SO4B2
MSc in Human Rights and Politics Dissertation
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Chetan Bhatt STC.S107
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Human Rights and Politics. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
Dissertation workshops aim to help you to begin the process of writing your dissertation, develop your ideas further, and learn about a range of research methods and techniques. During MT, an extended seminar aims to get students thinking about research on Human Rights and Politics and how to identify a strong research problem. In Lent Term, dissertation workshops will cover a range of areas, including the structure of a dissertation, ethical and practical issues in research, refining your research problem, deciding on research methods, analysing data, and writing the dissertation. The workshops will aim to give tailored guidance on proposed research questions in small groups with fellow students who are working on similar topics. The MSc in Human Rights and Politics takes a pluralist approach towards research methods and does not seek to prescribe any particular theories or methods.
Teaching
2 hours of seminars in the MT. 3 hours of seminars in the LT. 2 hours of seminars in the ST.
These seminars are for students on the MSc Human Rights and Politics only.
In addition to the above teaching, there will be two 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 provide basic guidance about planning your dissertation, such as selecting a suitable topic, designing the research and reviewing the existing literature.
Teaching arrangements may be adjusted if online teaching is required at any point.
Formative coursework
Students will be required to submit a provisional dissertation title in MT, plus an extended dissertation statement in LT.
Indicative reading
Seale, C. (2018), Researching Society and Culture (Fourth Edition), Sage.
Assessment
Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) in August.
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 18th August 2022. An additional 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 workshops and submission of all set coursework is required.
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: Sociology
Total students 2020/21: 53
Average class size 2020/21: 13
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills