SP499 One Unit
Dissertation - International Social & Public Policy
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Adam Oliver
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Social and Public Policy, MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Development), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Education), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (LSE and Fudan), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Migration), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations) and MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Research). This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
Please note that this Dissertation course is only open to Social Policy students and is taught jointly for students on SP498 & SP499.
SP498 is compulsory for MSc Criminal Justice Policy Students. SP499 is compulsory for all MSc International Social and Public Policy Students (all streams)
For queries please contact: socialpolicy.msc@lse.ac.uk
Those taking the course part-time must submit the dissertation in their second year.
Course content
The 10,000 word dissertation enables students to analyse in greater depth an issue relevant to their international social & public policy programme. You should discuss with your designated supervisor he selection of topic and its title.
Your supervisor can advise about preliminary reading, methods and broad analytical approach; and comment on the draft chapter.
Please note: Students on the Development, Migration, Education or Non-Governmental Organisations ISPP streams are expected to complete dissertations on topics related to their stream, or they may not qualify for the stream Degree for which they are registered. Dissertations of students on the ISPP (Research) stream are required to be based on empirical quantitative or qualitative research, except by permission of the programme director.
Please note: MSc ISPP students (all streams) MUST pass the Dissertation to graduate. IN ADDITION, from Academic Year 2025/26 onwards:
- MSc ISPP (Research) students (only) must also pass SP401 to graduate
- All other MSc ISPP stream students must also pass SP400 to graduate
Teaching
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
Workshops/Dissertation support sessions will be held in late AT and throughout WT for students taking SP498 (CJP Dissertation) and those taking SP499 (ISPP Dissertation)
Academic Mentors will provide regular supervision and feedback throughout the three terms.
Formative assessment
The area of study is defined by the student, in consultation with their Academic Mentor.
An Academic Mentor is appointed to supervise each student. Students will discuss an outline proposal with their Mentor and submit their outline, as a basis of discussion to confirm their topic. The Mentor will provide regular supervision and feedback.
Assessment
Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) in August
Dissertations should be no more than 10,000 words in length (100% of this unit), excluding the bibliography. They will be due in August.
Key facts
Department: Social Policy
Course Study Period: Autumn and Winter Term
Unit value: One unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 196
Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication