Module manager: Dr Simon Glaze
Email: S.Glaze@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Students must be registered at the University of Leeds on any programme and be registered to study for the level of study or higher shared with this module. To secure a place on the module, you must first to sign-up to one of the SOUL experiences. All experience and sign-up information can be found via the <a href="https://students.leeds.ac.uk/modules/doc/soul-modules"</a> . For 2025/26, SOUL will only be available to undergraduate students going into their second year of study. Places on the experiences are available on a first come first served basis. Please check that your programme structure allows you to take discovery modules. Please also check that if you take the SOUL module, you would still be studying a balanced module credit load in each semester. Note that your programme structure will usually require you to study 120 credits each year.
This module is approved as a discovery module
<b>Making the Most of Your University Experience with SOUL </b> University isn’t just about your degree—it’s about growing as a person, discovering new ideas, and gaining skills that will shape your future. At Leeds, we know that learning happens in many different ways, both inside and outside the classroom. That’s where SOUL comes in. <b>SOUL (Structured, Open, Unbounded, Learner-led) is a flexible learning framework that helps you connect your academic studies with real-world experiences.</b> It gives you the chance to work on exciting projects, develop new skills, and even earn credits for learning that happens beyond your formal curriculum. Whether you enjoy working with others or prefer to follow your own passions, SOUL offers opportunities that fit your interests. <b>What’s on offer? </b> SOUL is built around four categories of learning experiences: - <b>Structured</b> – Tutor-led modules focusing on today’s important topics. - <b>Open</b> – Work on collaborative projects with approved organisations outside the University, tackling real-world issues locally or internationally. - <b>Unbounded</b> – Get involved in learning beyond the classroom, such as volunteering or mentoring. - <b>Learner-led</b> – Design your own learning experience with support from tutors and peers. SOUL helps you: - Gain valuable experience that employers look for. - Develop skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. - Build connections and expand your horizons. - Earn credits for learning beyond your degree. Whatever stage you’re at in your learning journey, SOUL gives you the freedom to explore, grow, and make a real impact.
The SOUL framework aims to empower learners to identify and engage in experiential learning opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum, fostering flexibly accessible and active learning experiences that bridge academic expertise with practical skills development.
As part of Discovery, it aligns with the Student Opportunities and Futures Strategy and provides new opportunities that learners can readily reflect upon and articulate in future academic and professional contexts.
Objectives:
1. To provide opportunities for innovative, flexible and active learning experiences, applying academic knowledge developed and/or surfaced during the programme to real-world experiences.
2. To synthesise research and/or theoretical concepts with practical experiences through appropriate reflective practice, connecting to wider experiences and real-world applications.
3. To support students to evaluate personal beliefs, values, and experiences, considering diverse perspectives and contextual issues.
4. To surface and develop academic, personal and professional skills, identifying strengths and areas for development, and planning to use these in future studies, activities and careers.
1. Collate and analyse evidence selected from the experience to show your effectiveness as a self-directed learner
2. Analyse key concepts and theories in the field of study, and apply them to the gathered evidence
3. Critically evaluate personal beliefs, values, and experiences in light of diverse perspectives and contextual issues, demonstrating an awareness of different viewpoints
4. Critically reflect on the learning gained from the experience and articulate implications for future academic, personal and professional skill development
Skills Learning Outcomes
5. Evidence of self-awareness and critical reflection on experience, including learning from failure where relevant, to develop graduate skills
6. Identify personal strengths and areas for improvement in academic, personal, and professional skills
7. Utilise appropriate technology and digital resources to access, analyse, and share information relevant to the field of study
In addition, other skills and capabilities can be developed and evidenced, but due to the diverse nature of this module, these will be defined by or agreed with the student.
In this module students will have the opportunity to self-select and engage in experiential learning activities that are of interest to them to broaden their university experience, work in partnership and reflect on their related learning.
Students will be given clear examples and case studies to help them choose and/or tailor their experience. A webpage and advice sessions will provide more information about the SOUL experiences on offer.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | 20 | |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 40 | 40 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 120 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The module provides several formative assessment opportunities to support student learning and development.
1. SOUL Experience-Specific Activities
Each SOUL experience will offer:
Specific learning activities.
Opportunities for feedback, allowing students to gauge their progress.
2. Resources
In-Person Workshops
Students can attend in-person workshops which will include feedback opportunities covering areas such as:
Experiential learning theory
Evidence selection
Skill identification and articulation
Portfolio development
Reflective frameworks
Asynchronous Support
Students can access resources at their convenience, including:
Online modules mirroring workshop content
Self-paced learning materials
Discussion forums for peer interaction
SOUL Hub
The Lifelong Learning Centre will also offer a SOUL Hub which provides opportunities for SOUL students to ask questions and get advice from staff, connect with other SOUL students and work on their e-portfolios.
These formative assessment opportunities are designed to help students engage with their SOUL experiences, develop critical reflection skills, and effectively document their learning journey.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | E-Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students will create an e-portfolio and submit a reflective summary and evidence that demonstrates their development during their SOUL experience in areas chosen by them and how they plan to take this forward. The e-portfolio will be the equivalent of between 2000-3000 words.
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