Welcome to the Imperial Horizons Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS). HSS modules offer an opportunity to discover new interests, gain fresh insights, meet new people, engage with novel challenges, and bring an interdisciplinary dimension to your Imperial education. Across all HSS modules, you will develop critical thinking, communication, and receptivity skills.

This handbook is a field-specific guide for you currently taking a HSS module as part of either I-Explore or Horizons. It will serve to answer any questions you have about modules within the HSS field, which aren’t answered by the CLCC handbook. It highlights the expectations, study practices and sources of support most relevant to HSS.

Overview

  1. These opening sections introduce Humanities and Social Sciences study at Imperial and set out what you can expect from learning in the field, and what our expectations are of you.
  2. Assessments: This section explains how assessment works across HSS modules.
  3. Marking, feedback and improvement: This section outlines how work is marked, when students can usually expect feedback, and how feedback should be used as a tool for development. 
  4. HSS assessment policies and specific writing guidance: This section brings together the key rules and expectations that apply to assessed work in HSS. It covers word counts and time limits, explains the importance of accurate referencing and academic integrity, and gives practical writing guidance on producing clear, analytical, well-structured academic work that meets disciplinary conventions.
  5. HSS AI specific policy: This sections explains the HSS policy for using AI in your studies and assessments. It is the generic policy, but where modules vary, they will explicitly explain. 
  6. Getting help and key contacts: This section signposts the support available if students encounter difficulties that may affect their studies. 

What you should expect in this field

Humanities & Social Sciences modules ask you to engage actively with ideas, arguments, evidence, and interpretation. You may encounter a range of approaches across modules, including theoretical discussion, textual analysis, case studies, social and cultural critique, historical or political analysis, and reflective engagement with contemporary issues. 

Whichever module you take, you will be expected to read or prepare in advance, think critically about the questions being asked, and contribute constructively to discussion. Strong work in HSS is usually characterised by clear argument, relevant evidence, thoughtful analysis, and an ability to communicate ideas precisely and persuasively. 

HSS modules typically reward those who move beyond description to interpretation and evaluation. This means asking not only what a text, event, theory, or case study says, but also why it matters, how convincing it is, what assumptions it relies on, and how it relates to wider debates.  

Preparation and participation expectations

Preparation 

Preparation for classes is essential. As a general guide, around one hour of preparation may be required for each class, though this will vary across modules and levels. Preparation may include reading, viewing, listening, research, or note-making before class. You will often be expected to arrive ready to discuss the material and share your ideas. 

You should engage respectfully in class discussion and contribute in ways that support collective learning. You should approach discussion as part of your learning process. You are not expected to have all the answers, but you are expected to contribute thoughtfully, listen carefully to others, and respond in a constructive and academically respectful way. 

Session recording

HSS sessions which are recorded (either in-person, or online) will be stored securely online for the use of yourself and other students for revision and other work outside of regular teaching hours (‘asynchronous learning’). You are not permitted to distribute these recordings.

Notes for online modules

Where teaching takes place online, you are expected to observe appropriate online etiquette, including respectful communication, avoiding interruptions, and using course tools appropriately for class discussion (i.e. have you webcams on, have your microphone on mute in plenary sessions, use the ‘raise hand’ tool or ‘chat’ function to communicate). Where possible, use a suitable device, stable internet connection, and a quiet working space, if you anticipate or experience any issues, let your lecturer know as soon as possible.