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Guidance for Students on Academic Mentoring & Dissertation Supervision in the Department of Social Policy

The LSE Academic Code confirms that all students have an Academic Mentor (AM) for academic guidance, are invited to meet their AM at least twice in Autumn Term and twice in Winter Term, can be signposted to wider wellbeing support, and can access staff via published office hours.

  • You will have an Academic Mentor to advise on academic matters (ideally throughout your programme).
  • You are entitled to meet your AM at least 2 times in Autumn Term and 2 times in Winter Term (1-1 or group formats).
  • In addition to academic guidance, you can access personal support via Department and School services (e.g., Disability & Wellbeing Services and Student Services).
  • Teaching staff offer a minimum of 35 office hours (full-time staff) during term time, normally face-to-face unless otherwise agreed.

How much Contact Time should I have with my AM?

You are entitled to at least 2 meetings in Autumn Term and 2 meetings in Winter Term with your AM, and no less than 3 hours total contact before the end of Summer Term.

Meetings may be 1-1 or group sessions, depending on what you need and what is agreed.

How do these meetings get set up?

It is your responsibility to book meetings when you need advice (your AM may occasionally initiate meetings on specific issues).

Staying in touch with your AM helps you to:

  • Access academic guidance and signposting to key support.
  • Discuss opportunities and next steps you may not be aware of.
  • Get dissertation supervision (supervision ends at the end of Summer Term).
  • Build a relationship with your key academic contact for e.g. future academic references.

AMs provide bookable slots via the Student Hub. Use the Hub to book appointments and keep your AM updated on your progress.

How many meetings should I book? What if I can’t make a meeting?

Book meetings when you need guidance on coursework, progress, dissertation planning, or anything affecting your studies. Even if things are going well, aim to meet at least twice in Autumn Term and twice in Winter Term.

Please be considerate: AMs have many mentees and limited appointment slots alongside teaching and research.

  • Only book when you have something to discuss or for an Academic code-aligned catch-up; add a brief note on what you want to cover.
  • Do not reserve recurring slots “just in case”
  • If you cannot attend, cancel your appointment on the Student Hub (and email your AM if appropriate) as early as possible.

What if I cannot make the appointment times set by my AM? What if there are no slots left?

If you cannot attend any available slots due to a timetable clash, email your AM to arrange an alternative time so you can still meet the minimum contact expectation.

  • Note: lack of availability should be due to teaching/essential commitments, not simple preference.

If no slots remain, email your AM to request another time (especially for urgent issues). Otherwise, book the next available slot.

What about Dissertation Support?

You may need additional meetings for your dissertation; AMs may provide dedicated dissertation slots or allow longer appointments where feasible:

  • Follow your AM’s instructions on how to use dissertation vs. general slots.
  • If unsure, ask your AM early in the year.

Your AM may not be a subject specialist in your exact area, but all Social Policy AMs can support the research process and how to approach a Social Policy dissertation.

For subject-specific input:

  • You can book to speak to relevant faculty members (in Social Policy/across LSE) via the Student Hub.
  • Your AM may suggest who to speak to for your topic area.

You cannot change your AM based on your dissertation topic.

You are entitled to feedback on up to one dissertation chapter. Agree with your AM when they need to receive it to provide timely feedback.

What do I do if I have any issues with AM support?

If you have concerns about AM support, contact the Social Policy Programmes Support Team: socialpolicy.ug@lse.ac.uk/socialpolicy.msc@lse.ac.uk or the Deputy Head of Department (Teaching), Tim Hildebrandt: T.H.Hildebrandt@lse.ac.uk