Module manager: Professor Stephen Alford
Email: s.alford@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
You will write a final year project based on your own research, utilising mainly secondary sources (though some primary source material may be used), according to a research method and programme designed in consultation with your supervisor. The project will be written on a topic of your own choice, provided it can be supervised by a member of staff from the School of History. Normally, supervision will be undertaken by your Special Subject tutor.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Address a historical problem in depth, involving the use of secondary literature and some primary sources.
- Design and research a sustained and independently-conceived piece of historical writing, according to a research method defined by the student.
- Gather and select suitable evidence to develop and sustain a historical argument in an extended piece of coursework.
- Present their argument with clarity, fluency and coherence.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Locate and handle appropriate secondary and primary source material.
2. Interpret and analyse complex historical material.
3. Engage critically with the historiography of the topic.
4. Research a topic using methods appropriate to the historical discipline and subject matter.
5. Undertake research with intellectual integrity and, where appropriate, with due consideration of research ethics.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate their competence in managing an independent and self-directed research project.
2. Present their research findings in an extended written report conforming to the academic standards of the historical discipline.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Supervision | 4 | 0.5 | 2 |
| Lecture | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Private study hours | 191 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 9 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
One-on-one meetings with supervisor, feedback on initial project proposal, feedback on Long Essay plan and draft section.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or Dissertation | Long 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: 22/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team