European Institute

MPhil/PhD in European Studies

Aims of the Programme

The MPhil/PhD in European Studies is designed to provide research training and an interdisciplinary framework for doctoral research on specialist European topics.

Applications for research in three broad themes are welcome:

1. European Political Economy
2. European Governance and Politics
3. European Ideas and Identities

Entrance Requirements

We encourage MPhil/PhD applications from outstanding students who wish to undertake interdisciplinary research that falls within the expertise of at least one of our permanent faculty members. Admission to the MPhil/PhD is conditional on obtaining a good Merit on a previous MSc degree, normally defined as an overall average of 65% or above and 65% or above on the dissertation. Students who have not taken a Masters level course equivalent to the appropriate LSE option relevant for their theme will normally be suggested to apply for the MSc in European Studies (Research). Students should submit a short research proposal (not more than 2,000 words) outlining their main research question(s), methodology, and sources with their application. This proposal will allow us to assess the potential of the proposed project and especially the availability of appropriate supervision within the Institute. The Institute may subsequently request applicants to submit a sample of written work or to appear for an interview.

Syllabus

All students are initially registered for the MPhil degree and every student must follow EU554 Research Methods and Design in European Studies during their first year. On the advice of their Supervisor, some students may be encouraged to take relevant course(s) in the Methodology Institute.

In their second and third years, all PhD students must follow EU550 Research Workshop in European Studies. In addition, students working in themes in European Political Economy are strongly encouraged to take EU553 European Political Economy Research Seminar. It is also highly recommended that students with research interests in public policy and political economy attend and present their work in the interdepartmental research seminar EU555/GV504/IR515 Political Economy and Public Policy Workshop.

Every student must conduct research under the guidance of the Supervisors, regularly submit written work to the Supervisors and provide the materials required for annual reviews.
The degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words on an approved topic and an oral examination.

Supervisors and Assessors

The Doctoral Programme Committee allocates to each student two Supervisors of whom at least one must be tenured staff of the Institute. A supervisor from outside the EI may be sought where no appropriate EI supervision is available. At the end of the 1st and 2nd years, the Doctoral Programme Committee, in consultation with the Supervisors, appoints one Assessor for each student; the Assessor and Supervisor along with a member of the Doctoral Programme Committee together form the Review Panel for First Year Review and Upgrading Review. The Doctoral Programme Committee is responsible for PhD admissions, PhD reviews and for the general welfare of doctoral students.
Progress Reviews and Upgrading to PhD.

Progress Reviews and Upgrading to PhD

At the end of the first year each student must submit a Thesis Proposal, a Literature Review and an outline for examination by a Review Panel; re-registration is subject to the decision of the Doctoral Programme Committee, following a satisfactory report from the Review Panel.

At the end of the second year of study each student must submit all completed written work (minimum two further substantive chapters beyond those materials submitted at the end of the first year) and a full research plan for Review, with a view to upgrading to PhD status; up-grading is subject to the decision of the Doctoral Programme Committee, following a satisfactory report from the Review Panel.

Minimum Period of Registration

Full-time: Three calendar years; Part-time: Four calendar years.

Date of Examination

Each oral examination is fixed at the mutual convenience of the internal and external examiners and the candidate.

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