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Beginning Philosophical Research - PHI00016C

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module is designed to help students develop as independent researchers. Students are also given the opportunity to develop their presentation skills

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

  • To enable students to carry out independent research into philosophical topics of their choosing.

  • To build knowledge of significant philosophers, and key philosophical themes.

  • To develop methods for effectively communicating philosophical ideas outside of the traditional format of the academic essay.

  • To develop the skills of research, independent thinking, and time management

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to …

  • undertake independent research projects.

  • articulate and defend their philosophical views in an academic essay.

  • present their research as an academic poster, making efficient use of the format to convey complex information in a concise and accessible way.

  • present their research orally, and field questions in response to their presentation.

Module content

This module is designed to help students develop as independent researchers.

Students will run their own independent research project into a philosopher of their choice. Students will be supported by a research supervisor, but the students are in charge of leading their projects. At the end of their projects, students will produce a 1000-word annotated bibliography as well as an academic poster on their philosopher. The purpose of this poster is to provide the student with an opportunity to find ways of effectively communicating complex information in a concise and accessible way. Students will also give an oral presentation on their poster.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 30

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative assessment: Poster plan to be submitted at a date agreed with module convenor

Summative assessment:

Summative 1 - Poster & Annotated bibliography 70

Summative 2 - Oral Presentation of poster 30%

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 30

Module feedback

Summative assessment will be returned within current guidelines for turnaround.

Indicative reading

Key texts will depend upon the topic and philosopher chosen.



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.