EU499
Dissertation
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
All teachers of taught courses within the European Institute.
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE & Sciences Po), MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi), MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Political Economy of Europe and MSc in Political Economy of Europe (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available on the MSc in European and International Public Policy and MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
Students are required to write a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic within the field of their chosen programme. Those seeking further guidance on topic selection should approach their Academic Mentor in the first instance. A Dissertation Supervisor will be assigned later in the academic year after students have submitted a preliminary topic proposal and we endeavour to team students with Supervisors with a close area of interest. Students also retain the right to discuss their project with other faculy both within the EI and beyond in the LSE (through mentoring hours). The dissertation should be an account of original research, but can rely on secondary sources.
In preparation for the dissertation, students must submit a Preliminary Dissertation Topic Proposal, a Dissertation Prospectus and a Final Dissertation Topic Proposal, along with a research ethics review checklist. Students must submit all required documents to be able to submit the Dissertation. Students must also receive approval of their Final Dissertation Topic Approval Form before they are allowed to submit.
Students are strongly advised to attend the relevant methodology course for their programme, which will cover topics on how to conduct research and write a dissertation. Detailed information on timing, deadlines and presentation can be found in the EU499 Moodle page. Students are required to read any additional information relevant to their particular programme. Following this support in developing a well-thought out proposal and plan of action the student compiles the dissertation as an independent project over the summer.
Teaching
- Students taking MSc in Political Economy of Europe, MSc in Political Economy of Europe (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE and Sciences Po) are expected to attend EU410 Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Design.
- Students taking MSc in International Migration and Public Policy are expected to attend SO476 Researching Migration: Research Questions and Research Methods. Students on this programme may also attend EU410 if they choose.
- Students taking MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (Sciences Po) and MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi) are required to take EU490 Evidence and Analysis in Policy-Making (or, with permission, MY452). Students on these programmes may also attend EU410 if they choose.
Formative coursework
A written essay (prospectus) of 2,000 words is required as part of the approval process.
Assessment
Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) post-summer term.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 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 differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching 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: European Institute
Total students 2020/21: 214
Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable
Controlled access 2020/21: No
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication