2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PRHS3000 Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science

40 Credits Class Size: 70

Module manager: Victor Durà-Vilà
Email: V.Dura-Vila@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Mutually Exclusive

PRHS3001 Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or Histo
PRHS3700 External Placement: Beyond the University

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This dissertation module provides the opportunity for you to undertake independent research to gain an in-depth understanding of a specific topic related to your programme, and develop your own view of the topic. You will choose from a wide list of topics provided by academic staff on your programme.

Objectives

The main objective is for you to create your own piece of independent research, building on the understanding and skills you’ve developed in other modules in your programme.

To achieve this, you will:

A) Research and identify appropriate source material for yourself because, as this is an independent research module, you are not provided with a reading list.

B) Synthesise understanding, concepts and arguments

C) Develop an independent approach to your topic, which will include recognition of and response to possible objections to your argument and analysis.

You will be allocated a supervisor who will provide feedback on your scholarship and work, and advice on how develop an independent argument and analysis in the appropriate style of scholarship for your discipline.

In addition, there are lecture sessions on how to plan and undertake an independent research project.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1) Undertake independent research in a programme-relevant topic.

2) Exhibit advanced scholarship through accurate exposition and critical analysis of source material.

3) Formulate a rigorous independent argument.

4) Present their work in the academic style of scholarship in the appropriate discipline (philosophy, religion or history of science).


Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

5) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely (Academic and Work Ready skill)

6) Search for, synthesise and critically evaluate appropriate primary and secondary source material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready and Digital skill)

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 5 1 5
Lectures 2 1 2
Private study hours 393
Total Contact hours 7
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 400

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will have the opportunity to submit (a) a plan of the dissertation and (b) a partial draft (up to two thirds) of the dissertation which will receive feedback on the extent to which they have developed an independent argument in the appropriate style of scholarship, and advice on how to improve their work.

Their progress is monitored through attendance at and contribution to supervision meetings during which they are also provided with feedback on their understanding, ideas and analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation Dissertation 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Students undertaking a resit are required to submit an amended version of their original submission.

Reading List

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