Management - Organisational Behaviour

Research Practicums

For the duration of your 2 year MRes programme, you will engage in active research, called Research Practicums, with different members of Faculty.  The rotation of practicum assignments will include one-to-one training and collaboration that provides you better understanding of the research process, e.g.;

• literature reviews
• applied research methods and practices
• determining theory-driven
• testable hypotheses
• identifying appropriate methods and samples
• coding and data analysis
• conducting analyses
• evaluating findings and implications
• writing manuscripts for the academic peer-reviewed process with ultimate goal of publication in top-tier academic journal

Research students are also invited to attend their Faculty group seminars and workshops.

First year (MRes)

Study in the first year includes a doctoral seminar in Organisational Behaviour and training in quantitative and qualitative methods. You will choose either a course in Organisational Behaviour, Social Psychology, or another subject area in agreement with your supervisor.

All first year doctoral students in the Department of Management will take the seminar course on A Social Sciences Perspective of Academic Research in Management.

Courses include: 

Research in Organisational Behaviour Seminar I

The Seminar introduces you established research in micro- and macro-level Organisational Behaviour, progressing through units of analysis from psychology research to organisational theory. Focused on a foundational understanding of established research in Organisational Behaviour you will be encouraged to design novel research that advances the field. 

Organisational Behaviour or Social Psychology of Economic Life: Advanced Topics

You will select to take one of these two semi-core courses, or an equivalent in agreement with your supervisor.

Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design

This core course introduces a broad range of design options across quantitative and qualitative research, covering issues of data quality, analysis, reporting and reproducibility. The course is designed to equip you to implement and make arguments defending the methods you use in your PhD theses.

You may choose an alternative course depending on your previous research design training as more specialised options are available. 

Quantitative Research Methods

You choose a course in quantitative methods or statistics depending on your previous quantitative methods training and research interests.

Qualitative Research Methods

This core course covers conceptual understandings of current academic debates regarding qualitative methods, and with practical skills to put those methods into practice. Where applicable you can replace this course with alternative advanced qualitative training.

A Social Sciences Perspective of Academic Research in Management

Along with all MRes/PhD and MPhil/PhD students from across the Department of Management Research programmes you will participate in a seminar on the nature of scientific enquiry in the Social Sciences. The seminar series is led by members of the Faculty across the Department and provides an interdisciplinary collaborative perspective and the opportunity for students to develop academic presentation skills.

Second year (MRes)

In the second year, you will continue to participate in Research Practicums and the Organisational Behaviour Seminar. You will take two elective courses in Organisational Theory, Social Organisation. Marketing or additional methods depending on your training and intellectual requirements and preferences. You will write a research paper in your field of interest which will form an important element in your upgrade to PhD.

Courses include:

Research in Organisation Behaviour Seminar II

Two Elective Courses in areas of research interest or additional methods training

Research Paper in Management (MRes PhD Programmes)

Third, fourth and fifth year (PhD)

Upon successfully completing the MRes and progressing to the PhD, you will work on your research and write your PhD thesis.

Throughout the 3-5 years there are regular reviews on your research progress and in the final year you prepare a detailed plan of work for the successful submission of your thesis.  Throughout your PhD you will be expected to show the continued development of research ideas for publication, participation in relevant training courses and career development activities.

For the most up-to-date list of courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises. 

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.

• Information on the placements of previous Department of Management PhD students

Teaching

The Department aims to give all qualified doctoral students the opportunity to teach. Developing teaching skills and experience is an important component of the students' career development and prepare you for future academic roles. To make this experience as valuable as possible we draw on the support from the LSE's Teaching and Learning Centre.

Support for your career

Throughout the programme, you are expected to participate in Organisational Behaviour Faculty Research Group research workshops, enabling you to grow familiar with the process of presenting and discussing academic papers with experienced faculty, and provide opportunities for networking. Funding is also available for you to attend and present papers at academic conferences.

LSE Careers has a team dedicated to PhD students offering a wide range of resources and advice. You will receive regular updates on career events and workshops offered by LSE Careers and the LSE's PhD Academy. Research based employment opportunities are communicated to students in our newsletters and email updates.