Information for Double Degree Students
Guidance for students studying one of our Double Degrees
Use the drop-down menu below to find additional guidance for your chosen double degree.
Students taking the LSE-Bocconi Double Degree in European and International Public Policy and Politics are expected to meet the dissertation criteria for each individual academic institution. You will therefore have to submit your dissertation twice. Once at the LSE in mid-August and slightly later in the year at Bocconi.
It’s important that you understand what is required, and when, by each institution. Bocconi will provide you with guidance on writing your dissertation, and the requirements for submitting at Bocconi.
At LSE, the EU499 Dissertation Moodle page is your go-to resource for information about the LSE dissertation (please note an LSE IT account is required to access Moodle). You be assigned an academic mentor in the Winter Term who you are expected to speak with throughout your project’s development until the last day of supervision at the end of the Spring Term. Please note that your LSE supervisor will only be able to guide you on meeting the LSE Dissertation requirements. You will need to independently find a supervisor willing to sponsor your project at Bocconi.
We recommend that you read all of the information available from both institutions before starting your project. You should think strategically and ensure that you are not creating more work for yourself by pursuing research that may not be accepted by one institution or the other. This is by no means an easy task, but you will not be left alone You will be assigned an Academic Mentor at the start of your second year at LSE. Your Academic Mentor will help guide you in developing your project to ensure that your research design is appropriate and that your project is viable. Our advice is start early and maintain dialogue with all parties regularly.
Your MSc Programme Regulations
We’ll provide guidance on how to interpret your MSc programme regulations in the summer so please hold off from asking questions about which courses you can take for the time being as there will be plenty of opportunities as we approach the course choice window opening in late September.
Incoming LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree students will need to indicate which ‘degree stream’ you would like to pursue during your second year of studies at LSE. You are eligible to choose one MSc programme from the following:
- MSc Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE-Science Po)
- MSc European and International Public Policy (LSE-Science Po)
- MSc International Migration and Public Policy (LSE-Science Po)
- MSc Political Economy of Europe (LSE-Science Po)
Our colleagues at Sciences Po will be reaching out to you about which of the above streams you would like to follow in April.
EU499 Dissertation vs. EU495 Applied Policy Project
One major difference between the MSc Culture & Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE-Columbia) and the single honours sister programme is that you are able to choose between two options for your final project under Paper 4 of your MSc programme regulations. You will need to be sure which of these options you'd like to select before you arrive and make your choice during the course selection window at the start of Autumn Term. Once you have made your decision there is no going back. So what's the difference?
EU499 Dissertation
Students are required to write a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic within the field of your programme. You will initially develop your project with your Academic Mentor at LSE in early Autumn Term, before submitting a preliminary proposal and being assigned a Dissertation Supervisor who will be your primary contact for the remainder of the project. Formative milestones along the way include a preliminary synopsis (due in late Autumn Term), a preliminary topic proposal (due early Winter Term, a prospectus (due between late Winter Term and the end of the Spring Break in agreement with your Supervisor), and a final topic proposal in Spring Term. The final deadline for the dissertation is in mid-August.
EU495 Applied Policy Project
Students will work on an applied policy project related to a public policy problem in lieu of a dissertation. This policy problem can be situated at the international, European, national, or sub-national level. Thematically, it can be related to a wide range of relevant policy fields (e.g., international trade, social policy, environmental policy, or justice and home affairs and migration). Workshops will provide overviews of different styles and types of policy analysis writings. Students will have regular meetings with their supervisors. Students must submit formative work as part of the Applied Policy Project process - namely a condensed summary of the policy brief in Autumn Term and a presentation in Winter Term. Students’ summative work, on which the final grades of the project will be determined, consists of two applied policy papers: A policy brief (worth 30% of the final grade, due in Spring Term) and a Policy Paper (worth 70% of the final grade, due in mid-August).
The information below is relevant to students on the LSE-Fudan Double Degree in the Global Political Economy of China and Europe and is intended to give some information about what to expect in the 2nd year of your programme. A special introductory session with Fudan University will be held early in the Autumn Term, with opportunities to ask for further information about the details provided.
What are the term dates at Fudan University?
Fudan academic year is divided into two semesters, fall and spring semester. The fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and ends in January. The spring semester typically begins in the middle of February and ends in late June. They fall on different dates each year. The academic calendar will be available in the Spring semester before you come to Shanghai.
What steps do I need to take before I go to China?
Fudan University requires you to complete an application before you begin the 2nd year of your studies. The application period is typically, during April. Fudan will provide students with application instructions in March.
Could my application be refused?
No, but you have to meet the LSE’s minimum progression requirement.
Are there scholarships available for my year in Fudan?
International students have opportunities to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship that is offered by China Scholarship Council (CSC) for their second-year studies in China.
When can I apply for CSC scholarship?
You need to apply between early January and early April. Please consult the dispatching authorities for the specific deadline of each year.
You can check the official website of CSC or consult the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
How to submit my application for the CSC scholarship?
You need to prepare application material as required and submit your application to the dispatching authorities in your home country (e.g., Chinese Embassy, Chinese Consulate).
Please note that students in this double degree programme are not eligible for the CSC scholarship program of "Chinese University's Independent Enrolment Program."
What is the procedure for a visa?
You can apply for the student visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country with supporting documents including Fudan Admission Notice, Visa Application Form (JW202 Form), your valid passport, and Physical Examination Report. More details will be available when you receive the admission package. Typically, the admission package will be sent to accepted applicants by courier in June or July.
When will I receive a timetable?
Typically, the timetable will be available at the end of spring semester. Before that, you will receive a rough one during the orientation session at the beginning of your first year at LSE.
Where can I get more information about accommodation?
You can check the International Students Office of Fudan University website for information on accommodation: https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/isoenglish/
Or contact the International Students Office of Fudan University:
Email: isoadmission@fudan.edu.cn
Telephone number: +86-21-65642258
What should I be doing to prepare to study at Fudan?
- Develop a thesis topic before you arrive. During the first year at LSE, you are expected to attend EU470 "How do we know? An introduction to research design and methods in political economy" to assist in preparing your thesis topic.
- Contact your desired supervisor and discuss the topic of your thesis.
- Any essential reading? Each course will have different requirements and reading materials and they will be given in each course’s syllabus.
Will I be assigned an academic mentor during my time at Fudan University?
No, the program will not assign academic mentor to students. However, your thesis supervisor will guide you throughout the process of your thesis writing. You can also seek academic advice from your program director.
When can I expect to receive more information about my year at Fudan University?
Fudan will organize an orientation session at the beginning of your first year at LSE (on site or remotely). General information on your year at Fudan will be available during the meeting, and there will be opportunities for students to ask questions about the information provided here. Fudan will also be in touch with you whenever there is any update to the information provided.