Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences Independent Research Project
School	Liberal Arts & Natural Science
Department	Liberal Arts & Natural Science
Module Code	08 27893
Module Lead	Abigail Bellamy-Carter
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	Prohibited module combinations: LH Liberal Arts and Sciences Independent Research Project (20 credit)
Exclusions
Description	The Independent Research Project challenges students to develop a focused engagement with interdisciplinarity. Students identify a significant topic or problem rooted in interdisciplinary study. They test its viability in consultation with a supervisor (appointed to guide and advise on their progress) and define its parameters in consultation with the supervisor and with reference to current scholarship and knowledge. Students move on to design and test an appropriate methodology, and conclude by producing a substantial portfolio of independent research. The findings are presented in: (1) a research paper (10,000 words) comprising: (i) the identification and description of a significant research problem which benefits from interdisciplinary approaches; (ii) a review of the state of relevant current scholarship, evidence, and the disciplinary boundaries, approaches, and methodologies involved in tackling this problem; and (iii) a piece of sustained analysis addressing the research topic or problem, with full scholarly apparatus as appropriate to the disciplines; (2) an academic poster articulating the methodologies identified and adopted, outlining any challenges addressed, summarizing the development of the argument, and mediating the key conclusions derived.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Design and undertake a scholarly and evidentiary review; Organise and present data in a professional way (accurate referencing, complete bibliography, clear tables and illustrations); Identify and develop a viable interdisciplinary research question; Test the quality of primary material or sources and identify key evidence relevant to sustain the argument pursued; Frame research questions and understand associated problems; Construct a fluent and coherent extended argument; Complete an integrated analysis of primary evidence and secondary material as appropriate to sustain the chosen argument; Work effectively to manage time and maximise the benefits of the supervisory framework; Present ideas concisely and lucidly in a visual format.
Assessment	27893-01 : Dissertation : Dissertation (90%) 27893-02 : Dissertation poster : Coursework (10%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	(1) A research paper (10,000 words) (90%). (2) An academic poster (10%).
Other	None
Reading List