SO449
Independent Project
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Suzanne Hall STC.S212
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in City Design and Social Science. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The independent project enables students to develop an original and extended piece of work on any approved topic within the field of the MSc programme - students are encouraged, but not required, to develop work on themes or sites introduced in their Studio or core courses. The project may focus on a small-scale urban research study or on a practical proposal for urban intervention. Approval for the topic must be obtained from your academic advisor.
Teaching
In LT students attend project workshops and submit a provisional project abstract; academic advisors for the independent project are assigned on the basis of the abstract. In ST, each student has regular supervisory meetings with their academic mentor, a workshop and final reviews with members of faculty. Students are also encouraged to consult with other members of faculty during regular office hours.
There will be three sessions during MT for ALL MSc students based in the Sociology department. These will be offered in conjunction with LSE Life and LSE Library and aim to provide some basic guidance about planning your dissertation, such as selecting a suitable topic, reviewing the existing literature, devising a research question and designing a research method.
Teaching arrangements may be adjusted if online teaching is required at any point.
Formative coursework
Students are required to submit a project outline in Lent Term.
Assessment
Project (100%, 10000 words) post-summer term.
Two hard copies of the dissertation, with submission sheets attached to each, to be handed in to the Sociology Hub, STC.S116, no later than 4.00pm on Thursday 19th of August 2021. An additional electronic copy to be uploaded to Moodle no later than 4.00pm on the same day.
Both hard copies and electronic copies must be submitted on time to avoid any late submission penalties.
Dissertations may be up to and no more than 10,000 words, must be word-processed and be fully referenced using a recognised citation system.
Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 23.5 |
| Merit | 70.6 |
| Pass | 5.9 |
| Fail | 0 |
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: Sociology
Total students 2019/20: 16
Average class size 2019/20: 10
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills
