DV410      One Unit
Research Design and Dissertation in International Development

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Dr Sohini Kar

Dr Tasha Fairfield

Prof Kate Meagher

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Development Management (Applied Development Economics), MSc in Development Management (Applied Development Economics) (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Development Management (Political Economy), MSc in Development Management (Political Economy) (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Development Studies, MSc in Health and International Development and MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes.

Course content

This course covers the design, research, and writing of the 10,000 word dissertation in international development. Students will learn about the challenges of conducting independent research in international development, consider the methods used to generate evidence, and to critically assess the quality and validity of research analysis and findings in development research and policy.

Teaching

This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.

Students are provided with guidance and training on their dissertation over the course of three terms from their academic mentor, lecturers in DV410, and from individual and group sessions provided through LSE Life and the Methodology Institute throughout the academic year.

Formative assessment

Formative verbal feedback is provided on an ongoing basis from the academic mentor, and in the dissertation proposal form in WT. In ST, formative feedback in a more structured format is provided in the dissertation workshop.

 

Assessment

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words)


Key facts

Department: International Development

Course Study Period: Autumn, Winter and Spring Term

Unit value: One unit

FHEQ Level: Level 7

CEFR Level: Null

Total students 2024/25: 351

Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable

Controlled access 2024/25: No
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Course selection videos

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Personal development skills

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