What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will be provided with the skills to complete a dissertation on a topic that you will negotiate with your supervisor. The History dissertation represents the culmination of your undergraduate studies. It will enable you to apply the skills they have acquired at earlier levels to a discrete body of primary sources related to an identifiable area of historical enquiry. It is an exercise in research and is intended to develop your research skills and your ability to work independently. Dissertation topics will be supervised by an appropriate tutor, who will guide you through the various stages of formulating, researching and writing this substantial piece of work
How will I learn on this module?
This is an individual project which is negotiated between student and appointed tutor. There is therefore no set teaching syllabus but individual tutoring sessions are available on a regular basis. A series of seminar/workshops will provide students with information on sources, information retrieval, research skills and practice, and managing the dissertation. Thereafter, students will meet with their supervisors on a one-to-one basis for tutoring sessions. These offer the opportunity for formative feedback and for discussing plans for future work. There are also three lectures at the start of the module in which you will be given extensive advice about how to research and write your dissertation.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through group/individual tutorials/workshops which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. Dissertation tutors will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you with a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the course materials, lectures, and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and through assessment tasks.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an ability to set and complete an investigation of primary sources alongside a formal
historiographical analysis.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Exercise time and project management skills.
3. Apply research skills acquired in previous levels.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Demonstrate an awareness of historical and contemporary relationships and how these relations shape our contemporary perceptions.
How will I be assessed?
There is one summative assessment:
1. an extended dissertation of 12,000 words. The dissertation is intended to demonstrate a high-level of independence in research, problem-solving, writing and presentation.
The presentation of a question or topic, and the subsequent production and negotiation of a basic outline of the project followed by a 500 word plan is central to the first part of this process. The submission of a draft introduction and chapters are considered important because feedback will be given to improve the work. This constitutes formative assessment which will aid the final, summative submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code V100
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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