MPhil/PhD in Gender

Programme Code: RPGE

Department: Gender Studies

For students starting this programme of study in 2018/19

Guidelines for interpreting programme regulations

In addition to progressing with their research, students are expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses. Students may take courses in addition to those listed, and should discuss this with their supervisor.

Prerequisite Requirements and Mutually Exclusive Options

# means there may be prerequisites for this course. Please view the course guide for more information.

Progression and upgrade requirements
In the first year students will go through their Aims and Methods examination. This is held in the summer term and materials should be submitted by the end of the second week of summer term. Students submit a draft chapter and a research proposal for consideration by a panel of their supervisor and advisor (and occasional one other person with appropriate expertise). The research proposal follows a specific template and includes research objectives, the methodology and short research rationale. The nature of the chapter should be agreed with the supervisor. Both parts of the assessment focus on the student's own research and draw on material and debates engaged in GI424 and GI402 where relevant. Students must pass Aims and Methods before progressing to their second year. If unsuccessful at first sit, students have the opportunity to retake Aims and Methods once more at the end of September.

Research students make the transition from MPhil to PhD (Upgrading) by the end of the MT of their second year. In order to upgrade, students must have passed their Aims and Methods. For Upgrade students submit a detailed outline for their thesis (including the anticipated division into chapters), two substantive draft chapters (usually a literature review, methodology or introductory chapter, in discussion with supervisor), and a timetable for completion. The Upgrade is examined in a viva and the committee consists of the main and advisory supervisors and one other person who is not familiar with the student's work. Part-time student submissions are calculated pro-rata for both Aims and Methods and Upgrading.

Expectations for successful Aims and Methods and Upgrading:

• Satisfactory completion of materials for submission and appropriate academic presentation of the same
• Completion of compulsory courses, attendance and contribution to Doctoral Workshop
• Development of appropriate LSE courses in discussion with supervisor

Having successfully Upgraded you will have an annual review with your supervisor and advisor to ensure satisfactory progress.

Format

Currently there is one general mode of PhD Examination encouraged and supported in the Department of Gender Studies. However, by agreement amongst student, supervisors, and the Doctoral Programme Director it may be possible to pursue a PhD through papers.

The current mode available is a monographic thesis addressing a single subject in an integrated way.

In line with school regulations an alternative is possible:

1. A set of publishable papers on a set of related topics within the context framed by an introductory and concluding chapter, and adhering to the following guidance:

• An introduction to explain the justification for the research question and articulate the links between the papers.
• A concluding chapter which includes a summary of the preceding chapters.
• A minimum of 3 papers. This is a standard number in the paper by thesis format, but it is up to the candidate to decide how many papers to include, considering the advice of their supervisor and the normal practice in their field of study.

Guidance

Because interdisciplinary approaches in Gender Studies vary, it is important to understand this and discuss how to best meet the expectations and requirements of the job market in your field with your supervisor and the Doctoral Programme Director.

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.