Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Dissertation (Theology and Religion)
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Theology and Religion
Module Code	09 40179
Module Lead	Isabel Wollaston
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-4 hours Project supervision-4 hours Guided independent study-192 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The 5,000-word dissertation is a piece of substantial independent research on a subject in Theology and/or Religion 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 three 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 chapter, but is not permitted to see or comment on the final draft or on multiple drafts of individual chapters. The dissertation allows students to put into practice the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the degree and, in particular, during the Level I Dissertation Preparation module. The findings of this research must be word-processed, and presented 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.
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; 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; Present an extended piece of research in an appropriate manner, e.g. in terms of structure and organisation, referencing, etc.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment Assessment: A dissertation of 5,000 words Method of Reassessment As above.
Other
Reading List