Frequently Asked Questions about the LSE Doctoral Programme in Information Systems
How does a British doctoral programme differ from a North American one?
The British doctoral programme differs in many significant (and some
superficial) ways from Canadian and US programmes. Perhaps the most apparent
difference is that there is less required coursework and no "qualifying
exams". In general there is less structure to the programme. British programmes
are predicated on the assumption that as a research student you are a junior
participant in the research activities of the department and of the academic
community. This places a great deal of responsibility on the shoulders
of the student. The nature of supervision is also different in that students
usually develop very close relationships with their supervisors early on
and benefit from an apprenticeship style of learning, in addition to their
more formal studies.
How can I prepare myself for entry into the doctoral programme?
The most important thing is to understand what it means to enter a
life of scholarship. This means that you should prepare yourself mentally
to focus your attention on your research, to be ready to write constantly,
and to engage in critical analysis. In the time before entering the programme
perhaps the most useful thing to do is to study research methods in the
social sciences and to begin to familiarise yourself with the basic philosophical
and conceptual issues which doctoral students need to ponder. Try to anticipate
not only what your research area is, but also how you might best approach
it. Consider the differences between quantitative and qualitative research
methods, the differences between descriptive and analytic methods, the
significance of relativist versus realist arguments.
What kind of career opportunities can I expect to have open to me?
Our graduates generally enter academic institutions or are engaged
in some other research career. Some enter business, including consultancy
companies, but they generally have less opportunity to continue their research
interests. You will find examples of some academic destinations in the
"alumni" page of this web site.
Most graduates of the doctoral programme engage in job searches in
universities in their home countries and/or North America. Currently the
job market is strong with many opportunities especially for those who are
able to combine good research using interesting theoretical approaches
with an ability to teach undergraduate and/or MBA courses in mainstream
information systems topics. Although most graduates enter into business
departments of one kind or another, some have gone on to teach in other
fields, such as public administration.
What is it like living in London?
Enthusiasts of London life emphasise the extraordinary cosmopolitan
character of the city, its fabulous cultural life and, in parts, its beauty.
Others bemoan its high cost, high level of stress, often dreary weather,
and the impersonal character of big city life. For doctoral students, the
obvious advantages are the large academic community, excellent libraries
and leading institutions of all kinds, including government departments,
corporate headquarters, professional associations, and voluntary organizations.
How much does it cost?
London is a very expensive city to live in. By some standard measures,
it is the most expensive city within the European Union, and considerably
more costly than New York City. These measures are generally based either
on the typical expenses of a business executive or count cost of living
items such as house purchase prices which are not relevant to most graduate
students. The LSE estimates that living costs are typically £670
per month, or £8,040 per year. This is on top of the current fee
of £8,724 for "overseas" students (those from outside the European
Union). The "home" fee students pay about £2,000 less.
What is required of me to successfully complete a PhD?
Deep interest, stamina, and love of scholarship are the minimum requirements.
The doctorate is awarded on the basis of a completed thesis that has been
passed by examiners, one of whom is external and one internal to the University
of London. There is no other formal requirement, but before you are allowed
to submit your thesis for examination you must have been upgraded from
the status of an MPhil student to that of a PhD student. For this the department
requires a number of formal things. You will need to have produced a scholarly
bibliography, a clear research proposal, and a feasible logistical plan
of your research tasks. You will also have had to make a presentation to
members of staff, which is generally based upon and accompanied by some
further research, often in the form of some draft chapters.
Do I need to have expertise in computer science or quantitative methods?
No, we define the study of information systems broadly and few of our
doctoral students combine advanced computer science with their research.
A knowledge of quantitative methods is useful, but not required.
How do I decide on a research topic?
Before you enter you should have some ideas about what your research
area is likely to be. You are required to provide a statement in your application
and we are especially concerned to see if your interests overlap suitably
with those of members of the department. This statement is clearly important,
but we recognise that beginning researchers change their minds and otherwise
refine and alter their projects. For this reason we do not expect a hard
and fast statement of what the research is going to be until after the
first term of study. From the time you enter you will begin consultations
with your assigned supervisor who will guide you through the process of
choosing your research topic and defining it carefully. You will also join
the seminar for research students in information systems which will help
you in a formal way study different research topics, methods and appropriate
theories.
What course work is required?
The first two terms of study, from October through March, are taken
up with the required seminar for research students. You will also have
the opportunity to take courses from the LSE Methodology Institute and
from any department of the School. In the second term you will normally
follow one of the MSc "stream" courses and your achievement in that course
will be taken into consideration when you apply to be upgraded from MSc
to PhD student status. From that point on there are no course requirements,
but you will be encouraged to continue following courses from the Methodology
Institute and any other relevant graduate level courses offered in the
School.