Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about studying ISOR

(See also the New arrivals page in the Student Services Centre section.)

This page provides further information for students about the MSc Information Systems and Organisations (Research) at the London School of Economics and Political Science. We have another page with Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about applying for ISOR.

What is the structure of the ISOR year?
Does an ISOR degree automatically qualify me for entry onto the LSE doctoral programme in Information Systems?
How many hours of teaching do I have per week?
What sort of topics do people study on ISOR?
Where can I go after ISOR?
What mechanisms exist for evaluating the quality of teaching in the department?
Where can I find other sources of information about information systems?
What background reading should I do before coming on the course?
What computing experience do I need?
How can I find out more about the LSE library?
Where can I live in London?
Where can I find out more about studying at LSE and living in London?

1. What is the structure of the ISOR year?

This MSc is a full year course, based on LSE's three terms and the summer break. In the first term students take

Foundations of Social Research in Information Systems: Paradigms and Traditions (Half unit) IS492
Qualitative Research Methods in Information Systems (Half unit) IS493
Quantitative Analysis II: The Generalised Linear Model (Half unit) MI452

In the second term, students take

Interpretations of Information (Half unit) IS481
Qualitative Social Research: Interview, Text and Image (Half unit) MI454
Quantitative Analysis III: Applied Multivariate Analysis (Half unit) MI455

IS492 and IS493 are examined by essays. The other modules are assessed by written examination in the third term. Following the examinations, students work on their 15,000 word summer dissertation, which is submitted at the beginning of September.

2. Does an ISOR degree automatically qualify me for entry onto the LSE doctoral programme in Information Systems?

ISOR is a stand-alone degree. It is an excellent preparation for advance level research, including PhD programmes. Entry onto the LSE Information Systems and Innovation PhD programme will depend upon the following criteria:

A Distinction or Merit in ISOR.

A high quality research proposal.

Availability of supervisor in your topic area.

3. How many hours of teaching do I have per week?

You will have approximately 9-12 hours of teaching/classes per week. However, your commitment to the programme extends beyond this, and includes attending tutorials, research seminars and informal discussions within the Group. You are also encouraged to attend events in the broader Department of Management and LSE public lectures.

4. What sort of topics do people study on ISOR?

Students on ISOR have a wide variety of interests. You can read the titles of of the proposals for future doctoral study submitted by the first cohort of students.

5 Where can I go after ISOR?

Successful completion of ISOR meets the research training requirement for entry to the IS PhD programme, however it does not guarantee a place on that programme. ISOR will meet the requirements for both European and US doctoral programmes.

ISOR will also provide evidence of the research skills that are increasingly demanded by commercial and governmental organisations for policy and strategy staff.

6. What mechanisms exist for evaluating the quality of teaching in the department?

See Teaching quality reviews.

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7. Where can I find other sources of information about information systems?

One of the best resources is the Association for Information Systems website; or see Resources and links on the ISI Group webpage.

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8. What background reading should I do before coming on the course?

We do not require you to read any particular items before you come on the course, as you will have enough reading to do during the 12 months that you are at LSE. However, for those who do want to do some preparatory reading click here.

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9. What computing experience do I need?

There is no formal computing requirement, although we do expect students to have a basic familiarity with desktop productivity tools (or a willingness to learn how to use them in their own time). The LSE computing environment is based around personal computers running Windows XP and using Microsoft Office 2003 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook). Specialist packages for systems development and research are taught on the course and we presume that you are comfortable with using the standard office packages.

10. How can I find out more about the LSE library?

The LSE library (the British Library of Political and Economic Science) is the world's leading social science library. It has a web page giving details of services for Information Systems students.

11. Where can I live in London?

For details of LSE and University of London halls and flats and how to get help finding private accommodation, see Accommodation for students.

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12. Where can I find out more about studying at LSE and living in London?

See the New arrivals page in the Student Services Centre section, which has much useful information and many links on living and studying in London.