Exceptions to the general rule that teams of four are to be formed within seminar groups can be made, for good reason, on application to the Contract Convenors. Some teams will come together in the first place because members share a common commitment to a particular theme, idea or topic. We recognise, however, that some students will be uncertain or unwilling to embark on a joint project without guidance on areas for enquiry. A list of research areas, all of which offer opportunities for exploratory and innovative work is posted on Uniserve. If your team cannot settle on a topic or area of enquiry, you should choose one from the list of our suggestions.
Supervised research requires intensive and regular consultations between students and supervisor.
Though this level of intensive supervision is not available, teams should have no hesitation about approaching their contract seminar leader for advice and discussion in project selection or later, as the project develops. Contract seminars in Week 13 will offer all students the opportunity to provide a brief report on the progress of their projects and discuss any problems encountered. Applications should contain the names of team members, the name of the contracts seminar leader, a brief description of the topic, and the method of research or enquiry proposed. We expect the approval process to be swift and unproblematic in the vast majority of cases. You should assume that your topic is approved unless you are notified to the contrary by May 5.