Module manager: Dr Rachel Utley
Email: R.E.Utley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides you with an opportunity to write a long essay on an international history topic of your choice, from within the scope of the broad research specialisms of staff in the School of History.
The main objective of the IHP Long Essay is to equip you with skills and experience in academic project management and longer-form academic writing, in advance of your Final Year Project in Level 3.
Your IHP Long Essay will build on skills you have already begun to develop in core modules at Level 1 and Level 2 (such as developing a bibliography, critical reading and thinking, historiographical engagement, individual research, and primary source analysis). It offers the opportunity to design and develop your own independent research topic in international history (from within the wide range of research specialisms of your seminar tutor), and to research and write a longer-form international history essay on a question of your choice, refined in consultation with your tutor.
An introductory lecture will provide key information and advice. A series of workshops will cover skills like project management, research development, and writing/editing. Seminar groups will facilitate structured support and guidance from your tutor. Your tutor will also offer individual guidance at key stages. In this way, your IHP Long Essay will be supported by a combination of individual, small-group and large-group teaching and learning to help you to complete the task.
The module overall will enable you to design, conduct and complete an extended project of research and writing, bridging a gap between the more directed shorter-form assessments typical of Levels 1 and 2, and the longer requirements of special subject essays and FYPs at Level 3.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Define and research a complex historical problem in the field of international history.
2. Critically assess the historiographical debates and context of the topic.
3. Identify and analyse evidence from primary (where appropriate and available) and secondary sources.
4. Develop and articulate arguments supported by historical evidence and positioned in relation to relevant historiography.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Formulate meaningful research questions.
6. Conduct independent research on the chosen topic, with structured guidance.
7. Critically analyse a range of research materials.
8. Communicate arguments and ideas effectively, adhering to appropriate disciplinary conventions of style and presentation.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Practical | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 183.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will receive informal feedback on seminar contributions and progress (tutor feedback and feedback from peers), and you will have the opportunity to seek and receive formative support in your tutor’s office hours.
You will have an individual meeting with your tutor to help you refine your topic and essay title ideas.
You will have a further individual meeting with your tutor to receive feedback on a chapter plan for your essay, subject to submission in accordance with a deadline set by your tutor.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 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: 20/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team