Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Placement-based Dissertation (Theology and Religion)
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Theology and Religion
Module Code	09 28286
Module Lead	Isabel Wollaston
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	May not be taken with 09 24094 LH Dissertation (Theology and Religion), 09 28285 6000-word Dissertation (Theology and Religion), 09 21805 LH Philosophical Project
Exclusions
Description	The placement-based dissertation is an extended piece of substantial independent research (9000 words) on a topic in Theology and/or Religion linked to a specific placement context chosen by the individual student, but subject to approval by the Department. Students work closely on an individual basis with a supervisor (i.e. a member of staff appointed to assist them and guide them through their research). Students should meet with their supervisor regularly to report on progress and discuss their dissertation. Formal supervision normally takes the form of six meetings of up to one hour each spaced over the autumn and spring terms, plus a general introductory meeting at the start of the autumn term. The Supervisor may advise on the scope and approach of the dissertation as a whole, and provide detailed feedback on ONE version of each draft chapters, but is not permitted to see or comment on the final draft or on multiple drafts of individual chapters. Students negotiate a placement involving a 100 hours in a setting of their own choice, subject to approval from the Department. The placement is usually undertaken in the period following the second year examinations. However, it may be undertaken in term time (though must not interfere with timetabled sessions) or during the vacation as a block or in serial sessions. Students may apply for accreditation of previous and/or present experiential learning in lieu of the placement. The placement-based dissertation offers students the opportunity to apply aspects of their theological studies to a practical setting and develop their Key Skills, particularly in the areas of communication and working with others. Many students will use this opportunity to explore potential employment contexts.The findings of this placement-based research must be word-processed, and presented in an extended appropriately with full supporting documentation and scholarly apparatus, so that (a) the identity and value of the sources, and (b) the quality and structure of the argument can be clearly understood by both a reader who is a specialist in that particular subject and a well-informed reader who is not a specialist in that particular field. A placement-time sheet, or equivalent, should be included in the dissertation as an appendix.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Work independently, taking responsibility for the progress, content, and presentation of a sustained piece of individual research; Provide a critical reflective analysis and evaluation of one or more aspects of their placement experience and/or context; Reflect critically upon their key personal and professional skills, as developed during their placement; Demonstrate detailed knowledge of, and critical engagement with, the relevant primary and secondary literature in a particular field of study;Describe and employ a research methodology appropriate to the subject matter, including research ethics;Present an extended piece of research in an appropriate manner, e.g. in terms of structure and organisation, referencing, etc.
Assessment	28286-01 : LH Placement-based Dissertation : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessments: A dissertation of 9000 words Reassessment: As above
Other
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