DV510
Research Design and Proposal in International Development
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Kathleen Meagher
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MRes/PhD in International Development. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
Students will work with their academic supervisors to structure a doctoral research proposal that has the potential to make a significant contribution to knowledge and that reflects a sophisticated mastery of advanced theoretical and methodological tools from one or more academic disciplines related to international development. They will learn how to identify good research questions that are embedded in the current academic literature, and how to apply recognisable, defensible and academically sophisticated methodologies to address those questions. The doctoral research proposal itself will identify a key research question(s) for investigation, a justification well embedded in existing academic literature for why the topic is theoretically and empirically important, and a well-developed theoretical and methodological framework for researching the question(s).
Teaching
Students will meet their supervisors three times a term during their first year of study in accordance with the LSE's regulations for Research Degrees. Their proposals will be developed over the course of these meetings. There will be one DV510 proposal workshop in the Summer Term at which students will present their draft proposals and receive feedback.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 3 pieces of coursework in the MT, LT and ST.
Students will submit drafts of their proposal to their supervisors and receive feedback.
Indicative reading
The reading list for each student will be determined by the research they propose undertaking.
Assessment
Research proposal (100%) in August.
A research proposal of 10,000 words to be submitted in August.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: International Development
Total students 2019/20: 7
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
