The Programme Director of each MRes/PhD programme is responsible for the allocation of a supervisor depending on the interests/topic proposed by the student for their research paper. 

This course is compulsory on the MRes/PhD in Economics and Management, MRes/PhD in Management (Employment Relations and Human Resources), MRes/PhD in Management (Marketing) and MRes/PhD in Management (Organisational Behaviour). This course is not available as an outside option.

The Research Paper builds on the research training provided through the core courses, optional courses and research practicums undertaken taken by students during the MRes. At the start of the AT of Year 2 of their MRes programme students will be assigned to a faculty member as their Research Proposal supervisor. The topic area of the Research Paper is chosen by the students in consultation with their Research paper supervisor and the Programme Director.

The Research Paper must be independent work, demonstrate the ability to employ relevant concepts from their field of study and the wider social sciences effectively, show an understanding of and critical engagement with the relevant literature and an appreciation of the nature of explanation and analysis in their field. The Research Paper must demonstrate the capacity to produce original research. Apart from it being an integral core component of the MRes programme, the Research Paper may also serve as a first step towards (a) the production of a publishable journal paper, (b) one of the papers in the students’ prospective paper-based PhD dissertation or (c) the basis for the development of their PhD dissertation Research Proposal, or a combination of the above. Students will be given the opportunity to present and discuss their paper within the Department.

Students work contiously on the research papers with their supervisor throughout the year and submit their paper in the Spring Term.

A short Research Paper proposal should be submitted by students outlining the topic to the Programme Director by the last day of the ST in Year 1. 

Students are welcome to seek advice on their Research Paper initial ideas from their Programme Director, Faculty they have worked with in their Research Practicums and their wider Faculty Research Group.The supervisor for the MG598 research paper is assigned by the Programme Director in discussion with their Faculty group.

From the start of Year 2, the supervisor will provide academic support and feedback. It the responsibility of the supervisor and student to arrange regular meetings to discuss and receive feedback on the Research Paper. There will also be regular check-ins (at least 1 per term) between the student and the Programme Director or with a designated faculty member in cases where the Programme Director is also their supervisor.

In its Ethics Code, LSE upholds a commitment to intellectual freedom. This means we will protect the freedom of expression of our students and staff and the right to engage in healthy debate in the classroom.

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) in the ST.

The Research Paper should be between 7,000 - 10,000 words.