LSE MSc International Relations (Research) / Where's the Research?

Just looking at LSE's MSc International Relations (Research). The only difference I see to a traditional MSc IR is the Foundations of Social Research course...

and I think many should have done such a course at undergrad. level anyway?!

Am I right in reading that students still submit the same 10,000 word dissertation? Btw is there any actual supervision or is it more of a 10,000 word extended essay... and that's a question for any LSE Master.

A preparation to research sure... but throwing Research at the back of the title seems a bit hmmm.

Reply 1

Chengora

I did the straight IR degree at LSE, and yeah, the only difference is the research course and a somewhat different set of guidelines for the dissertation (requires a little more quantitative work, I believe). Otherwise, it's pretty much the same: you'll be taking essentially the same elective classes. There are very few people who actually do the course, and in general, you're probably better off with the straight IR degree, particularly if they are a cohesive and bright set of people.

As for the dissertation itself, profs are allowed to work with you to formulate a research topic and timeline, but they can't provide any additional advice.

Reply 2

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

You might like to read the small print very carefully. No idea if this is the case, but for example at Cam the MPhil in IR does not satisfy the research training requirements for subsequent PhD funding from the research councils, whereas the MPhil in IS(tudies) does. The courses are otherwise identical, but the second includes attending a series of research theory and practice classes. It may be that something like this is the difference between the two. Makes little difference at the time, but may make a great deal of difference if you want PhD funding from the research councils.

Reply 3

JamieLondon

Chengora / threeportdrift , thank you both.

As for the dissertation itself, profs are allowed to work with you to formulate a research topic and timeline, but they can't provide any additional advice.

I'm very much surprised at that one.

Reply 4

Chengora

As for the dissertation itself, profs are allowed to work with you to formulate a research topic and timeline, but they can't provide any additional advice.

I'm very much surprised at that one.

To be honest, it was quite refreshing, but then again, I went to uni in the U.S. They hold your hand much more over there. I recall that when I wrote my thesis, I met with my advisor about 3-4 times per month. For me, it was very much a sign of the difference between getting a bachelor's and becoming a "master" of a subject. By the end of an MSc, you should be coming into your own on the material, both as an academic and a practitioner. Providing limited guidance at the beginning of the process puts more of the onus on you to deliver on your ideas, as the framework may be established, but you've really got to prove that you can handle the material.

That said, you can write an average dissertation without having to have a "masterful" grasp on the subject, but I think it's close to impossible to write a great one without that. And that's what I think the process rewards.

Oh, you may also wish to look at Politics of the World Economy, which is also offered by the IR department at LSE, if your interest is more in international political economy rather than international politics. A very good program, a bit easier to get into, with some extremely bright people.