2025/26 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHIL5170M Philosophy Dissertation

60 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Jack Woods III
Email: J.Woods@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

This module is mutually exclusive with

PHIL5900M

Philosophy: Extended Dissertation

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The dissertation module enables you to build on the understanding, skills, and learning that you’ve developed in the other modules of the programme and use this to create your own substantial piece of independent work. You will write a dissertation on a topic related to the programme and formulate a significant line of argument that reflects your own stance on the topic.

Objectives

This module will provide the opportunity for you to undertake independent research in philosophy to gain an in-depth understanding of a specific topic related to the programme. You will develop an original contribution or approach to the topic, which will include recognition of and response to possible objections to your argument and approach. It will enable you to build on the understanding, skills, and learning that you’ve developed in the other modules of the programme, and synthesise understanding, concepts and arguments from different areas of philosophy.

You will be allocated a supervisor who will provide feedback on your work and advice on how develop an original and substantial line of argument in the appropriate style of scholarship. You will choose your own topic, but topics must be approved by the Programme Director to ensure appropriate supervision is available.

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

1. Undertake independent research in their chosen topic.
2. Exhibit advanced scholarship through accurate exposition and advanced critical analysis of source material.
3. Formulate a rigorous and substantial independent argument.
4. Present their work in the academic style of scholarship in the discipline.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

5. Plan and execute an extended piece of independent research (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic skill)
7. Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought (Academic and Work Ready skill)
8. Apply standards of academic integrity including when and how to appropriately acknowledge someone else’s work (Academic and Work Ready skill).

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva Organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	6	1.00	6.00
Private study hours			594.00
Total Contact hours			6.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students are provided with 6 hours of supervision during which their progress is monitored, and they are provided with feedback on the extent to which they have developed an original and substantial argument in the appropriate style of scholarship, and advice on how to improve.

They can submit a partial draft for feedback by the end of June. Feedback can be provided on up to two thirds of the dissertation. This can be in the form of one piece of work or smaller sections that comprise two thirds in total.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Coursework	Dissertation	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The resit will comprise an improved version of the original submission.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 23/01/2025

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