Prof Elias Mossialos COW 2.12 and Prof Andrew Street COW 1.02

This course is compulsory on the Executive MSc in Health Economics and Policy (LSE and Chicago). This course is not available as an outside option.

The dissertation could be on any topic in the field of health policy and economics. It should attempt to integrate approaches and knowledge learned across courses and present results to address a health policy, economic issue or a problem identified through the use of either primary or secondary data. It must demonstrate adequate knowledge of relevant theoretical and empirical literature in the field. In addition, careful analysis of the policy implications and formulation of policy recommendations is essential. The main body of the dissertation should, in principle, include the background to the research, method of investigation, results of the analysis, discussion and policy implications and recommendations.

2 hours of lectures in the ST.

In addition to the lectures, students will be given individual support by their allocated supervisor.

Two webinars, each hosted before meetings with advisors, will be made available to students. The webinars will be 80 minutes in length each, and will include a 60 minute lecture, and 20 min worth of question time. In case students are unable to attend, the webinar session will be recorded and made available to all students.

The webinars will start two months prior to the LSE Teaching period. This will also aid off campus, as with all the other Webinars, engagement and will be organised by the course leader. Given they are online, there will be no implications in regard to organising physical space within LSE.

Students will be expected to produce 1 piece of coursework in the LT.

Students will develop a dissertation proposal outlining their objectives, research questions, and planned methods. This will serve as the basis of discussions with their allocated supervisors and each student will receive individual feedback. 

Dunleavy, P. (1986) Studying for a Degree in the Social Sciences, Macmillan. (See Chapter 5: Writing a Dissertation)

Denscombe, M. (2007) The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects.

Maidenhead: Open University Press. H61 D41

Kotz, D. and Cals J.W.L. (2013) Effective writing and publishing scientific papers – part 1: how to get started. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. Vol 66, no 4, p 397.

Grix, J. (2004) The Foundations of Research. Houndmills : Palgrave Macmillan LB2369 G87

Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (2001) Surviving Your Dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process. London: Sage. LB2369 R91

Dissertation (100%, 5000 words) in the MT.