School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

Welcome to the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about starting or returning to your studies.

Scroll to the section that applies to you – new student, returning student or postgraduate student. We’ve also included some helpful links at the bottom to direct you to anything else you might need.

If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.

I’m a new student 

What do I need to do before I arrive?

There are a few useful things you can do before you arrive in Leeds.

What does my induction timetable look like?

There will be a range of face-to-face sessions for new and returning students across induction week. The induction week timetable will be emailed to you in September.

Will I be required to attend face to face sessions?

Yes, you will be expected to attend face-to-face sessions where they have been scheduled as part of your programme. These will be identified in your timetable.

How will tutorials/seminars, practical or lab sessions be managed?

During Induction week, your programme leader will guide you through expectations for tutorial and seminar attendance.

How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work? 

You will have the opportunity to meet your academic personal tutor and other students in the school as part of a small group in induction week, where the tutor will explain the role of academic personal tutoring, how it works, and how to make the most of it. They are very important. 

Your tutor will contact you by email from time-to-time throughout the year, and you will have the opportunity to arrange one-to-one meetings with them in both semesters. 

Where can I go for support?

Help and support are always available – our team of Student Education Service staff, personal and academic tutors, and programme managers can support you through your studies. Please get in touch if you are unsure about anything relating to your course, support, or general University life. Here are some useful contacts:

Programme Leaders:

Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?

We have organised an academic skills programme for all School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science (PRHS) students, with a range of different sessions running across both semesters. This will provide support and guidance for developing good academic practices and understanding.

Additionally there is a PRHS Study guide in our ‘Organisation’ pages you should consult, and you might check out the range of resources provides by Skills@Library. You can also contact your module leader or academic personal tutor if you need more specific academic support or guidance throughout the year. 

How will I find out more about my programme? 

You can access an outline of your programme, listing all compulsory and optional modules and giving a breakdown of programme requirements, using the online Programme Catalogue.

You will also have a meeting with your programme manager during induction week, where more information and guidance will be given and you can ask any questions you might have.

How will I get to know other students?

There will be opportunities to meet other students in induction week, in your programme and academic personal tutor meetings, and then in tutorials or seminars once teaching begins.

There will also be further social events and activities arranged by members of the School during term, and you can join any of the societies run by students in the School (Theology and Religion Society, Philosophy Society, Politics, Philosphy and Economics Society, History and Philosophy of Science Society).

Where can I access resources for my degree?

Once you have your University IT account set-up, you will be able to access Minerva, the University’s Portal and Virtual Learning Environment. From it you can access your emails and Office 365 applications, teaching resources and assessment information, your library account, IT services, printing, timetables, and a host of other things. Find out more about Minerva.

Do I need to provide my core reading texts?  

For most modules, core readings will be available via the University Library. In some modules you may need to provide your own core texts. In such cases, information on this will be given in the module handbook (via Minerva) and by the module leader.

What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

Every School in the University has a Student-Staff Partnership Forum (SSPF). This group is led by our School Rep, and is made up of Course Reps and other members of staff, to hear the ideas or concerns of students in the School and represent the student views to university committees.

Information about how to become a School or Course Rep, and join the SSPF, will be sent to all students early in the academic year.

Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?

There are several subject-specific societies run by committees of students from the School of PRHS, including a Philosophy Society, Theology and Religion Society, Politics, Philosphy and Economics Society Society, History and Philosophy of Science Society and Liberal Arts Society. Joint honours students may also be interested in joining the subject societies for their second subject, if there is one. Browse all student societies.

How does assessment work on my programme?

Each of the modules you take may have different kinds of assessment (essays, exams, reports, presentations, etc.) and also different numbers of assessments (usually one, or two). Information about the forms of assessment for each module and how they are weighted is available through the module catalogue, and will be explained by the module leader in classes and the module handbook.

Our academic skills programme for PRHS students, and our PRHS Study guide, provide guidance and advice on preparing for assessments. There will also be opportunities, during classes, weekly office hours, or formative assessments, for students to seek feedback or advice from module leaders and tutors.

I’m a returning student 

How will my programme be delivered this year?

All teaching activities (lectures, tutorials, seminars) to take place in-person and on-campus at all levels of study and for all programmes.

What do I need to do before I arrive?

Make sure you complete your online registration for the next year of study and enrol for your modules. Check your emails regularly for any contact from the School, your programme leader or academic personal tutor.

What does my induction timetable look like?

There will be a range of face-to-face sessions for new and returning students across induction week. The induction week timetable will be emailed to you in September.

How will tutorials/seminars, practical or lab sessions be managed?

During Induction week, your programme leader will guide you through expectations for tutorial and seminar attendance.

How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?

Information on academic personal tutoring, will be sent to you at the start of term.

Your tutor will contact you by email early in the semester, and from time-to-time throughout the year, to arrange one-to-one meetings with them and to share other information.

Where can I go for support?

Help and support are always available – our team of Student Education Service staff, personal and academic tutors, and programme managers can support you through your studies. Please get in touch if you are unsure about anything relating to your course, support, or general University life. 

The point of contact for most students is the Student Education Service team. Email the Student Education Service: prhs@leeds.ac.uk. 

Other key contacts include:

Programme Leaders:

Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?

We have organised an academic skills programme for all PRHS students, with a range of different sessions running across both semesters. This will provide support and guidance for developing good academic practices and understanding.

Additionally there is a PRHS Study guide in our ‘Organisation’ pages you should consult, and you might check out the range of resources provides by Skills@Library. You can also contact your module leader or academic personal tutor if you need more specific academic support or guidance throughout the year. 

How will I find out more about my programme?

You can access an outline of your programme, listing all compulsory and optional modules and giving a breakdown of programme requirements, using the online Programme Catalogue.

You will also have a meeting with your programme manager during induction week, where more information and guidance will be given and you can ask any questions you might have.

How will I get to know other students?

There will be opportunities to meet other students in induction week, in your programme meetings, and then in tutorials or seminars once teaching begins.

There will also be further social events and activities arranged by members of the School, in-person or online, during term, and you can join any of the societies run by students in the School (Theology and Religion Society, Philosophy Society, Politics, Philosphy and Economics Society, History and Philosophy of Science Society).

Where can I access resources for my degree?  

Once you have your University IT account set-up, you will be able to access Minerva, the University’s Portal and Virtual Learning Environment. From it you can access your emails and Office 365 applications, teaching resources and assessment information, your library account, IT services, printing, timetables, and a host of other things. Find out more about Minerva.

Do I need to provide my core reading texts?  

For most modules, core readings will be available via the University Library. In some modules you may need to provide your own core texts. In such cases, information on this will be given in the module handbook (via Minerva) and by the module leader.

What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

Every School in the University has a Student-Staff Partnership Forum (SSPF). This group is led by our School Rep, and is made up of Course Reps and other members of staff, to hear the ideas or concerns of students in the School and represent the student views to university committees.

Information about how to become a School or Course Rep, and join the SSPFT, will be sent to all students early in the academic year.

Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?

There are several subject-specific societies run by committees of students from the School of PRHS, including a Philosophy Society, TRS Society, PPE Society, HPS Society and Liberal Arts Society. Joint honours students may also be interested in joining the subject societies for their second subject, if there is one. Browse all student societies.

Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school? 

Details about peer mentoring in PRHS will be made available at the start of term.

How does assessment work on my programme?

Each of the modules you take may have different kinds of assessment (essays, exams, reports, presentations, etc.) and also different numbers of assessments (usually one, or two). Information about the forms of assessment for each module and how they are weighted is available through the module catalogue, and will be explained by the module leader in classes and the module handbook.

Our academic skills programme for PRHS students, and our PRHS Study guide, provide guidance and advice on preparing for assessments. There will also be opportunities, during classes, weekly office hours, or formative assessments, for students to seek feedback or advice from module leaders and tutors.

I’m a postgraduate student 

What do I need to do before I arrive?

There are a few useful things you can do before you arrive in Leeds.

How will my programme be delivered this year? 

We are planning for all MA seminars to take place in-person and on-campus, except for those programmes which are available only in online mode. Dissertation supervisions and other one-to-one meetings are likely to be a mixture of face-to-face or online, depending on circumstances.  

What does my induction timetable look like?

The induction week timetable will be emailed to you in September.

Will I be required to attend face to face sessions?

Yes, you will be expected to attend face-to-face sessions where they have been scheduled as part of your programme.

How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?

You will have the opportunity to meet your academic personal tutor as part of a small group in induction week, where they will explain the role of academic personal tutoring, how it works, and how to make the most of it. 

Your tutor will contact you by email from time-to-time throughout the year, and you will have the opportunity to arrange one-to-one meetings with them in both semesters. 

Where can I go for support? 

Help and support are always available – our team of Student Education Service staff, personal and academic tutors, and programme managers can support you through your studies. Please get in touch if you are unsure about anything relating to your course, support, or general University life. 

The first port of call for most students is the Student Education Service team. Email the Student Education Service team: prhs@leeds.ac.uk.

You can also email Jonny Ackroyd, Pastoral Support Officer: j.m.ackroyd@leeds.ac.uk.

Programme Leaders:

Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?

There is a PRHS Study guide in our ‘Organisation’ pages you should consult, and you might check out the range of resources provides by Skills@Library. You can also contact your module leader or academic personal tutor if you need more specific academic support or guidance throughout the year. 

How will I find out more about my programme?

You can access an outline of your programme, listing all compulsory and optional modules and giving a breakdown of programme requirements, using the online Programme Catalogue.

You will also have a meeting with your programme manager during induction week, where more information and guidance will be given and you can ask any questions you might have.

How will I get to know other students?

There will be opportunities to meet other students in induction week, in your programme and academic personal tutor meetings, and then in tutorials or seminars once teaching begins.

What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to the School of Philosophy, Religion and History?

There will be social events and activities arranged by members of the School during term, and you can join any of the societies run by students in the School (Theology and Religion Society, Philosophy Society, Politics, Philosphy and Economics Society, History and Philosophy of Science Society).

Where can I access resources for my studies?

Once you have your University IT account set-up, you will be able to access Minerva, the University’s Portal and Virtual Learning Environment. From it you can access your emails and Office 365 applications, teaching resources and assessment information, your library account, IT services, printing, timetables, and a host of other things. Find out more about Minerva.

Do I need to provide my core reading texts?

For most modules, core readings will be available via the University Library. In some modules you may need to provide your own core texts. In such cases, information on this will be given in the module handbook (via Minerva) and by the module leader.

What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

Every School in the University has a Student-Staff Partnership Forum (SSPF). This group is led by our School Rep, and is made up of Course Reps and other members of staff, to hear the ideas or concerns of students in the School and represent the student views to university committees.

Information about how to become a School or Course Rep, and join the SSPFT, will be sent to all students early in the academic year.

Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?

There are several subject-specific societies run by committees of students from the School of PRHS, including a Philosophy Society, TRS Society, PPE Society, HPS Society and Liberal Arts Society. Joint honours students may also be interested in joining the subject societies for their second subject, if there is one. Browse all student societies.

How does assessment work on my programme?

Each of the modules you take may have different kinds of assessment (essays, exams, reports, presentations, etc.) and also different numbers of assessments (usually one, or two). Information about the forms of assessment for each module and how they are weighted is available through the module catalogue, and will be explained by the module leader in classes and the module handbook. There will also be opportunities, during classes, weekly office hours, or formative assessments, for students to seek feedback or advice from module leaders and tutors.

Where can I find relevant career information for postgraduate students? 

The University has a Careers Centre which offers advice, events and schemes to help you find career information. Other opportunities or information for postgraduate students will be advertised throughout the year, via Minerva. You can also speak with your academic personal tutor about career ideas and opportunities.  

Other useful links