Short Dissertation - PHI00041H

«Back to module search

  • 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

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

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

Indicative reading

N/a