Accessibility statement

Dissertation - HOA00117M

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  • Department: History of Art
  • Credit value: 80 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

In this module students will devise and write a substantial piece of original scholarship.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24 to Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

This module is the largest single assessed element in the MA in History of Art and the most important measure therefore of each student’s work at this level. They are expected to select an appropriate subject, in consultation with a supervisor, to independently explore primary and secondary sources, and to write a piece of written work employing appropriate methodologies, and within established scholarly conventions. These skills will be transferable to doctoral work.

Module learning outcomes

The work is expected to demonstrate:

  • command of a suitable art historical subject
  • ability to conduct significant and sustained research within that subject
  • ability to organise and engage critically with primary and secondary sources relevant to the topic
  • critical thinking and intellectual independence
  • ability to present work with scholarly professionalism

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours.

Indicative reading

Texts will vary according to the chosen topic.


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.