Module manager: Prof Simon Lightfoot/Dr Thomas Da Costa Vieria
Email: S.J.Lightfoot@leeds.ac.uk/t.p.dacostavieira@leeds
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| PIED3769 | Dissertation for Q-Steps Students |
| PIED3790 | Dissertation for Joint Honours Economics and Politics |
PIED3750
This module is not approved as a discovery module
A final year project is an extended, research-based piece of work conducted over a lengthy period by consolidating skills you have acquired on your degree programmes. You have the exciting and challenging opportunity to work on a topic of your choice by applying your independent study and research skills. For your FYP, you will be responsible for defining your research focus and questions and managing a piece of work over two semesters. In doing so, you will gain many transferrable skills as well as developing your knowledge of the subject. This module puts in place the support structure to help you manage and complete this project successfully. It involves a series of workshops on key aspects of the research process, including on ethics, question and answer sessions, and importantly the assignment of an individual project supervisor that will offer feedback and guidance throughout the duration of the project.
This module aims to:
- Enable you to undertake an in-depth study of a topic of your own choice
- Provide you with the opportunity to engage in an independent research exercise
- Move you towards undertaking independent research, the results of which you must present in a scholarly fashion
- Develop skills such as written communication, planning and initiative.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
Formulate a clear and researchable question within the fields of global development, international relations, or politics, ensuring it is specific, focused, and feasible for independent investigation.
Design and execute an independent research plan, including identifying appropriate sources, collecting relevant data, and applying suitable research methods to address the research question.
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of key theories, concepts, debates, and empirical evidence related to their chosen topic by accurately integrating these into their analysis.
Critically evaluate competing debates, empirical evidence, and research methods, providing reasoned judgments on their strengths, limitations, and relevance to the research question.
Produce an extended written research report that presents a coherent argument, supported by evidence, and adheres to academic standards of structure, referencing, and clarity.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
SKLO1: Communicate complex research arguments and findings with clarity, academic rigour, and critical awareness.
SKLO2: Synthesise and evaluate diverse sources using advanced and ethical search strategies.
SKLO3: Design and justify an appropriate research methodology to address a self‑defined research question.
SKLO4: Critically interpret theories, data, and arguments to develop independent, well‑reasoned conclusions.
SKLO5: Apply advanced digital tools and analytical techniques to independently collect, manage, and interpret data.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 5 | 0.5 | 2.5 |
| Drop-in Session | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Lecture | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Practical | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Independent online learning hours | 6 | ||
| Private study hours | 371.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Students will receive verbal and/or written formative feedback from their supervisor throughout the project – including comments on their initial proposal and detailed comments on a piece of written work due in semester 2. Alongside the workshops, students will have the opportunity to attend 3 drops ins across the academic year. Students will meet with their supervisor 5 times across the academic year to discuss their progress. They will also be able to seek advice from the FYP module convenors and other academic staff by attending open door sessions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | - | 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: 07/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team