Programme Specification: MPhil/PhD Information Systems

1. Awarding Body / LSE
2. Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body, e.g. ESRC; BPS etc / EPSRC and the Group is recognised by ESRC for FT+3 research training.
3. Name of final award / MPhil/PhD
4. Programme Title / Information Systems
5. Duration of the course / 3-4 years (minimum 2)
6. Based in the Department/Institute: / Information Systems and Innovation Group (within the Department of Management)
7. Relevant QAA subject benchmark statements / N/A
8. Application Code / G5ZC
9. First written/last amended / April 2004/November 2010
10. The programme aims to:
Provide training and supervision for independent research into information systems from a social science perspective.
11. Programme outcomes: knowledge and understanding; skills and other attributes
Knowledge and in-depth understanding about the complex and dynamic interactions between information technology and society. Research training in the social study of information technology; Presentation skills; Publication and grant-writing skills.
Information relating to careers can be accessed here
12. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and learning strategies involve small group seminars which are student-led, frequent presentation of research progress to other students, and participation in information systems doctoral students’ consortia in the UK and abroad. Assessment strategies involve a formative and summative element until the time the student is upgraded from MPhil to PhD status (normally between 12-18 months from initial enrolment). Thereafter, continuous monitoring throughout the course of the doctoral programme with school and departmental assessment procedures in place.
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules and awards
See MPhil/PhD Information Systems programme regulations.

Additional information

14. Criteria for admission to the programme
Distinction or high merit pass at Masters level in a relevant discipline and experience of working in an IS environment desirable. Well-developed research proposal and statement of research interest.
15. Indicators of quality
  • 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. Publications early on in doctoral student’s career; Active participation in student-led seminar series; Participation at leading information systems colloquium and conferences.

16. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standard of teaching and learning
  • 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.
  • 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 Group (as part of the Department of Management) once every 5 years.
  • The Group seeks feedback from students at regular intervals regarding the quality and standard of teaching and learning. New ideas encouraged and discussed in an open forum.