Advanced independent study in a topic agreed with supervisor

Module details

  • Offered to 4th & 5th Years
  • Independent Study
  • 2 term module worth 5 ECTS
  • Not available as part of I-Explore
  • Extra Credit or Degree Credit where your department allows
Degree credit module options by departmentHow to enrol

The Advanced Humanities Project is intended for those students who have successfully completed and achieved at least a good 2:1 in a relevant Level 6 Humanities & Social Sciences Imperial Horizons or BPES module, usually supplemented by a relevant internship, summer placement or development of a portfolio. It would usually be taken by a student in their final year of an undergraduate MSci degree.

The module consists of independent study, supervised by an experienced member of staff who will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss progress. The topic of the project must be agreed with the field leader and potential supervisor, and should be of sufficient scope and allow for appropriate depth of analysis for you to meet the learning objectives. Prospective candidates must supply a proposal that details the scope, the research questions, and the timetable that sets clear goals for monitoring progress.

You may not enrol for this option without prior approval. Please e-mail Dr Michael Weatherburn in the first instance to check that you are eligible for this option. Your e-mail should state which Imperial Horizons module(s) you have completed and outline your initial idea for a topic. Proposals need to be finalised before the end of September in order for online enrolments to be confirmed. No new enrolments will be accepted after this date.

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year. 

Information blocks

Learning outcomes

Quill on parchment On successful completion of this module, you will be better able to:

  • Develop research ideas
  • Work with an academic supervisor in developing project plans
  • Synthesise academic research
  • Conduct primary research
  • Produce original academic work on your chosen subject
Indicative core content

Topics are to be negotiated with individual supervisors and receive the approval of the head of field. Content must be related to an established area of study within the Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts field.

Learning and teaching approach

This project is an independent piece of work, largely formulated and led by yourself. It will be scaffolded to support your development as an independent researcher. After an initial study and research planning period with the supervisor, you engage in increasingly independent, albeit supervised, research. Your project timetable and key project milestones - both research and writing - will be jointly agreed between yourself and your supervisor. Initial project formulation will likely take place during the first half of term 1. Research under supervision usually takes place in the second half of term 1 and the first half of term 2. The remaining half of term 2 is usually focused on producing your final project piece. You can expect up to 15 hours contact time with your supervisor, which includes meetings and studying a draft of your work.

Informal, formative feedback will be provided throughout, particularly in your individual supervision sessions. Summative marks and feedback are returned to you, via the VLE, within two weeks of submission. You will be notified if there will be any delay.
Assessment

Coursework: Essay - 3,000-4,000 words (100%)

OR

Coursework: Creative work submission - variable length depending on media (65%)
Coursework: Essay - up to 2,000 words (35%)

Key information
  • You are expected to spend approximately 125 hours total study time for the module, to be completed through a combination of independent study and meetings with your supervisor. Independent study includes preparation for meetings and assignments, wider reading and guided research relevant to the module. You can expect 15 hours contact time, which includes meetings and studying a draft of your work.
  • This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 7 module. For an explanation of levels, view the Imperial Horizons Level Descriptors page.‌‌
"I have really, really enjoyed the project and supervision and, one of the career options in my table of decisions right now has to do with space law [the topic of my Advanced Humanities Project]! Definitely something I will pursue and this opportunity has given me the means to explore the topic in a unique way, I am really grateful for it!"

Got any questions?

Contact the field leader 
Dr Michael Weatherburn
michael.weatherburn@imperial.ac.uk
0207 594 8747
Room S305, Sherfield level 3
Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

Sir Arthur Acland Prize

Awarded annually for excellence. High scoring work is put forward for consideration by a panel of judges. 

Students enrolled for Language modules, the Humanities, Advanced Humanities and Change Makers Independent Projects are eligible.