For more than 30 years, LSE has teamed up with leading organisations in the commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors to enable students in MSc Human Resources and Organisations to conduct applied research projects.
As an essential part of their professional education, participating students research a topic suggested by their host organisation using a case-study approach that entails gathering and analysing data, and producing a Business Report for the organisation, alongside a dissertation for LSE.
The best topics for a Links research project are those that are important for the host organisation, but not urgent. A team of students with access to LSE’s research resources and academic supervision can achieve sufficient depth and independence of analysis to kick-start further action and debate on these sorts of topics within the host organisation.
Host organisations gain access to independent research and analysis on a people-related issue that is of practical importance for them. They can also use the Links scheme as a way to spot and test talent to cover their future recruiting needs. Sponsors often see their participation as a way of supporting future members of their professional community, LSE and higher education in general.
Scheme timeline
Research projects are outlined during the autumn. Students are assigned to projects in January and research is conducted between January and September.
September - November - LSE contacts potential host organisations and assists in developing a research project brief
December - ‘Meet the Sponsors’ event
Early January - Sponsors interview students (optional). Students are allocated to projects.
February- July - Research undertaken (NB students unavailable over exam period in May-June)
August - September - Project finalised, dissertation and business report prepared for submission
Further information
Download our Links brochure to learn more about the scheme, including examples of past projects and participating organisations.
For organisations interested in pursuing a project, please contact Stephanie Cloots, Corporate Relations Manager,