HP431      Half Unit
Dissertation in Health Policy

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Availability

The dissertation could be on any topic relevant to topics studied in the student MSc. It should attempt to integrate approaches and knowledge learned across courses and present results to address a health policy issue or a problem identified through the use of either primary or secondary data. It must demonstrate adequate knowledge of relevant theoretical and empirical literature in the field. In addition, careful analysis of the policy implications and formulation of policy recommendations is essential. The main body of the dissertation should, in principle, include the background to the research, method of investigation, results of the analysis, discussion and policy implications and recommendations. 

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

4 hours of workshops.

The course comprising a total of two 2-hour lectures that will focus on issues pertaining to the dissertation (topic selection, structure, methods, result reporting, ethics approval), as well as general guidance on potential methodological approaches. The course will serve as a means to assist students with the preparation and finalisation of their dissertation proposals. In this context, students will also receive feedback and assistance from their supervisors, with whom they will need to meet separately.

These will be complemented by sessions of individual supervision.

Students will be expected to produce 1 piece of coursework in the WT and ST.

This will comprise of your dissertation proposals which must be completed by all students. 

Dunleavy, P. (1986) Studying for a Degree in the Social Sciences, Macmillan.
(See Chapter 5: Writing a Dissertation)
Denscombe, M. (2007) The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects.
Maidenhead: Open University Press. H61 D41
Dunleavy, P. (2003) Authoring a PhD: how to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or
dissertation. Basingstoke: Palgrave-Macmillan. LB2369 D92
Grix, J. (2004) The Foundations of Research. Houndmills : Palgrave Macmillan LB2369 G87
Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (2001) Surviving Your Dissertation: a comprehensive guide to
content and process. London: Sage. LB2369 R91

Dissertation (100%, 6000 words)

All students undertaking a dissertation are required to submit an ethics form via LSE's Research Ethics Submission System, irrespective of their research topic, in order to ensure that their study is conducted with integrity and in compliance with ethical principles.