understands selected social and educational problems relevant to the thesis topic and the planned research area.
K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04 – The student prepares theoretical chapters of the thesis and designs research tools drawing on linguistic and didactic knowledge, taking into account principles of inclusion as well as the context of multilingualism and multiculturalism.
K_U12 – The student systematizes their work, meets deadlines, and actively collaborates within the group.
K_K01, K_K02 – The student critically evaluates analyzed sources and consults their own conclusions and methodological proposals.
Semester III
K_W02, K_W04, K_W05 – The student deepens and applies theoretical knowledge in developing the research chapter, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice.
K_W13 – The student interprets collected data with reference to social and educational challenges.
K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04 – The student applies designed research tools, analyzes and interprets findings, and relates them to knowledge of applied linguistics, language acquisition, and language competence and proficiency.
K_U12 – The student independently and effectively organizes their research work and supports peers in seminar discussions.
K_K01, K_K02 – The student critically analyzes their own research process and seeks consultations regarding the interpretation of findings.
Semester IV
K_W02, K_W04, K_W05 – The student integrates theoretical and empirical knowledge in a complete master’s thesis, demonstrating advanced knowledge and a deep understanding of the topic.
K_W13 – The student relates research findings to broader social and educational dilemmas, showing critical reflection.
K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04 – Drawing on advanced knowledge of applied linguistics, language acquisition, and language competence and proficiency, the student comprehensively interprets research material and formulates conclusions and didactic recommendations.
K_U12 – The student independently organizes and presents the results of their research and actively supports peers by providing feedback and engaging in discussion.
K_K01, K_K02 – The student demonstrates a mature research attitude: critical evaluation of their own results, reflection on the limitations of the thesis, and openness to feedback from the supervisor and reviewer.

COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
A prerequisite for obtaining credit is:
1. attendance at in-person classes (the limit of absences is determined by the seminar instructor),
2. timely completion, in accordance with instructions, of all partial tasks assigned both during in-person classes and on the e-learning platform.

In each semester, the completion of the MA seminar is based on the following:
Semester I:
1. submission of the thesis topic and abstract to the supervisor within the set deadline,
2. supervisor’s approval of the topic and abstract.
Semester II:
1. submission to the supervisor, within the set deadline, of a preliminary version of the theoretical chapters together with a bibliography, meeting all formal requirements,
2. submission to the supervisor, within the set deadline, of a preliminary version of research instruments to be used in the following semester to collect data for the study,
3. supervisor’s approval of the preliminary theoretical chapters,
4. supervisor’s approval of the preliminary version of the research instruments proposed by the student.
Semester III:
1. submission to the supervisor, within the set deadline, of the research chapter meeting all formal requirements,
2. supervisor’s approval of the submitted research chapter.
Semester IV:
1. submission to the supervisor, within the set deadline, of the complete MA thesis with appendices, meeting all formal requirements,
2. supervisor’s approval of the complete MA thesis,
3. supervisor’s approval in the APD system of the plagiarism report and forwarding the thesis for review.

ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment methods and criteria are uniform across all seminar groups. The seminar is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
The student prepares consecutive components of the MA thesis according to a detailed schedule set by the seminar instructor.
Assessment covers subsequent parts of the thesis submitted by the student in accordance with the supervisor’s schedule, as well as tasks completed during classes.

Semester I:
- topic and abstract of the thesis (K_W02, K_W04, K_W05, K_W13, K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U12, K_K01, K_K02)
Semester II:
- preliminary version of theoretical chapters with bibliography (K_W02, K_W04, K_W05, K_W13, K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U12, K_K01, K_K02)
- preliminary version of research instruments (K_W02, K_W04, K_W05, K_W13, K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U12, K_K01, K_K02)
Semester III:
- research chapter (K_W02, K_W04, K_W05, K_W13, K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U12, K_K01, K_K02)
Semester IV:
- complete MA thesis (K_W02, K_W04, K_W05, K_W13, K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U12, K_K01, K_K02)

FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER’S THESIS ABSTRACT (SEMESTER I) specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of the Centre for Foreign Language Teacher Training and Education of the University of Warsaw in the field of foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed rules for graduation in the field of foreign language teaching:
Abstracts are prepared in Polish and in the language of the diploma seminar. Abstracts in each language have a length of up to 1800 characters and include:
1) justification of the chosen topic;
2) a summary of the theoretical framework, based on no fewer than five academic sources, demonstrating the student’s understanding of the subject matter of the thesis and consistent with the subject of the proposed study,
3) research objectives, description of research instruments,
4) a brief description of the potential practical application of the thesis results, indicating possible forms of their implementation and their usefulness for specific recipients,
5) a list of sources in the bibliographic style chosen by the supervisor, the length of which is not included in the 1800-character limit.

REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE STRUCTURE OF THE MASTER’S THESIS specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of the Centre for Foreign Language Teacher Training and Education of the University of Warsaw in the field of foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed rules for graduation in the field of foreign language teaching:
The master’s thesis consists of two main parts: theoretical chapters and the research chapter.
Theoretical chapters:
1) constitute a review of the literature on the subject from applied linguistics within the scope indicated in the thesis title,
2) provide the theoretical foundation for the study and confirm the student’s advanced knowledge in the field of applied linguistics,
3) remain closely related to the research,
4) are based on at least 30 academic sources of a strictly scholarly nature in the foreign language in which the thesis is written, in Polish, or in other languages, i.e.:
a) scientific monographs,
b) articles from academic journals,
c) chapters in peer-reviewed collective volumes,
d) reports from scientific research,
e) publications of research and academic institutions,
f) doctoral and habilitation dissertations.
Research chapter:
1) presents an original scientific study of an implementation-oriented nature in foreign language didactics or in the teaching of a subject consistent with the second specialization and the thesis topic,
2) serves as a research report and includes:
a) an introduction in which the research problem and the aim of the study are defined together with the research questions, as well as the anticipated applied nature of the research results,
b) presentation of the methodology, including: type of research (quantitative, qualitative, mixed), description of research instruments, description of research participants together with information on their consent to participate in the study, methods of analysis,
c) presentation of the collected data,
d) analysis of the collected data and discussion of the research results in relation to the content presented in the theoretical chapters,
e) a proposal for the practical application of the research results in the educational context in the form of a separate section, presenting specific didactic solutions (e.g., recommendations, materials, procedures, tools) developed on the basis of the obtained data, possible to apply in actual teaching practice.
The mandatory elements of the master’s thesis also include:
1) the introduction, in which it is necessary to:
a) outline the general background of the researched problem,
b) indicate the reasons for choosing the thesis topic,
c) define the aim and scope of the thesis,
d) present general information about the content of individual chapters,
e) indicate the subject and aim of the study,
f) present the selected methodology and research instruments,
g) anticipated possibilities of implementing the research results in didactic practice.
2) the conclusions, in which it is necessary to:
a) indicate the conclusions resulting from the thesis,
b) determine the degree to which the thesis aim has been achieved on the basis of the research results,
c) address the research questions (determine whether and how it was possible to answer them),
d) summarize the didactic implications of the research results and signal the implementation possibilities.

FORMAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE STRUCTURE OF THE MASTER’S THESIS specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of the Centre for Foreign Language Teacher Training and Education of the University of Warsaw in the field of foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed rules for graduation in the field of foreign language teaching:
1. Master’s theses are written in the language of the seminar at a language proficiency level of at least C1 according to the CEFR.
2. Master’s theses are formatted in a uniform manner, binding for all diploma thesis authors, according to the following rules:
1) the total length of the thesis chapters must not be less than 60 pages of standardized computer printout;
2) a standardized computer printout means:
a) 1800 characters per page, including spaces and punctuation marks, with a layout of 60 characters per line and 30 lines per page,
b) line spacing 1.5,
c) margins of 2.5 cm,
d) justified text,
e) no dangling characters at the end of a line,
f) main text: Times New Roman font, 12 pt.,
g) chapter titles: Times New Roman font, 14 pt., bold, spacing after paragraph 6 pt.,
h) section and subsection titles: Times New Roman font, 12 pt., bold, spacing before paragraph 6 pt.,
i) footnote: Times New Roman font, 10 pt., line spacing 1 pt.;
3) a new text paragraph is marked with an indent of 0.5 cm, and paragraphs are not separated by an additional blank line.
3. A uniform bibliographic style (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago Style) indicated by the supervisor for the entire seminar group is applied in the thesis. The supervisor provides information about the bibliographic style to be used.
4. The bibliographic style defines the rules for recording text elements, i.e. references, formatting of the list of sources (bibliography), captions for graphic elements and tables, use of italics, and certain orthographic rules.
5. The master’s thesis has a uniform structure and contains in the following order:
1) title pages, in accordance with the standard requirements at the University of Warsaw;
2) abstract in Polish (up to 800 characters – about 16 lines);
3) list of keywords (maximum 5), formulated in the nominative singular, written in one sequence and separated by commas;
4) title of the thesis in Polish, written in accordance with the rules of Polish orthography;
5) table of contents, containing the list of the essential parts of the thesis referred to in item 7);
6) list of tables, figures (including images, diagrams, maps) – if they appear in the thesis chapters;
7) essential parts of the thesis:
a) introduction,
b) theoretical chapters,
c) practical chapter,
d) conclusions;
8) list of cited literature (containing only the items referred to in the thesis), presented in alphabetical order in accordance with the requirements of the citation style indicated by the supervisor;
9) appendices, containing research documentation in the form of e.g. test templates, observation sheets, survey and interview questionnaires, interview transcripts.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The following criteria are applied to the assessment of all parts of the master’s thesis as well as to the tasks carried out within the seminar.
The following are assessed:
1. compliance with the instructions and formal requirements (formatting),
2. completeness,
3. clarity and logic of reasoning,
4. depth and quality of argumentation,
5. relevance to the topic, selection and organization of content,
6. number, selection, use and documentation of sources (appropriate to the chosen style),
7. level of mastery of the subject, indicating advanced knowledge in the field of applied linguistics,
8. linguistic correctness (style, grammar, vocabulary, spelling), including appropriate use of academic register.

Due to the nature of the diploma thesis, the individual criteria are not assigned percentage weights – all are treated equally and applied jointly, and the assessment is made on a pass/fail basis.

The following descriptions of work at the “pass” and “fail” levels illustrate the requirements for each criterion and serve as a point of reference when assessing individual elements as well as the thesis as a whole.

Semester I
Assessment of the topic and abstract of the master’s thesis – pass/fail.
Pass:
The student receives a “pass” grade if the work meets the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree:
1. The text is prepared independently, in accordance with the instructions and with the plan approved by the supervisor, and meets the principles of academic integrity.
2. The abstract is prepared in Polish and in the language of the seminar, in each version within the limit of 1800 characters.
3. The work is complete, each of the required elements is present and carried out in at least a satisfactory manner, i.e.:
a) justification of the topic: presents logical and coherent motivations for the choice of subject; indicates its significance in the context of research and didactic practice,
b) summary of the theoretical framework: based on a minimum of five relevant academic sources; the sources are correctly selected, interpreted and documented, and the description indicates understanding of the subject matter,
c) research objectives and instruments: objectives are formulated clearly, precisely and are feasible; the description of instruments shows their adequacy to the research problem,
d) potential application of results: the description contains realistic implementation proposals (e.g. materials, procedures, recommendations), with an indication of potential recipients and expected usefulness,
e) list of sources: prepared in a uniform bibliographic style specified by the supervisor, formally correct.
4. The text is clear, the content logical and coherent, linguistically correct (e.g. style, grammar, spelling, academic register).

Fail:
The student receives a “fail” grade if the work does not meet the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. The student receives a “fail” grade if the following problems occur:
1. The text is not independent, bearing signs of plagiarism, improper use of sources or improper use of AI tools.
2. The abstract was not prepared in both required languages or exceeds the limit of 1800 characters.
3. One of the required elements is missing (justification of the topic, theoretical framework, objectives and instruments, description of application, bibliography).
4. Individual elements are performed in a qualitatively insufficient manner, e.g.:
a) the justification of the topic is vague, unsupported by arguments or not connected with the research context,
b) the theoretical framework is based on fewer than five sources, the sources are random, inadequate or superficially described, improperly documented,
c) the research objectives are formulated imprecisely, contradictorily or unrealistically,
d) the description of research instruments is unclear, inadequate, incorrect or completely omitted,
e) the implementation proposals are very general, schematic, unrealistic or unrelated to educational practice,
f) the bibliography does not conform to the adopted style or contains serious formal errors.
5. The text as a whole indicates a lack of understanding of the thesis subject or a lack of coherence between the elements of the abstract. The reasoning is unclear, the content illogical, incoherent and linguistically incorrect (e.g. style, grammar, spelling, academic register) – numerous errors occur.

Semester II – preliminary version of theoretical chapters and preliminary version of research instruments
Assessment of the preliminary version of the theoretical chapters of the master’s thesis – pass/fail.
Pass:
The student receives a “pass” grade if the work meets the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. The student receives a “pass” grade if the text meets the following conditions:
1. it is prepared independently, in accordance with the instructions and the plan approved by the supervisor and meets the principles of academic integrity,
2. it is prepared in accordance with the requirements specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of CKNJOEE UW for the program foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed rules of graduation in the program foreign language teaching; it contains all formal elements,
3. it is complete, contains the required number of chapters and has a correct and logical structure (division of content into chapters, sections and subsections),
4. it presents a coherent and logical literature review within the discipline of linguistics, is consistent with the thesis topic, shows understanding of the subject matter and connection with the planned research, creates a theoretical foundation for the practical part, contains in-depth reflection based on reliable analysis,
5. it is based on current, appropriately selected, used and documented scholarly sources (in accordance with the specified documentation style),
6. the argumentation is logical and coherent, the structure transparent – the text is clear, and the line of reasoning comprehensible, allowing the reader to easily follow the author’s reasoning,
7. the style and language correspond to academic standards appropriate for a second-cycle student at the C1 level, the text is mostly correct in terms of grammar, spelling and lexis, terminologically consistent, maintained in an academic register, with possible minor shortcomings that do not disrupt comprehensibility and coherence of reasoning,
8. it may require minor corrections and additions.

Fail (nzal):
The student receives a “fail” grade if the work does not meet the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. Shortcomings may take the form of serious deficiencies as well as only partial fulfillment of the criteria – in an unsatisfactory manner. The student receives a “fail” grade if the following problems occur:
1. the text was created in violation of the principles of academic integrity (e.g. lack of independence, plagiarism, improper source documentation), contains serious inaccuracies or elements indicating non-compliance with the principles of academic ethics.
2. the thesis was prepared not in accordance with the supervisor’s arrangements or deviates significantly from the approved plan,
3. the text does not take into account the requirements specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of CKNJOEE UW for the program foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed rules of graduation in the program foreign language teaching; there are significant substantive or formal shortcomings preventing the recognition of the work as consistent with the rules of graduation, or the text partially formally meets the requirements, but in a careless, fragmentary, inconsistent manner.
4. the thesis is incomplete (e.g. missing chapters required by the supervisor), the structure is incorrect or incoherent (e.g. lack of logical division of content) or the thesis has a basic structure, but it is unclear, chaotic or insufficient to maintain the logic of reasoning.
5. the text does not present a coherent, logical literature review and is not consistent with the thesis topic, there is no clear connection with the planned research – the literature is selected randomly or without reflection, the theoretical foundation for the practical part is insufficient or absent, or the text contains a literature review but in a superficial, fragmentary manner, without in-depth analysis and critical reflection.
6. lack of use of appropriate scholarly sources, their documentation incorrect, the sources used are random, unreliable or largely non-scholarly, or the thesis contains some appropriate sources, but their selection is limited, insufficient or inconsistently documented.
7. the reasoning is incoherent, illogical, difficult for the reader to follow, the argumentation is chaotic, lacking continuity and justification, or the thesis contains correct fragments of argumentation, but the whole remains fragmentary, unsystematic and does not ensure clarity of the text.
8. the text does not meet academic standards (e.g. lack of academic register), numerous grammatical, spelling and lexical errors hinder comprehension of the content, the terminology is inconsistent or inappropriate, or the text maintains elements of academic style, but is burdened with too many errors, which hinder reception and cause it not to meet the standards for a second-cycle student at the C1 level.

Assessment of the preliminary version of research tools – pass/fail.
Pass (zal.):
The student receives a “pass” grade if the work meets the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. The student receives a “pass” grade if the research tool(s):
1. is properly selected and adapted to the needs of the study or independently developed in a way that allows for the collection of data, the analysis of which will make it possible to answer the research questions posed in the thesis,
2. is adequate to the chosen methodology and corresponds to the research objectives,
3. contains all required elements,
4. may require minor corrections and additions.

Fail (nzal):
The student receives a “fail” grade if the work does not meet the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. Shortcomings may take the form of serious deficiencies as well as only partial fulfillment of the criteria – in an unsatisfactory manner. The student receives a “fail” grade if the prepared research tool(s) contain deficiencies that prevent their use in achieving the objectives of the thesis. Failure may result both from significant shortcomings and from only partial fulfillment of the criteria – in an unsatisfactory manner.
1. the tool is improperly selected for the needs of the study, the method of developing the tool prevents the collection of data that would allow answering the research questions, or the tool was developed in a superficial manner, not fully adapted to the study; it is possible to collect certain data, but their usefulness for answering the research questions is limited.
2. the tool is not consistent with the adopted methodology, or is partially consistent but in a fragmentary, unsystematic, or incomplete manner,
3. lack of consistency between the tool and the research objectives, or some elements contradict the assumptions of the study.
4. the tool does not contain the required elements (e.g. lack of instructions, lack of a complete set of questions, lack of rating scale), there are serious gaps that prevent its application in practice,
5. the tool contains most of the required elements, but some are underdeveloped, unclear, or inconsistent, which limits its functionality.

III semester:
Assessment of the research chapter – pass/fail.
Pass (zal.):
The student receives a “pass” grade if the work meets the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. The student receives a “pass” grade if the research chapter:
1. presents an original scientific study of an implementation-oriented character consistent with the topic of the thesis,
2. has a correct structure and is complete, contains all required elements, including:
a) a clearly defined research problem, objectives, and research questions,
b) a correct, coherent, and detailed description of the research method (research tools, participants, and method of data analysis), consistent with the convention of research reports,
c) an orderly and correct presentation of the collected data,
d) a correct and reliable data analysis as well as a thorough and correct interpretation and discussion of the results in relation to the theoretical chapters and the literature,
e) an indication of the applied nature of the results, relevant proposals for didactic implementations – practical use of the results in education in the form of specific didactic solutions.
3. contains a coherent and clear argument, logically connected content, justified conclusions, and an answer to the research question(s),
4. correctly selected, used, and documented sources,
5. meets linguistic and formal requirements.

Fail (nzal):
The student receives a “fail” grade if the work does not meet the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. Shortcomings may take the form of serious deficiencies as well as only partial fulfillment of the criteria. The student receives a “fail” grade if the research chapter:
1. does not present an original scientific study of an implementation-oriented character consistent with the topic of the thesis,
2. does not have the required structure, is incomplete, or does not contain the required elements, including:
a) a defined research problem, objectives, and research questions,
b) an adequate, coherent, and correct description of the research method – tools, participants, and/or method of data analysis,
c) a correct presentation of the research results,
d) a thorough and correct analysis of the results as well as their in-depth interpretation and discussion containing proper references to the literature and theoretical chapters,
e) adequate, realistic proposals for the application (implementation) of the research results in the educational context,
3. does not contain a coherent and clear argument, logically connected content, justified conclusions, and answers to the research question(s),
4. uses sources incorrectly selected and/or documented,
5. does not meet linguistic and formal requirements.

IV semester:
Assessment of the complete master’s thesis – pass/fail.
Pass (zal.):
The student receives a “pass” grade if the thesis meets the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. The student receives a “pass” grade if:
1. the thesis is prepared independently, in accordance with the instructions and the plan approved by the supervisor, and meets the principles of academic integrity, and its content is consistent with the topic of the thesis,
2. the thesis is prepared in accordance with the requirements specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of CKNJOEE UW in the field of foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed principles of graduation in the field of foreign language teaching,
3. the thesis is complete, contains all required elements, including properly prepared title pages, an abstract in Polish, keywords, the title of the thesis in Polish, table of contents, list of tables, figures and charts, and the essential parts of the thesis: introduction, theoretical chapters, practical chapter (research report), list of cited literature, and appendices,
4. the thesis contains the required number of theoretical chapters with a correct and logical structure, and the division of content into chapters, sections, and subsections is justified,
5. the thesis presents a coherent and logical review of the literature within the discipline of linguistics, contains in-depth reflection based on reliable analysis, demonstrates understanding of the subject matter and its connection with the author’s own research discussed in the empirical chapter, thus creating a theoretical foundation for the practical part,
6. the thesis is based on up-to-date, appropriately selected, used, and documented scholarly sources (in accordance with the specified documentation style),
7. the thesis contains original scientific research of an implementation-oriented character, including a clearly defined research problem, objectives and research questions, a correct and exhaustive presentation of the research method, a coherent and detailed description of all required research elements – consistent with the convention of research reports,
8. the thesis contains an orderly and complete presentation of the research results, their correct and reliable analysis, as well as an in-depth discussion in relation to the theoretical chapters and the literature,
9. the thesis indicates the applied nature of the results, contains relevant and realistic proposals for didactic implementations in the form of specific didactic solutions,
10. the thesis contains a logical argument and in-depth, clear, and coherent reasoning, making the text readable and the line of argument understandable, allowing the reader to easily follow the author’s reasoning,
11. the style and language of the thesis correspond to the academic standards appropriate for a second-cycle (MA-level) student at the C1 level, the text is mostly correct in terms of grammar, orthography, and lexis, terminologically consistent, maintained in an academic register, with possible minor shortcomings that do not disturb the comprehensibility and coherence of the argument.

Fail (nzal):
The student receives a “fail” grade if the thesis does not meet the assessment criteria to at least a satisfactory degree. The shortcomings may take the form of serious deficiencies as well as only partial fulfillment of the criteria. The student receives a “fail” grade if:
1. the thesis is prepared not in accordance with the instructions and the supervisor’s arrangements or significantly diverges from the approved plan, was produced in violation of the principles of academic integrity (e.g., plagiarism, improper attribution of sources), contains serious inaccuracies or elements indicating non-compliance with the principles of academic ethics,
2. the thesis does not take into account the requirements specified in Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of CKNJOEE UW in the field of foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed principles of graduation in the field of foreign language teaching, there are significant substantive or formal deficiencies preventing the thesis from being considered compliant with the graduation rules, or the text partially meets the formal requirements, but in a careless, fragmentary, inconsistent manner,
3. the thesis is incomplete, does not contain all the required elements, including, for example, properly prepared title pages, an abstract in Polish, keywords, the title in Polish, table of contents, list of tables, figures and charts (if such appear in the text), and the essential parts of the thesis: introduction, all required theoretical chapters, practical chapter (research report), list of cited literature, appendices,
4. the thesis does not contain the required number of theoretical chapters or the chapters do not have a correct and logical structure and an appropriate, justified division of content into chapters, sections, and subsections,
5. the thesis does not present a coherent, logical, and topic-consistent review of the literature, the literature is chosen randomly and without reflection, sources are unreliable or largely non-academic, or the thesis contains a literature review, but conducted in a superficial, fragmentary way, without in-depth analysis and critical reflection, there is no clear connection with the author’s own research – the theoretical foundation for the practical part is insufficient or absent,
6. the scholarly sources are not up to date, are incorrectly or inconsistently documented (not in accordance with the required documentation style), their selection is inappropriate and unjustified,
7. the empirical chapter insufficiently describes the details of the author’s original scientific research of an implementation-oriented character or contains shortcomings such as, for example, lack of a clearly defined research problem, objectives and research questions, lack of a properly presented research method (tools, participants, method of data analysis), lack of a coherent, exhaustive, and detailed description of the study – consistent with the convention of research reports,
8. the thesis does not contain an orderly and complete presentation of the research results, their correct and reliable analysis, and an in-depth discussion in relation to the theoretical chapters and the literature,
9. the thesis does not indicate the applied nature of the results in a sufficient and convincing way, contains irrelevant or unrealistic proposals for didactic implementations,
10. the argument is inconsistent, illogical, difficult for the reader to follow, the reasoning is chaotic, lacks continuity and justification, or the thesis contains fragments with correct reasoning, but the whole remains unsystematic and does not ensure text clarity,
11. the text does not meet academic standards (e.g., lack of academic register), numerous grammatical, orthographic, and lexical errors hinder comprehension of the content, terminology is inconsistent or inappropriate, or the text retains elements of academic style but is burdened with too many errors, which hinder reception and cause it not to meet the standards for a second-cycle (MA-level) student at the C1 level.
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The use of AI tools in the process of preparing a diploma thesis is permissible only insofar as it does not conflict with the achievement of the intended learning outcomes and after obtaining the supervisor’s written consent, which includes verification of the proposed purpose, scope, and manner of their use in terms of compliance with those outcomes. The student is obliged to systematically present the results of successive stages of the thesis, covering the full extent of AI tool usage, for the purpose of ongoing monitoring and verification by the supervisor. Furthermore, the student must include in the diploma thesis a description of the AI tools used, together with an explanation of their purposes and modes of application, in particular in the introduction or in the methodology chapter, with clear indication of the sections produced with AI support. Failure to meet the above requirements will be treated as a violation of the principles of independent work and will result in the thesis being considered non-independent and graded as a fail.
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DIPLOMA EXAMINATION
The criteria for assessing the master’s thesis, the procedures preparing for the diploma examination, and the diploma examination itself are defined in paragraphs §10–13 of Resolution No. 62 of the Didactic Council of CKNJOEE UW in the field of foreign language teaching of 12 September 2025 on the detailed principles of graduation in the field of foreign language teaching.

Not applicable.

The required and recommended literature is determined by the seminar instructor, in accordance with the thematic scope of the seminar.

Students may also use sample publications on research methods listed below:
Brown, J. D., & Coombe, C. (Eds.). (2015). The Cambridge guide to research in language teaching and learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Brown, J. D., & Rodgers, T. S. (2002). Doing second language research. Oxford: OUP.
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education. London: Routledge.
Dörnyei, Z. (2007). Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford: OUP.
Mackey, A., & Gass Susan M. (2016). Second language research methodology and design. New York: Routledge.
O’leary, Z. (2004). The essential guide to doing research. London: SAGE Publications.
Paltridge, B., & Phakiti, A. (Eds.). (2018). Research methods in applied linguistics: A practical resource. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Phakiti, A., De Costa, P., Plonsky, L., & Starfield, S. (Eds.). (2018). The Palgrave handbook of applied linguistics research methodology. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

• Description of 4100-IMSD in USOSweb