Last modified: 22 Jul 2026 15:46
This course allows you to design an independent research project on a topic tailored to your interests and degree programme.
You will work one-on-one with an expert supervisor to develop a sustained line of inquiry. Regular meetings with your supervisor allow for in-depth discussion of your research, which you will have the opportunity to showcase in a poster presentation and finally produce an extended research essay in your chosen area.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course allows you to define and explore a specialised independent research topic of your choosing.
Students will work with their course and programme coordinator to define a topic area and choose an expert supervisor. Over the course of the term, you will work one-on-one with your supervisor to discuss your ideas and reading, refine your thinking and sharpen your research skills. You will develop professional skills in communicating complex ideas in a variety of media: a poster and accompanying short oral presentation, and an extended research essay. The poster-presentation, for which you will receive training, offers opportunities for peer-to-peer feedback and engagement with other students and projects in development, as well as for input from course staff. The final essay is of a length akin to a short research publication.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 80 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 19 | Feedback Weeks | 26 | |
| Feedback |
Written feedback from supervisor via MyAberdeen |
Word Count | 5000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Engage in intellectual debate and constructive criticism by developing the ability to build, evaluate and critique academic arguments |
| Conceptual | Apply | Display a critical and comparative appreciation of key debates and controversies. |
| Conceptual | Create | Communicate complex themes and arguments in a variety of media. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Scrutinise in depth a specific set of issues or themes in historical study at an advanced level. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Improve research skills through the identification and evaluation of primary and secondary sources. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Act on feedback and reflect on own work. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 15 | Feedback Weeks | 18 | |
| Feedback |
500-800-word annotated bibliography plus oral presentation and discussion (15-20 minutes per student). Oral feedback from course staff and peers after presentation. Written feedback from course team via MyAberdeen. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Engage in intellectual debate and constructive criticism by developing the ability to build, evaluate and critique academic arguments |
| Conceptual | Create | Communicate complex themes and arguments in a variety of media. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Improve research skills through the identification and evaluation of primary and secondary sources. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Act on feedback and reflect on own work. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 80 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Poster presentation mark can be carried forward. A fail in the poster element would not result in a fail overall and non-completion would lead to a C6/C7 so does not need a separate resit element |
Word Count | 5000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Engage in intellectual debate and constructive criticism by developing the ability to build, evaluate and critique academic arguments |
| Conceptual | Understand | Scrutinise in depth a specific set of issues or themes in historical study at an advanced level. |
| Conceptual | Apply | Display a critical and comparative appreciation of key debates and controversies. |
| Conceptual | Create | Communicate complex themes and arguments in a variety of media. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Act on feedback and reflect on own work. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Improve research skills through the identification and evaluation of primary and secondary sources. |
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