Research a Humanities or Social Sciences project of your choice in a structured and innovative way

Module details

  • Offered to 3rd & 4th Years
  • Thursdays 16.00-18.00
  • Planned delivery: On Campus - South Kensington & Independent Study
  • 2 term module worth 5 ECTS
  • Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
  • Extra Credit or Degree Credit where your department allows
Degree credit module options by departmentHow to enrol

The Humanities Project is intended for those students who have a particular interest associated with one of the areas covered by the Humanities and Social Sciences modules.

The module consists of research skills training and independent study, supervised by a nominated member of staff who will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss progress. Where students have research methods or topics in common, you might meet in small group tutorials.

The topic of the Humanities Project must be agreed with the 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.

For creative subjects like music technology and creative writing, the essay may include an element of practice (e.g. a composition or a chapter) in which case there should be an adjustment in the word count expected for the analytical component of the module.

Restrictions on module selection: If you have taken the Humanities Project (Year 2) module in your 2nd year, you are not eligible to enrol in this module during your 3rd or 4th year.

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

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

  • Formulate a research proposal
  • Draw together ideas from relevant subjects by producing a literature review
  • Organise a research plan for discussion with supervisor
  • Integrate concepts using self-directed primary and secondary research
  • Complete a writing plan for agreement with supervisor
  • Apply key concepts, research, and feedback to write an analytical humanities project
Indicative core content
You are generally free to propose you own Humanities Project topic, which will then be refined with input from individual supervisors and receive the approval of the head of field. You will be able to change your topic to an extent in term 1. By term 2 it is expected that you will have fully decided on your topic and approach.
Learning and teaching approach
This project is an independent piece of work which begins with relevant training and becomes increasing formulated and led by yourself.
 
Term 1
You will be given clear written and tutorial guidance in term 1 on topics such as introduction to research skills, ethics, literature review, timeline formulation, essay writing and results presentation. When possible these sessions will be delivered in a seminar format with other Humanities Project students.
 
Term 2
In term 2, you will embark on individual research, structured around individual tutorials and feedback. You can expect up to 2.5 hours contact time with your supervisor, which includes meetings and studying a draft of your work.
 
Feedback
Informal, formative feedback will be provided throughout, particularly in your individual supervision sessions. First 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

You have a choice of final project 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%)

The latter is generally more suitable for subjects with a creative component such as art or music.

Key information
  • Requirements: You are expected to attend all classes and undertake approximately 85 hours of independent study in total during the module. Independent study includes reading and preparation for classes, researching and writing coursework assignments and preparing for other assessments.
  • This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 6 module. For an explanation of levels, view the Imperial Horizons Level Descriptors page.‌‌
"I have really been enjoying my project and have learnt a huge amount too. My supervisor has been able to provide a lot of time and support and is genuinely interested in the project, for which I am really grateful!"
" [My supervisor] has been really supportive and maintained a lot of interest in the project, helping with research and lending equipment, as well as giving a lot of valuable feedback in person during one-to-one meetings. He has also been really friendly, which has helped us develop a good and open working relationship that has really benefitted the project. Thank you!"

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.