Programme Specification: MRes/PhD Political Science
1. Awarding Body
2. Details of accreditation by a
professional/statutory body, e.g. ESRC;
BPS etc
3. Name of final award
4. Programme Title
5. Duration of the course
6. Based in the Department/Institute:
7. Relevant QAA subject benchmark
statements
8. Application Code
LSE
This programme is recognised by the ESRC
for 1+3 research training.
9. First written/last amended
Jan 13
MRes/PhD
Political Science
MRes 1 year; PhD 3-4 years (minimum)
Government
N/A
M1ZN
10. The programme aims to:
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Ensure students are properly prepared before embarking on their doctoral research;
Ensure that students successful submit good doctoral dissertations in three years;
Produce excellent, well-rounded and intensively trained political science professionals
with knowledge of the key methodologies of the discipline;
Thus the central aim is to help produce a new generation of political scientists who
upon graduation will immediately be qualified to accept leading positions in their
professions. Graduates will be carefully trained and widely read - indeed they will be
able to interpret, evaluate, and use research results across a broad spectrum of
topics, well beyond the actual content of their own specialisation.
11. Programme outcomes: knowledge and understanding; skills and other attributes
At the end of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Knowledge and understanding of advanced principles of political science analysis as
applied to a particular field of research;
2. A more advanced understanding of a broader range of political science subjects than
is usual on a traditional PhD;
3. Competence in quantitative and/or qualitative techniques to an appropriate level;
4. The ability to critically evaluate and analyse leading social science research;
5. An understanding and ability to practice and implement careful research design in
political science projects.
12. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved
and demonstrated
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In the first, MRes year, combine a programme of intensive coursework with
preparation for the student’s doctoral research.
A strong emphasis on developing or acquiring methodological skills, up to at least an
intermediate level in quantitative methods.
A strong emphasis on research design: the careful planning of a political science
research project (i.e. the student’s thesis), via a variety of mechanisms –
Students are required to complete and be examined in 4 full-units, as follows:
1. Research Design (1 unit)
Research Design in Political Science| (full unit). Everyone takes this.
2. Methods (1 unit)*
EITHER (A) For quantitative research topics
Applied Regression Analysis| (half unit) AND
Applied Quantitative Methods for Political Science| (half unit) OR
Causal Inference for Observational and Experimental Studies| (half unit)
OR (B) For qualitative research topics
Qualitative Methods in the Study of Politics| (half unit) AND
Introduction to Quantitative Analysis| (half unit)
OR (C) For political theory research topics
Foundations of Political Theory| (full unit)
If these courses have already been taken, other methods courses may be substituted
with the approval of the Doctoral Programme Committee and the Supervisor.
3. Field Seminars (1 unit)
Courses to the value of 1 unit from the following:
Research Paper in Comparative Politics| (half or full unit)
Research Paper European Politics and Policy| (half or full unit)
Research Paper in Global Politics| (half or full unit)
Research Paper Political Science and Political Economy| (half or full unit)
Research Paper Political Theory| (half or full unit)
Research Paper Public Policy and Administration| (half or full unit)
Any course taught anywhere in the School, with the approval of the Course Convenor
and the Supervisor
Any course from 2, above, not already taken, or any research methods course taught
anywhere in the School, with the approval of the Doctoral Programme Committee and
the Supervisor.
4. Research Prospectus (1 unit)
Research Prospectus in Political Science| (full unit)
* If a student has already taken one of these courses or a closely related course, the
student can substitute the course for another course, with the approval of the Doctoral
Programme Committee.
Award of the MRes
The award and classification of the MRes is consistent with the School’s Scheme for
the Award of a four-unit Taught Masters Degree.
Conditions for Upgrade to PhD
1. Award of the MRes with at least a Merit
2. Award of GV599 (the Research Prospectus) with at least a Merit
The Research Prospectus is examined by the Prospectus Approval Committee.
The prospectus is defended in front of the Prospectus Approval Committee (in late
September or early October). The Committee will normally be comprised of, at least,:
(a) a supervisor of the student, (b) a member of the Doctoral Programme Committee,
and (c) an External Examiner.
The Prospectus Approval Committee will make one of four decisions: Unconditional
Approval, Conditional Approval, Revise and Resubmit, and Fail. Students who are
required to Revise and Resubmit are usually expected to resubmit the Prospectus
within three months. There will usually be only one opportunity to resubmit the
Prospectus.
Second, Third and Fourth Year of the programme
A) Research and write a dissertation
B) Participate in at least one Doctoral Workshop in the Government Department or
elsewhere in the School in each year (unless officially away on fieldwork or further
training).
Award of the PhD
The PhD is awarded according the rules of the LSE.
2. Learning
2.1 The role of classes
The primary purpose of classes is to deepen and broaden student understanding of core
material taught in lectures, to enable application of principles as appropriate and to enable
students to learn in an interactive environment. For class teaching to be effective class sizes
are restricted to approx 15 students.
The nature of the subject matter and the level of the module for which it is provided largely
dictate the format of classes. Classes in core modules are normally devoted to discussing
leading problems, theories and concepts which have shaped contemporary political science.
In some modules classes place more emphasis on discussion and class work may take the
form of essays. The interactive nature of class teaching permits a number of distinct
functions:
a.
Formative assessment and feedback on essays, exercises and class work marked by
the teacher
b.
Independent learning, by the advance completion of assigned exercises and class
work.
The development of oral communication skills. Class teachers are expected to promote the
active engagement of all students.
2.2 Support
There are programme conveners for qualitative and qualitative areas of MRes. They serve as
part of each new student’s supervisory team and are actively involved in selecting, welcoming
and advising new students (as well as on-going students) on their course selections and other
programme-related issues.
MRes students are co-supervised by two members of staff, typically one of the MRes
Convenors working along with another member of staff closely related to the student’s
substantive research project. All teachers hold regular office hours for student consultations.
3. Assessment
3.1 Formative Assessment and Feedback
During the year, formative assessment and feedback take place primarily through the class
setting. Feedback is given through discussion of essays and exercises completed by the
students in advance of the class. Formative assessment is tailored to the level and content of
particular modules but normally two items of work per term are marked by class teachers and
returned to students. On some of the graduate level core courses, one of these items will be a
mock exam (lent term).
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules and awards
See the MRes/PhD Political Science programme regulations
The programme structures and requirements are described above in section 12.
Additional information
14. Criteria for admission to the programme
In addition to the documents required by LSE admissions, all applications should include:
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LSE application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV or resume)
A personal statement of why you want to do the MRes/PhD
An outline of the PhD research that you intend to conduct (motivation, research
questions, approach, methods etc. in no more than 4-5 pages of text.)
While a first degree in political science is not necessary for admission, a record of academic
excellence and a willingness to attain a high level of proficiency in both political science and
analytical methods are. Most of the courses assume at least a good intermediate level
knowledge of political and social science principles, so candidates who have achieved this
previously will be best equipped to take full advantage of the teaching, participate in
seminars, and do themselves justice in the final examinations. In all cases numeracy is
important, and students are required to have a either a basic quantitative background, or the
ability to acquire one during the first year.
15. Indicators of quality
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The School participates in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)
which provides indicators of student satisfaction with various aspects of their research
degree programme. Results from this survey have been positive for the School.
Examiners’ reports from viva examinations are considered centrally within the School
and provide indicators on the quality of the research student experience and
supervision quality.
The LSE Careers Centre website provides data on career destinations of LSE
research graduates.
Strong demand by well qualified applicants for the programme and high qualifications
required for admission.
Student questionnaires and feedback via student liaison committees.
16. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standard of teaching and
learning
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The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) runs the Postgraduate Research
Experience Survey (PRES) and distributes results to departments. Survey results are
considered by School Committees (Research Degrees Sub-Committee & Teaching,
Learning and Assessment Committee) as well as within academic departments. Any
issues arising from the PRES would be addressed by the appropriate
body/department.
Taught courses on MPhil/PhD programmes are included in the School’s internal
student satisfaction survey, where such courses are provided at the Masters’ level, as
conducted by the Teaching Quality Assurance and Review Office.
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Departments review their programmes according to their own system of periodic
review.
The Methodology Institute offers methodological training across all MPhil/PhD
programme and transferrable study skills training courses are offered by the TLC for
all MPhil/PhD students: this central resource enhances the standard of teaching and
learning for all research students across the School.
TLAC review of the Department once every five years.
The Department has student evaluation forms, regular contact with students to
discuss student’s progress, regular meetings of the research student liaison
committee.