Gender Institute

MPhil/PhD in Gender Studies

The Gender Institute was established in 1993 as a multi-disciplinary research centre. The Institute runs a large Masters programme, attracting students from a range of different countries, and typically has 20 MPhil/PhD students researching gender concerns. The Institute serves as a focus for gender research across the LSE, and works to promote a close relationship between policy makers and the academy. The core teaching staff, complemented by resident Research Fellows, visiting scholars, public lectures and a regular programme of research seminars provides a vibrant research culture.
 

Opportunities for Research

Opportunities for research in the field of gender studies are unparalleled. Students participate in our seminars and workshops, as well as following a research training programme within the Institute. Our key research areas are feminist political theory; feminist epistemology; sexualities, and sexual and gender identities; feminist political economy, globalisation, work and care. During 2007-08 two additional lecturers will be appointed in the fields of gender, media & culture and gender, development and globalisation which will widen the areas for which we are able to offer supervision.

For information on how to apply and what we are looking for in a research proposal, please see: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/genderInstitute/study/phdProgramme/applyingForAdmission.htm

Studying at the Gender Institute

All students register initially for an MPhil, and are allocated to a main Supervisor with expertise in the chosen area. All students have an Advisor in a related field and in some cases joint Supervisory arrangements are made. Though some students will be supervised entirely from within the Gender Institute, we also draw on the research specialisms of staff in other parts of the LSE, so the Supervisor may be a member of the Gender Institute or of another LSE Institute or Department. In all cases, students will be drawn into the research community of the Institute, joining with the other research students in the first year taught courses, working together with second and third year students in the PhD research seminar, which is only open to Gi-registered students [http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/GI/2008_GI500.htm], and participating in the Institute's regular seminar series. Students are encouraged to share interests and knowledge with the Institute's Research Fellows.

In their first year, students attend (in an auditing capacity) the core course of the MSc Gender: GI400 Gender Theories in the Modern World, and the half unit GI402 Gender, Knowledge and Research Practice. The Methodology Institute at the LSE provides a wide range of courses on both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and in many cases students will be advised to attend these. Students may also be invited to audit relevant units on other Masters programmes. In addition the Teaching and Learning Centre provide courses and workshops linked to different stages of the research process.

First year students will be assessed during the first year by means of a draft chapter , and a research proposal. The content of the draft chapter will be discussed with and read by the Supervisor. The research proposal will follow a given template and will include the research objectives, the methodology and a short research rationale (maximum 3000 words) to be read by the review panel which will include the Supervisor and Advisor. Students are advised to discuss these papers with their Supervisor.

Progress will be evaluated in the summer term via a viva with a review panel. If unsuccessful students are permitted to retake this assessment at the end of September. This assessment has to be passed before progress to the second year is permitted. Arrangements for part time students will be made on a pro rata basis. The focus of these paper will be your own research project. In writing the papers, you will draw upon your supervision sessions and other courses you will have followed. Full-time research students are expected to have made the transition from the MPhil to PhD (upgrading) within two years of first registration, usually 15 months and to have submitted their PhD thesis within three or four years. Part-time students are expected to be upgraded to PhD by the end of their third year, and to submit their thesis within six years. Students will be monitored and reviewed annually throughout their period of registration.
 

Requirements for a PhD

LSE PhDs are now examined under LSE regulations [http://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/schoolRegulations/regulationsForResearchDegrees.htm]. These regulations specify the criteria for a PhD. You will be guided by your Supervisor to ensure that your work is compatible with the criteria for a PhD. It is still useful however to read these regulations as you embark on your PhD and subsequently from time to time to ensure your work remains on track.

The PhD Director has final responsibility for the MPhil/PhD programme. This means s/he is responsible for admissions, the allocation of Supervisors, overseeing the upgrade from MPhil to PhD, monitoring ongoing progress, and arranging the final submission. S/he also arbitrates in cases of difficulties with Supervisors, or problems with general training.

At the Gender Institute, we are fortunate in being able to provide 2 open-plan study rooms for research students with computer facilities and work desks, and including a pleasant space for coffee breaks/quiet conversation. There are currently nine networked PCs, and connections for two further laptops/computers as well as wireless facility. The desks are available on a 'hotdesking' basis (that is, students use whichever desks are empty at the time) but there is plenty of shelving space so that students can leave books and reference material there.

A detailed listing of the departmental regulations for MPhil/PhD students can be found in the MPhil/PhD GI Handbook distributed to all incoming MPhil students, available from the Institute office and http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/genderInstitute/mphil.htm

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