Currently Dr. J Parkhurst and Dr. M Bhatia (LSE) and Dr H. Walls (LSHTM) as Programme Directors though the Programme Directorship sometimes varies from year to year.

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

The aim of the course is to provide core information to students on dissertation-writing as well as to address queries students may have in relation to their dissertation topic, the methodology used, the likelihood of ethical approval, and data acquisition, among others.

The dissertation could be on any topic in the field of health policy, planning and/or financing. The main body of the dissertation should include the background to the research, method of investigation, results of the analysis, discussion and policy implications and recommendations.

Teaching comprises two 2-hour seminars, one in the LT and one in the ST. It may be merged with other MSc students in the Department when covering overlapping issues.

Finally, there is individual supervision for students on the dissertation.

Students will be required to write a summary of the proposed dissertation, outlining the title, background to the topic, methods to be employed, and likely expected results.

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words).