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English and History of Art Bridge Dissertation (with History of Art Supervisor) - HOA00103H

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  • Department: History of Art
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2026-27

Module summary

The dissertation is one of the most exciting and most ambitious modules of your degree. You will produce a sustained piece of work on a topic of your choosing that bridges English and History of Art. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor in the History of Art Department who will offer tailored support throughout the process of refining your topic, structuring your research, and writing an extended piece of critical prose. You are also encouraged to consult with staff in English. In writing a dissertation, you will engage critically with existing scholarship, identify your own original contribution to your chosen field, and develop and sustain an argument across 7-8,000 words.

The module will help you to undertake extensive independent research, communicate your critical insights and close textual and visual readings, and present your research clearly and persuasively. You may extend and develop ideas that have fascinated you in previous modules, or undertake research in an area that you have not previously studied.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2026-27 to Semester 2 2026-27

Module aims

The Bridge Dissertation module will enable you to develop key skills in independent research and writing, with appropriate academic guidance and writing support. It offers you the opportunity to explore an element of your literary and art historical interests in considerable depth. The module will further enhance your core skills in research and writing, the analysis of visual sources, library and IT use, and transferable skills in communication, time management, and organisation.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with an appropriate range of primary texts and art historical sources, as identified by you, and the ability to undertake independent research on a focused topic.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with relevant contextual, critical, and theoretical materials and approaches.
  • Evaluate key debates within the relevant critical fields or theoretical frameworks dealing with your chosen research topic.
  • Produce independent arguments and ideas which demonstrate an advanced proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours.

Indicative reading

Key texts will depend on the subject of the dissertation research.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.