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Short Dissertation - PHI00041H

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

Module summary

This module enables students to work independently on a well-defined philosophical problem, chosen by themselves with guidance from a supervisor.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2025-26
B Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

Subject Content

  • To enable students to work independently on a well-defined philosophical problem, chosen by themselves with guidance from a supervisor.

Academic and Graduate Skills

  • To develop students' abilities to apply philosophical tools and techniques, in order to advance understanding of intellectual problems, and to work independently.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

  • Students should be able to display a critical understanding of a philosophical topic of their choosing, with a grasp of the forefront of current research in the area.

Academic and graduate skills

  • Students should be able to analyse complex areas of knowledge, displaying critical awareness and synthesise information and ideas from a variety of sources at the forefront of the discipline; Students should show the ability to work autonomously and self critically.

Module content

Applying for the Short Dissertation module:

  • The intention to apply for the Short Dissertation should be indicated on the option module app at the time students choose their third year modules.
  • Students will be sent information and guidance by email about how and when to submit a Dissertation proposal for approval. A clear deadline for proposal submission will be provided to students. The deadline will be in the Semester before the one in which the Short Dissertation will be taken: ie May prior to S1, October prior to S2.
  • Students are responsible for identifying a potential Philosophy member of staff to act as their dissertation supervisor and to discuss their ideas with them in first instance. Once a topic, title and supervisor have been identified and agreed with the supervisor, then you will need to submit a Proposal to the Philosophy Board of Studies for approval by the agreed published deadline.
  • The proposal should:
    • be clear and precisely worded
    • include a well-defined and manageable question or topic
    • include some indication of the philosophical background (about 200 words)
    • include a preliminary bibliography (minimum 6 works)
  • The subject proposed should not be a mere duplication of topics covered in already available modules, though it may comprise a substantial and detailed development of such a topic.
  • Overambitious or poorly researched proposals will not receive approval.
  • Students will be contacted by the Chair of Board of Studies to let them know whether their proposal has been approved, declined or returned for adjustments.

Supervision arrangements:

  • Students will receive at least four hours of personal tuition.
  • Students will submit and receive feedback on a plan of their dissertation by a deadline agreed with their dissertation supervisor.

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

All formative and summative feedback will be returned in accordance with University and Departmental policy.

Indicative reading

N/a


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.