Discovery Modules

As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

Most undergraduate programmes of study will be made up of different modules: compulsory, optional and discovery modules. Discovery modules give you the opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability. You can choose to take a discovery module which develops a specific skill (e.g. a language) or which allows you to pursue a personal interest (e.g. sustainability).

Discovery Themes

All of the discovery modules fit into at least one of the University’s 10 Discovery Themes:

The Discovery Themes are designed to give you the opportunity to step outside your main programme of study. Once you have identified a module/modules you are interested in, register your choices using the online enrolment system in Student Services. 

Skills discovery modules

Skills discovery modules are designed to develop specific skills. They can be taken in any year of the student's programme and are labelled with an 'skd' in the module catalogue. Year 1 skills discovery modules are the only year 1 modules which can be taken beyond the second programme year. A maximum of 20 credits, subject to the provisions of the programme of study concerned, may be taken in the final programme year. Skills discovery modules are always single weighted in the classification algorithm. Skills discovery modules can be at year 1, year 2 and exceptionally year 3. 

Choosing your discovery modules

The discovery modules you choose will need to comply with the regulations of your programme of study and fit into your timetable alongside any compulsory and optional modules you’re taking. Some modules will have entry requirements or pre-requisites, for example a particular A-Level qualification, and numbers are limited on some modules.

Usually, first year students take year 1 discovery modules, and second year students take year 2 modules. To be able to graduate, you need to pass the number of credits at each level as specified in the Rules for Award. The exact number of module credits you need for your programme can be found in the programme catalogue

Your parent school will have the final approval of your choices - contact them for guidance.

Does everyone choose Discovery Modules?

Nearly all arts and social sciences programmes require first year students to take discovery modules. Other programmes are more varied - please check with your school. Engineering and health-related students will not normally study discovery modules in their first year.

How do I enrol onto Discovery Modules?

You can register your choices in using the online enrolment system in Student Services by the relevant enrolment dates. Your academic personal tutor will be able to help with any queries you have about choosing discovery modules.

Academic advice and guidance

For general guidance relating to discovery modules, contact your parent school. For information relating to a specific discovery module, contact the teaching school for the module concerned.

Creating Sustainable Futures

Discover the environmental, social and economic issues facing society, such as climate change and poverty. This Theme is part of the Sustainable Curriculum Principle and the University's Climate Plan. You can start your sustainability journey at Leeds by taking the Sustainability Induction that is for all students and staff. It introduces sustainability concepts, challenges facing the world and the University's policies, programmes and systems. They also cover our roles at and outside the University in making a positive difference.

Enterprise and Innovation

Today's changing societies and economies encourage us to be more enterprising and challenge us to be more innovative. Arranged around seven dedicated sub-themes, this theme will help you understand how problems can be addressed and opportunities turned into advantages through enterprise and innovation.

Ethics, Religion and Law

Ethics, religion and law: three societal pillars on the basis of which cultures are built, wars fought and lives lived.

Exploring the Sciences

“It is the tension between creativity and skepticism that has produced the stunning and unexpected findings of science.” (Sagan)

Languages and Intercultural understanding

“The limits of my language means the limits of my world.” (Wittgenstein)

Media, Culture and Creativity

Unlock your creativity, and engage with the intellectual, aesthetic, social and political challenges offered through the study of media and culture.

Mind and Body

Learn more about how the mind and body works, what keeps us healthy and what happens during disease.

Personal and Professional Development

Transform your time as a student by choosing modules that make most of your time at Leeds and prepare you for your future.

Power and Conflict

“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace” (Mahatma Gandhi) “Every period of human development has had its own particular type of human conflict” (Isaac Asimov)

Technology and its Impacts

Whilst technology has improved our lives immeasurably, and will continue to do so in amazing ways, it has never been more important to understand the risks associated with its use and abuse.