EU499     
Dissertation

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

All teachers of taught courses within the European Institute.

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE & Sciences Po), MSc in European Studies (Research), MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi), MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in Political Economy of Europe and MSc in Political Economy of Europe (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available on the MSc in European and International Public Policy and MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

Students are required to write a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic within the field of their chosen programme. Those seeking further guidance on topic selection should approach their Academic Mentor in the first instance. A Dissertation Supervisor will be assigned later in the academic year after students have submitted a preliminary topic proposal.  The dissertation should be an account of original research, but can rely on secondary sources.   

In preparation for the dissertation, students must submit a Preliminary Dissertation Topic Proposal, a Dissertation Prospectus and a Final Dissertation Topic Proposal, along with a research ethics review checklist. Students must submit all required documents to be able to submit the Dissertation. Students must also receive approval of their Final Dissertation Topic Approval Form before they are allowed to submit.

Students are strongly advised to attend the relevant methodology course for their programme, which will cover topics on how to conduct research and write a dissertation. Detailed information on timing, deadlines and presentation can be found in the EU499 Moodle page. Students are required to read any additional information relevant to their particular programme.

Teaching

  • Students taking MSc in Political Economy of Europe, MSc in Political Economy of Europe (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE and Sciences Po) are expected to attend EU410 Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Design.

     
  • Students taking MSc in European Studies (Research) are required to choose a research course from their Paper 2 options.

     
  • Students taking MSc in International Migration and Public Policy are expected to attend SO476 Researching Migration: Research Questions and Research Methods.

     
  • Students taking MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (Sciences Po) and MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi) are required to take EU490 Evidence and Analysis in Policy-Making.

Formative coursework

A written essay (prospectus) of 2,000 words is required as part of the approval process

Assessment

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) post-summer term.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: European Institute

Total students 2019/20: 177

Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable

Controlled access 2019/20: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication