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MPhil/PhD in Psychological and Behavioural Science

Programme Code: RPPB

Department: Psychological and Behavioural Science

For students starting this programme of study in 2021/22

Guidelines for interpreting programme regulations

The MPhil/PhD programme includes taught courses on both methodology and theory. The precise courses students are required to attend varies and exemptions may apply depending on prior experience and qualifications. These matters should be discussed and agreed with the supervisor in the first formal supervision meeting.

Paper

Course number, title (unit value)

Years 1-4

Training courses

Students are asked to complete 10 hours of research training in each year of study, which should be agreed with your supervisor according to your needs. Taught classes can be accessed within the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, as well as in departments across LSE including Methodology. Methodology courses available include Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Methodology, Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Analysis and Measurement. Training courses are offered through our PhD academy and with affiliate institutions. Access is subject to agreement with the relevant course convenors (e.g. according to space considerations).

Transferable skills courses

Compulsory (not examined):

 

PB500 Current Research in Psychological and Behavioural Science (0.0)

 

Weekly seminars including plenary and specialist sessions in Michaelmas Term, Lent Term and Summer Term.

Progression and upgrade requirements  
The first year Extended Essay and the second year Upgrade chapters (see below) are examined by a three-person thesis committee, which includes the student's supervisor, as well as two other academic colleagues.

Targets for progress 
Year 1 
- Extended Essay of 6,000 words, submitted on first day of Lent Term.
Year 2 - Upgrade viva. Two draft chapters of 10,000 words each (total of 20,000 words), submitted on first day of Lent Term. These chapters form the basis of an oral examination by three person thesis committee usually four to six weeks after submission. Success in this examination results in upgrade from MPhil to PhD status.
Year 3- Completed first draft by end of three years.

Teaching experience
Graduates will usually gain some teaching experience and have had the opportunity to develop teaching skills.

Note for prospective students:
For changes to graduate course and programme information for the next academic session, please see the graduate summary page for prospective students. Changes to course and programme information for future academic sessions can be found on the graduate summary page for future students.