Module manager: Dr Peter Rhodes
Email: P.A.Rhodes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
DESN3660 Independent Study (Dissertation)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
As the culmination of the degree programme, this module provides students with the opportunity to investigate a topic of relevance to their programme of study or design more broadly. By conducting original research as part of the final-year project, students will demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge which is informed by the latest thinking in the discipline. While research will be conducted independently, students will be supervised by a member of academic staff.
Building on the research skills acquired during their second year, this module aims to develop students’ abilities to investigate in depth a project at the forefront of existing knowledge via the following objectives:
· to enable students to understand how to prepare, plan and conduct an independent programme of research under the supervision of academic staff
· to further develop students’ critical engagement with academic literature, research methods and findings
· to scaffold the creation of a coherently argued, robustly researched report which documents the project
The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and supervision tutorials. Lectures cover general topics including project planning, working with literature, developing a methodology and addressing potential ethical concerns. Students receive individual feedback and group tutorial support, however the emphasis will be on independent study.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Propose and evaluate research of relevance to their programme of study.
2. Independently select, collect and evaluate qualitative and/or quantitative and/or practice-led information.
3. Analyse information to test hypotheses, address aims and/or investigate research questions.
4. Produce a report that clearly documents the investigation and justifies findings and conclusions using relevant theory and practice
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
5. Apply effective communication and independent research skills to make a robust contribution to contemporary discourses.
6. Construct a sustained and coherent argument which applies critical thinking through the interpretation and evaluation of existing literature and other research information.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Supervision | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Lectures | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Seminars | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 380 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
The module includes both individual and group meetings
· An initial meeting with the supervisor takes places at the start of Semester 1, during which a plan of activity and a timetable of regular meetings will be negotiated.
· Progress will be monitored through participation in two individual supervisions and five group sessions.
Formative assessment point 1 (first semester)
· Students are required to submit an initial draft.
· Feedback will be provided via an individual meeting.
Formative assessment point 2 (second semester)
· Students are required to submit a substantial or near-complete draft.
· Feedback will be provided via an individual meeting.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Final year Research Project | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team