Department of Social Policy - WELCOME TO THE - MSc Criminal Justice Policy Programme Handbook 2019 - LSE
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WELCOME TO THE
Department of
Social Policy
MSc Criminal Justice Policy Programme Handbook 2019
Contents
Welcome to LSE 3 Key Information 21
Term Dates and LSE Closures –
MSc Criminal Justice Policy 4 Academic Year 2019/20 21
Programme Administration and Contacts 4 Registration 21
Mannheim Centre for Criminology 4 Your LSE Card 21
Programme Regulations 4 Inclusion Plans 21
Full and Part Time Students 5 Student Status Documentation 21
Course Selection – What do I Need to do and When? 5 Interruption 22
Seminar Allocation 7 Programme Transfer 22
Programme Student Representation 7 Change of Mode of Study 22
Your Academic Mentor is Your Dissertation Supervisor 8 Withdrawal 22
What should you discuss with your Academic Mentor? 9 Regulations 22
SP498: Criminal Justice Policy Dissertation 10
Student Services Centre 23
Your Department 11
How We Share Information 11 Student Representation 24
Socialising 12
Quality Assurance 24
Financial Help and Support 12
Department Committees and Student Representation 12 LSE Services to Support You With Your
Other Opportunities 15 Studies and in Your Career 25
Teaching and Academic Support 15
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) 27
Examination and Assessment 16
Your Wellbeing and Health 28
Formative Assessment 16
Summative Assessment 17
Exams and Assessments 29
Social Policy: Departmental Assessment
and Feedback Strategy 17 Plagiarism 30
Support on Using Feedback 18
Marking Framework: MSc Programmes 19 Results and Classification 30
Plagiarism 20 Fees and Finance 31
Detection of Plagiarism 20
Codes and Charters 32
Systems and Online Resources 33
Course Selection and Timetables 34
The LSE Academic Code 36
Campus Map Inside back cover
studenthub.lse.ac.uk/welcome
1
Welcome to LSE
Dear Social Policy Student,
A very warm welcome to the Department of Social Policy.
The Department of Social Policy has an international reputation for excellence and is one of the largest Social
Policy departments in the UK. The latest Research Excellence Framework (the UK’s nationwide assessment
of research quality, impact and environment) ranked the Department first in the country for world leading and
internationally excellent research. The Department was also awarded the joint highest marks for the non-
academic ‘real world’ impacts of our work.
The study of Social Policy has its roots in the Department of Social Science and Administration which was
established in 1912. This was a merger of the School of Sociology (founded in 1903 by the Charity Organisation
Society to support the training of welfare workers), and LSE. The newly established Department also received
funding from the Ratan Tata Foundation in India for research into poverty.
The Department has expanded since then and has had a national and global influence. Clement Attlee was
one of the earliest lecturers before moving on to become Prime Minister from 1945-51 – a period of dramatic
change in social policies.
The first Professor of Social Administration was Richard Titmuss appointed in 1950; he inspired a generation of
students who formed the backbone of the welfare state, staffing social services, working in the community and
striving to highlight and address social problems. Further ground breaking contributions were made by Brian
Abel-Smith, Peter Townsend and David Donnison. Their work led to the development of Social Policy as an area
of study, drawing on disciplines including economics, political science, sociology, and history.
The interests of the Department are varied and include: poverty and inequality, welfare states and labour
markets, social security, family demography and family policies, education policy, migration, race/ethnicity,
gender, criminology and criminal justice policy, health and social care, social policy and development, and the
role played by non-governmental organisations and civil society.
The Department’s focus is on both headline issues and more traditional areas of scholarship. All of these are
explored in an increasingly international and dynamic context – one in which national, European and global
matters interact
The interdisciplinary nature of Social Policy means that when you graduate you will be equipped with a broad
range of knowledge and skills that can be applied in many different settings. Many Social Policy alumni apply
their academic training directly, working as policy specialists in the government, NGO and private sectors.
Furthermore, the high-level analytical and research skills developed by our degree programmes are also highly
valued by employers as diverse as the media, management consultancy, teaching and the development sector.
You will find LSE to be a vibrant and exciting place. There is much to enjoy, both academically and socially. In
particular, you will quickly discover that there are major public events – lectures, debates and so on – almost
every day of the week. Being in the centre of the capital city, close to the heart of government and all the main
media, LSE is uniquely well-placed to act as a host for the most distinguished of visitors. These occasions will
focus on areas close to the things you are here to study, as well as matters well beyond, and I would urge you
to make the most of this opportunity.
I hope that your time here will be both rewarding and stimulating.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Anne West
Head of Department
2 3
MSc Criminal Justice Policy
The MSc in Criminal Justice Policy (CJP) is an inter-departmental
degree taught primarily in the Departments of Social Policy, Law,
Programme Administration The MSc CJP is a full-year four unit programme. As outlined in
the regulations students must take one compulsory course to the
Course Selection – What do I Need to
and Sociology. and Contacts value of one unit; optional courses to the value of two units and full do and When?
unit dissertation.
The programme addresses major theories, issues and methods in the Programme Director: Professor Tim Newburn Selection of your courses is done on the ‘LSE for you’ (LfY) system,
analysis of criminal justice policy. Policy processes will be examined Office: Old Building 2.40a which you can access through the LSE website. You should be
in relation to the principal elements in the criminal justice system: Email: t.newburn@lse.ac.uk Compulsory courses automatically enrolled on your compulsory ‘core’ courses within
law making, crime prevention, policing, prosecution, sentencing, non- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7955 6220 You will be guaranteed enrolment on your compulsory core course: LfY, but will have to choose your optional courses, in line with the
custodial and institutional penalties and their aftermath. Attention SP470 - Criminal Justice Policy, and your Dissertation. Programme Regulations for your MSc.
is also paid to such areas as victim support and relevant social and For all issues regarding the administration of the Programme, please
economic measures with a bearing on criminal justice, e.g. the role contact the Postgraduate Programmes Support Office: When you sign in to LfY to make your Graduate course selections,
of voluntary agencies. The programme has a distinct comparative Optional courses you will find SP470 and your Dissertation SP498 already ticked.
Office: Old Building, Room 2.48 Please do not untick these as you choose your optional courses.
emphasis, both historically and in relation to criminal justice systems A list of the optional courses that you can choose from can be found
Email: socialpolicy.msc@lse.ac.uk
and policies in Western Europe and North America. within your Programme Regulations. If you are a Part Time student entering your first year ONLY, you
Any student who feels that they have concerns which cannot be dealt should untick the dissertation; as you will take the Dissertation in your
with by their Academic Mentor should feel free to approach first the You can also choose any other courses at LSE outside of your
second year.
Programme Director, and then the Head of Department, Professor Programme Regulations subject to the approval of your
Anne West (Room OLD 2.30) if the issue has not been resolved. Programme Director.
When can I begin selecting my Courses?
In addition to the above, the contacts of other Faculty associated with Further information on all Social Policy courses (teachers, syllabus,
content, written work, assessment, reading lists) is set out in the Although you do not need to have formally registered with the School
the Programme can be found online here: lse.ac.uk/socialPolicy/
graduate course guides which can be found here: to begin choosing your courses you must have completed all of
WhosWho
your admissions paperwork. If you have not provided the necessary
lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/courseGuides/graduate.htm paperwork to Graduate Admissions you will be unable to start
Moodle & Email applying for courses through LfY.
Social Policy courses begin with the pre-fix SP.
The degree programme is supported by Moodle, the Virtual Learning
Environment (VLE). All course-related information, documentation See also lse.ac.uk/timetables for information on timetabling. Browsing Period
and announcements are available via Moodle, 24 hours a day, 7
LfY will be open for ‘Browsing’ from 10am on the 23rd September.
days a week. It is very important that you register on Moodle for MSc Be assured that the vast majority of Social Policy students each year
Use this period to familiarise yourself with LfY and your course
Criminal Justice Policy as soon as possible at: moodle.lse.ac.uk/ do get on the courses that they want. However, please note that it is
options. No selections made during the browsing period will be
not always possible to offer students a place on all of their preferred
All email communication will be sent using your LSE email account. saved. You can also look at the Moodle pages of courses in which
courses. Be aware also that your selection may be constrained by
Please use your LSE email for Programme related matters, and check you are interested, which may have more information to inform your
timetable clashes or because there are upper limits (‘caps’) on the
your LSE email regularly. choices. Please note: ‘Joining’ a Moodle page does NOT mean you
number of students who can take a course. This is particularly the
have joined a course. Course Selection can only be done on LfY.
case where courses are offered outside the Department of Social
Policy (i.e. not prefixed with ‘SP’).
Michaelmas Course Selection Period
Mannheim Centre for Criminology From 10am on 27th September until 5pm on 15th October, LfY will be
open for Course Selection:
The Mannheim Centre is a multidisciplinary centre incorporating staff Full and Part Time Students
from across LSE. The centre provides a forum for LSE criminology,
• Please note: Social Policy courses (those which have a prefix ‘SP’)
including undergraduate and postgraduate courses, funded research, Full time students take the MSc over one year starting in September will not start offering places to students until 1pm on Monday 30th
and a large number of conferences, seminars and other public and completing it with the submission of the dissertation in September. This is to give Social Policy students some additional
events, including the Joint Seminar Series with the British Society of August 2020. time to consider their choices.
Criminology. Please refer to the Centre website for further details:
lse.ac.uk/collections/mannheim/ Part Time students in the first year should enrol for SP470, Criminal
• However, if you are applying to a course/courses outside of Social
Justice Policy, and choose courses to the equivalent of a full unit Policy, you should apply as soon as you can after the Course
from the list of optional courses. In their second year they should Selection period opens. Other departments have different policies
take the equivalent of another full unit from the options list and the on when they begin to accept students onto courses.
Programme Regulations SP498 dissertation.
• You should select courses for your FULL YEAR – both Michaelmas
The Department does its best to schedule classes so that part time AND Lent term. This will allow you to plan your year better, and may
In order to complete your programme you must adhere to the
students can complete their degree in two years in a way that suits mean that you are more likely to get more of the courses you want
requirements contained within your ‘Programme Regulations’.
their commitments and requirements. However, given the wide range through the year. LfY will reopen Course Selection for a short time
Programme Regulations for MSc Criminal Justice Policy: of options on offer, it is impractical to schedule all classes with part in Lent Term, so if you want to change your Lent term selections
lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar2019-2020/programmeRegulations/ time students in mind. Students may, therefore, need to choose their then, you will be able to.
taughtMasters/2019/MScCriminalJusticePolicy.htm options depending upon their personal circumstances.
If you are a part time student and wish to request to be placed in
a specific seminar, please inform the Programme Support team at
socialpolicy.msc@lse.ac.uk as soon as possible.
4 5
Will I get accepted onto the courses I want? Seminar Allocation
Many graduate courses, including all those in the Department of
Once you are accepted onto a Social Policy course, the Admin team
Social Policy, have ‘controlled access’ and require department
will randomly allocate you to a seminar for that course.
approval to take. This means that only a certain number of students
will be allowed to take these courses. Please note:
Selection of any course is subject to availability and timetabling
• Given the number of students who need to be allocated, it is
constraints. Controlled Access courses may ask you to provide a impractical for students to choose seminars themselves.
statement in support of your request. All Social Policy courses will
require such a statement. If asked, make sure you write an answer – • Seminar reallocation will only be allowed where there are clear
this will be used to determine which students will be accepted on the reasons for this: priority is given to part-time students, students
Course (in Social Policy, students are NOT enrolled on a ‘first come, with children/family commitments etc. Timetable convenience is
first served’ basis but according to their statements). If you write not a sufficient reason for a seminar to be reallocated.
nothing, you will have less chance of being accepted onto the course.
• We will try to accommodate students where possible – for example
Social Policy students get priority on Social Policy Courses, and to where there are spare places in a seminar.
those courses on their Programme’s Regulations. However, you still
need to write a statement. • Please remember that your place in a seminar is provisional until
week 4 of term. On occasion, in order to accommodate as many
You can find details of the Social Policy courses available in students as possible, we may have to reallocate students. If we
lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Assets/Documents/PDF/Current-Students/ do need to make such a reallocation, we will email you. This would
Brochure-POSTGRAD-2019.pdf. normally only be to accommodate a student with priority needs
(e.g. with childcare or a part-time student with work commitments).
Can I select courses outside Social Policy and/or
outside my Programme Regulations?
You can register for a course outside your Programme regulations.
However, please note that you must obtain the permission of your
Programme Student Representation
Programme Director, and are advised to contact the Department Within the Department, most issues are raised and resolved within
offering the course to ensure that you are eligible to register for it. ‘Staff Student Liaison Committee’ (SSLCs) meetings, held once a
Remember, selecting a course online is no guarantee that you will be term, consisting of members of academic and administrative staff in
allowed to attend this course. In exceptional circumstances students the Department and student representatives from the Department’s
are allowed to take courses offered at other University of London Programmes. Issues specific to individual Programmes are
colleges. Enquire at Registry and with your Programme Director if this considered at a Programme meeting of Programme Representatives
applies. with the programme director and administrative support prior to
SSLC meetings.
If you do wish to take a course that is not listed on the Programme
Regulations remember that you must obtain the approval from the Two student programme representatives will be elected for the
ISPP Programme Director. You can do this by emailing the PD asking year within the Programme. These representatives will attend
for permission. You can apply for a place before you have obtained Departmental meetings and, if necessary, raise any outstanding or
permission, but must be aware that if you do not subsequently obtain unresolved issues which require Departmental attention.
permission, you will be required to drop the course and choose an
alternative.
How long will it take to accept you onto a course?
Once your request is submitted, you will be notified of the
outcome via email. You will then have 48 hours to accept the
place and formally register online for that course. If you do not
respond, the offer will be withdrawn and the place will be offered to
My programme of study enables me to another student.
discuss ‘crime issues’ with professional
experts from various fields of study, Further information:
which bestows a great multi-disciplinary Please refer to the Student Service Centre web pages for information
understanding. Indeed, I have found on course selections, course capping and general information which
relates to your study at LSE: lse.ac.uk/courseselection.
that professors within the Social Policy
department are always happy to help. Information on the content of courses is published in the
LSE Calendar:
Matthew Bedford, Criminology
lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/CourseGuides/graduate.htm
6 7
Your Academic Mentor is Your In the case of first year part time students, your Academic Mentor will
be the Programme Director. You should arrange to meet with them at
What should you discuss with your In the table below is a guide to topics which you may wish to discuss
with your Mentor at various points in the year. This is intended as a
Dissertation Supervisor least once a term. Academic Mentor? guide only – your pattern of meetings with your Mentor may differ
depending on you and your Mentors’ timetable and needs.
The Programme Director will meet individually with full-time and Please be aware that you are responsible for contacting your • All Social Policy students should expect to receive the equivalent
second year part time students during the first two weeks of term. Academic Mentor for Dissertation support. If you do not approach of a minimum of 2 individual consultations per term with their NB: Some Mentors may wish to combine AM sessions on specific
The purpose of this meeting is to ‘map out’ potential areas of interest your academic Mentor he or she will not necessarily chase you - you Academic Mentor AM - no less than 3 hours in total - before the last topics into group sessions for their Mentees, where sensible (if so,
for your dissertation. Following this meeting an Academic Mentor need to take the initiative. You can ordinarily expect to be able to day of Summer Term. they will continue to be available for 1-1 advice where needed).
will be allocated to you. Students should then sign up for an initial contact and meet with your mentor until the end of the Summer
interview with their Mentor. Term. This is because Academics are expected to spend the summer • Social Policy students should expect to receive comments on draft
In addition, remember that you have been organised into peer groups
vacation on research and fieldwork, as well as attending meetings, written work (e.g., a draft chapter such as a literature review) by the
for the year. You should think creatively about how you could use
For the period before the Programme Director allocates your conferences and taking holidays. end of the Summer Term. AMs should advise students by when
these productively – are there any topics or subjects it might be
Academic Mentor, the Programme Director will act as your Mentor. they will need to submit work in order that the AM will be able to
helpful to discuss with your peers? You are particularly encouraged to
You should consult them about any issues you need support with, Therefore, you should seek to meet with them and get their advice provide comments by the end of the Summer Term. The extent of
use your peer groups throughout the year as a source of support and
including Course Selection. before the end of summer term. Any additional support after the end any additional support after this date, and the way in which it is
peer feedback in relation to your dissertation.
of Summer Term is solely at the discretion of your supervisor, and provided (e.g. face to face, email, etc.), is at the discretion of
Your Academic Mentor, who will also be your dissertation supervisor, your AM.
they are likely to have many research commitments. Therefore, you
will guide and assist you in your learning development and is also
should not expect that they will necessarily be available.
available to help with any personal difficulties.
In the case of full time students and second year part time students, MSc Academic Year – Academic Mentor suggested Timetable
Academic Mentors are allocated in accordance with your choice of
topic for the dissertation. The primary focus of your meetings will be Michaelmas Term
supervision for the dissertation. Your Academic Mentor is also the
first person you should contact if you have a problem you wish to Welcome Week • Introduction to the AM Role – Academic and Pastoral elements of the role;
discuss with a member of staff, if they cannot help you themselves Week 1 • Signpost to other support (Programme Support Office; LSE Life; DWS): Please note – if you believe that you may
they will be able to refer you to the correct person. need an Inclusion Plan* from the Disability and Wellbeing Service (DWS), it is advantageous for you to contact
them as early as possible.
• Your Academic Interests – what would you be interested in studying during the year? Early thoughts on
Dissertation topic(s)?
• Course selection
Week 3 – 4 • Settling in – any issues? (from course selection; courses; university life; generally)
• Initial Dissertation topic? Initial thoughts on your approach/methodology etc.
Week 7 – 10 • Any issues affecting your studies? Positive lessons from this term? Anything which could be worked on/
improved next term?
• Formative feedback- overall lessons/issues?
• Reminder: Your Dissertation Outline form is due in Week 1.
Lent Term
Lent Term Week 1 • Deadline for Dissertation Outline form due Thursday of Week 1. Remember that your AM has to sign off on
this form.
• Course Selection – do you wish to make any changes to Sept/October choices?
Week 4 – 8 • Dissertation Progress so far; Are there any ethical considerations?
• Formative & summative feedback/lessons/issues?
Week 9 – 11 • Remember if you want feedback on a draft Dissertation Chapter by the end of ST, your AM must have time to
read this – when is the deadline they need the Chapter by?
• Preparation for exams (if relevant)
• Remember the various sources of support through the exam period: Programme Support Office; SSC – if in
doubt, Programme Support Office can advise.
Michaelmas Term
Week 1 – 7 • Feedback on draft Chapter.
• What next after your degree? Remember you can access LSE Life and Careers to discuss your next steps
*Inclusion plans are put in place to ensure that ¬all students are able to learn on a level playing field. They are tailored to individual students’
needs, to ensure each student receives any support they need. If you feel you may need an inclusion plan due to anything which may adversely
affect your ability to study (this can include anything from a physical disability, specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or anxiety and mental
health issues. Please contact DWS as soon as possible if you feel you may need an inclusion plan.
8 9
Your Department
SP498: Criminal Justice Policy How We Share Information Tip: Make sure you download the Student Hub app and follow
Dissertation the Social Policy page. If you need any help setting this up, come
and see your Programme Support Team in OLD.2.48/OLD.2.49
Email
Please also refer to the Coursework and Examinations information
on the Department of Social Policy web pages, the Social Policy Email is the primary channel of communication within the School.
Current Students pages (lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Current-Students) Your Programme Support staff and members of Faculty will send Instagram
and the SP498 Moodle page. important information via email throughout the year, for example:
https://www.instagram.com/lsesocialpolicy
instructions for assessments and exams and invitations to
Departmental events. This is where we share Departmental stories and photos which
Purpose and Content reflect our Departmental community.
Make sure you check your LSE email account regularly so you don’t
The Dissertation is an important opportunity for you to study
miss any important emails! Look out for opportunities to contribute to our Instagram.
a research or policy problem in depth by reviewing the relevant
literature and providing a coherent analysis of your work.
Dissertations have often involved original perspectives or empirical Tip: Make sure you check your spam folder and adjust your Tip: Make sure you follow the Social Policy page. Why not share
work and some have subsequently been published. Work on the settings so you don’t miss out any of our emails! If you need a picture with us or a comment on our pictures? We’d love to hear
dissertation often complements your studies for the taught options. help doing this, you can visit the IT Service Desk (info.lse.ac.uk/ your thoughts!
However, you must bear in mind that the dissertation forms only one current-students/dts/essentials/new-student)
quarter of the course requirements and you should therefore allocate
your time and effort accordingly. Twitter
Department Current Students Web Page @LSESocialPolicy
Dissertations may draw on library-based research and possibly
lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Current-Students
fieldwork (special archives, surveys or interviews etc.). If you choose This is where you can see how the Department interacts with
to include the latter option, you must take care to design your This is a central source of factual information about the Department, academia and the wider world. For example: research, faculty
research timetable in such a way as to allow enough time for data its members and activities. The webpages are updated regularly discussions and research events. Use Twitter for engaging with
processing, analysis and write-up. to display information current to each period within the academic cutting edge social policy research and researchers within the
year. For example, in our ‘Current Students’ section you will find Department and beyond!
Before committing yourself to a particular research strategy or
handbooks, course brochures and advice relating to assessments.
dissertation format, you may wish to consult some of the past Look out for opportunities to contribute to our Twitter.
dissertations that are relevant to your field. You will find these, where
available, on the SP498 Moodle page If you draw on material they Tip: Why not ‘bookmark’ the Department webpages in your Tip: Make sure you follow the Social Policy Twitter account.
contain, this must be adequately referenced in your script. browser, to save you time searching! Why not retweet items of research interest to you? Don’t forget
to use appropriate hashtags if you are contributing to a wider
Never forget that this is a discrete piece of work for a Master’s degree From the start of Michaelmas Term, you should discuss your ideas
conversation!
and is not a prototype for a Doctoral thesis. You should therefore about the dissertation subject, the research methods you propose Moodle
resist temptations to engage in over-exhaustive literature searches to use and the research timetable that you envisage to work to. You
and fieldwork. should continue to regularly meet with your Mentor during the LT and
lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Current-Students Facebook
ST to discuss the form and substance of the dissertation. The Moodle page for each course is where course specific facebook.com/LSESocialPolicy
Supervision information and updates are shared (including course guides, lecture
handouts & slides, and reading lists). It is also where you will submit We have Facebook pages for both UG and PG students, which some
Dissertation Outline Deadline
Students and their academic Mentors should arrange a minimum of your assessments electronically. You should check the Moodle of you will have been using as offer holders to get to know your
2 individual consultations per term (no less than 3 hours in total) You should submit your dissertation proposal form through the pages for your courses regularly. fellow students. The Department also has a general Facebook page
before the last day of Summer Term. submission portal which will be available on the SP498 Moodle page which you can ‘like’ and ‘follow’.
by Thursday of Lent Term Week 1.
Students can expect comments on draft written work (e.g., a draft Tip: Use Moodle as an additional source of information when Now that you have arrived, you will use the Student Hub app instead,
chapter such as a literature review) by the end of the Summer Term. choosing courses. and you will be able to get to know each other via the groups function
The extent of any additional support after this date, and the way in Submission on there.
which it is delivered (face to face, email, skype etc) is at the discretion Two hardcopies of your completed dissertation must be handed to
of the Supervisor. Student Hub App
the Administration Hub on or before Thursday 20th August 2020 Student Noticeboards
before 12:00 (Midday) at the latest. You must also have submitted info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/student-hub
Please arrange an early meeting with your Academic Mentor. Your There is a Departmental notice display and an e-noticeboard, both
your electronic copy through Moodle by this time. Please also refer
Mentor’s main responsibilities in relation to your Dissertation are The Student Hub app helps students find out about all the School of which are located in the lobby area on the second floor of the Old
to the Examination and Assessment information in the ‘Department’
to help you define your topic, to guide you in developing your topic, has to offer and gives you opportunities to connect and build Building, next to OLD 2.45.
section of this handbook for guidance on the submission of
and to comment on a single draft chapter. The draft chapter is to be communities.
summative coursework.
submitted to your Mentor no later than the end of 6th week of ST if This is where we display current information on: Department
you want to receive any feedback. If you are not able to hand in your hardcopies in person, these may This is where we will update you with Departmental and School-wide activities, events, achievements and any other information relevant
news, events, announcements and reminders and suggestions of to the Department community.
how to make the most of your time at LSE.
Tip: Why not share your achievements with us to be featured on
The Student Hub app is also an interactive forum, in which you
our noticeboards? Or perhaps you have a piece of news you think
can create your own student community through student groups
the Department would be interested in? Let your Programme
and where you can connect with Academic members of staff, for
Support Team know!
example, booking advice and feedback hours with them.
10 11
Socialising Department Committees and Social Policy Research Blog
Student Representation The Department runs a Social Policy blog which features regular
Student Common Room submissions from Faculty, PhD, MSc and UG students. As a Social
Each term, a number of Departmental meetings allow staff and Policy student you not only have the opportunity to contribute to the
The newly refurbished Student Common Room is in OLD 2.14 and is students the opportunity to meet and discuss issues relating to their blog, but also the opportunity to act as Student Editors. Editors are
available for Social Policy students both as a social and as a general programme of study as well as wider School issues. appointed at the start of the academic year and will be responsible
study space. To ensure that the room is secure, the door has been primarily for sourcing and editing submissions from students. They
fitted with a digital lock. The code for this lock is C1278Y. Please may also be involved in editing general editorial content with the
do not share this code with anyone from outside the Department. Programme Meetings permission and under the supervision of the Chief Editors, for which
We encourage you to use this space to get to know one another and Each degree programme holds regular meetings to discuss and training will be provided. Student Editors will also be able to be
we will hold some Departmental events for you within this space resolve programme/course specific concerns. These meetings are involved in supporting the Chief Editors with the general management
occasionally, too. If you need to contact anyone about any issues held prior to the Staff Student Liaison Committee Meetings and of the blog.
with the Common Room, please get in touch with your Programme are normally attended by the Programme Director, the Programme
Support Team in OLD.2.48 or by emailing socialpolicy.msc@ Administrator, the Programme Representative(s) and other relevant
lse.ac.uk. Green Impact Team
course teachers.
Each year the Department takes part in the national sustainability
programme ‘Green Impact’. Green Impact (info.lse.ac.uk/staff/
Staff-Student Liaison Committee divisions/estates-division/sustainable-lse/get-involved/green-
Financial Help and Support A student from each year of each degree programme is elected in the impact) is an accredited programme which empowers teams of staff
first two weeks of Michaelmas Term to represent the views of his/her and students across the School to promote green practices through
The Department operates two funds to support students who peers at their departmental Staff-Student Liaison Committees (SSLC). the completion of workbook actions and project work. Those who
experience temporary economic hardship during their studies: There is one SSLC for undergraduate students and one SSLC for post volunteer for the Green Impact team will be expected to help organise
graduate students (taught and research). Each SSLC meets once in green initiatives and events throughout the year and promote
the Michaelmas and Lent terms, and is chaired by the Departmental sustainable practices in the Department and the School.
Titmuss Meinhardt Hardship Fund
Tutor (UG) or the Deputy Head of Department for Teaching (PGT).
Available to all Social Policy students in cases of unforeseeable These meetings address wider Departmental and School issues and
financial need or emergency and where students have been unable to
Yearbook Committee
matters relating to the student teaching and learning experience.
obtain assistance from the School’s Financial Support Office. Normally in attendance are Programme Directors, Programme A student Yearbook Committee is formed at the start of the
Administrators and the student programme representatives. academic year tasked with creating and developing yearbooks which
Contact: Damian Roberts, Department Manager: will serve as a souvenir for Social Policy students due to graduate
d.p.roberts@lse.ac.uk the following year. Students on the committee will be responsible
School Committees for developing a high-quality personalised publication and act as an
MSc Conference and Research Fund One student representative from each of the Undergraduate, Taught editorial team responsible for deciding on the design of the book and
Graduate and Research Student programmes also serve on the the content to be included.
To provide up to £50 to help with the cost of attending events such
Students’ Consultative Fora. The Department will request volunteers
as workshops or conferences, or with the cost of research-related
for these posts at the beginning of the Michaelmas term.
activities such as travel or participant interview expenses. Applicants Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
should provide a statement of not less than 250 words detailing representatives
how attendance or activities would benefit their studies and/or Student Community & Opportunities Please see page 17 for further information about the role of a Student
dissertation research. Successful applicants will also be required Staff Liaison representative in the Department. Students interested
There are a number of opportunities for Social Policy students to
in due course to provide a short testimonial detailing how they in the position will need to submit a 200 word (max) expression of
be involved with the Department and its activities. You can find
benefitted from the funding. interest which will be made available to students in the Department.
further information about these opportunities on the Social Policy
website here: lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Current-Students/student- In the Michaelmas term week 2 core course lecture those who
Contact: Damian Roberts, Department Manager
opportunities have expressed interested will be invited to make a brief (1 minute)
d.p.roberts@lse.ac.uk
statement outlining why they wish to be elected. Any student who
may wish to stand on the basis of their statement alone may also do
Student Events Committee so. Students will then vote for who they would like to represent their
A student-led events committee is formed at the start of each programme via an online poll by the end of Michaelmas Term week.
academic year. Students on the committee are given a budget and
the freedom to organise both academic and social events. The How can I get involved?
committees are expected to hold regular meetings and organise
events throughout the year that are inclusive for all students in the You should have received information about how to register you
Department. interest in the various committees and teams during the summer
via email from the Department. A session will also be held at the
end of Welcome as part of your induction which will provide more
information about how you can be involved. If you missed the chance
to sign-up for these opportunities at the start of the academic year,
and would like to be involved then please contact the Programme
Administration team in the first instance.
12 13
Other Opportunities Academic Mentor
At the start of your degree programme, you will be assigned an
Language Bursaries Academic Mentor, who is also usually your dissertation supervisor.
Your Academic Mentor is your tutor and will guide and assist you
The Department provides you with the opportunity to take a non- in your learning development and is also available to help with any
degree language at LSE’s Language Centre, lse.ac.uk/language- personal difficulties.
centre. This is fully funded by the Department! Learning a language
can give you a fantastic opportunity in the workplace in today’s global The Academic Mentor’s responsibilities include:
society and can help you in your personal development.
• Providing academic guidance and feedback on students' progress
and performance and to discuss any academic problems they
might experience.
Teaching and Academic Support • Providing pastoral support on non-academic issues and referring
students to the appropriate support services within the School.
Teaching • Implementing the provisions outlined in Inclusion Plans (IPs) for
Lectures are an integral part of your programme and will introduce disabled students, in liaison with the School's Disability and Well-
themes and ideas on a particular topic before the corresponding Being Service.
seminar. Every lecture at the LSE is open to all students, subject to
space in the lecture theatre, so if you would like to attend additional • Advising /approving course selection.
lectures out of interest, and your timetable permits, do take
• Informing the Programme Manager and Departmental Tutor and
advantage of this opportunity. Attendance at seminars is compulsory
School of any student whose progress is not satisfactory.
and attendance is recorded.
You should make arrangements to see your mentor and aim to do
so at least twice each term, or more frequently if you are having
Advice and Feedback Hours
particular difficulties. You can also use the advice and feedback hour
The purpose of “advice and feedback hours” is to give students system to keep in touch with your Academic Mentor. Any issues
regular access to teachers. This gives you the opportunity to talk to that cannot be resolved with your mentor can be taken to your
your course teachers on a 1-2-1 basis. If you need clarification on a Programme Manager.
particular topic, are having any difficulties with the course, or if you
are interested in their particular field of study and want to know more,
you can visit the course teacher during their advice and feedback
Other Support For You
hour. You can see any teacher during their advice and feedback hour, You can come and see the Postgraduate Programme Support Team
even if you are not a student on one of their courses. at any time in OLD.2.48 if you need support throughout your studies.
They are usually here at the following times:
All teachers hold an advice and feedback hour at least once a week
during term time. Some teachers operate a drop in session, whilst Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm (term-time)
others ask you to book an appointment via LSE for You. You can
check a teacher’s advice and feedback hour on the Who’s Who pages You can also contact them by phone: 020 7 955 6001 or by email:
of the departmental website, on the sign outside their office door and, socialpolicy.msc@lse.ac.uk
for some courses, on Moodle. If you are unable to attend a particular
advice and feedback hour, for example because of a timetable clash, If you prefer to book a time to come and see them, please do contact
you can contact the individual teacher to arrange an appointment at them by email or arrange a visit via the Student Hub: info.lse.ac.uk/
an alternative time. current-students/student-hub
14 15
Examination and Assessment
Formative Assessment You should make your request as early as possible. Extensions will
be granted only where there is good cause backed by supporting
This and supporting documentation must be submitted to the
Student Services Centre on the ground floor of the Old Building
• Construct persuasive, theoretically informed oral and written
arguments in relation to key debates in contemporary social policy
Formative (non-assessed) coursework is designed to prepare you evidence (e.g. medical certificate), and where the circumstances are within seven days of your last exam or your dissertation/coursework
for the summative (assessed) work that you will complete later in unforeseen and out of the student's control. All evidence must be in submission deadline. • Apply a comprehensive understanding of social policy as a multi-
English, or accompanied by a certified translation. disciplinary field of study to the analysis of social problems
the course. Formative assessment might include essays, problem
info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/services/assessment-and-results/
sets, presentations or mock examinations. The purpose is to provide
Useful information outlining the School’s Extension Policy exceptional-circumstances/exceptional-circumstances • Understand and deploy basic qualitative and quantitative research
you with an opportunity for feedback on your work. All courses
is available here: info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/services/ skills in the study of social policy problems
include some kind of formative assessment and you will be given
assessment-and-results/exceptional-circumstances/
full information about the required piece(s) of work by the course
extension-policy
Penalties for the Late Submission of Each degree programme also has specific learning outcomes linked
convener and/or your Programme Administrator. Summative Coursework to QAA standards.2
You can find further information on the Department’s extension If you do not submit a piece of summative assessment by the set Each programme has a conceptual “spine” of core courses which, in
process here: lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Current-Students/ deadline (or extended deadline as appropriate), a late penalty may combination with option courses, ensure the full range of learning
Assessment-Coursework-and-Examinations apply. Five marks (out of 100) will be deducted for coursework
Summative Assessment submitted within 24 hours of the deadline and a further five marks
outcomes.
Exceptional Circumstances will be deducted for each subsequent 24-hour period (working days
Summative assessment counts towards your final degree award. Section 2 - Assessment Process
only) until the coursework is submitted. After five working days,
Summative assessment may take the form of a written examination, Exceptional circumstances are those which you feel may have had coursework will only be accepted with the permission of the Chair of The Department provides a combination of different assessment
an essay, a presentation or a combination of two or three of these a significant impact on your academic performance during an exam the Sub-Board of Examiners. methods within each programme. This approach ensures students
modes of assessment. The modes of summative assessment are or other summative assessment. Such circumstances might include,
set out in each course guide and you will be given full details of your develop the relevant knowledge and skills, and allows the Department
but are not limited to, illness, injury, or bereavement. If you wish to
summative assessment by the relevant Programme Administrator. Word Limits to test their learning effectively.
make the Sub-Board of Examiners aware of your circumstances and
how these have affected your performance, please complete the Any written work for Social Policy courses will specify a word limit Formative assessment develops the knowledge and skills that
Extensions Exceptional Circumstances form (available from the Student Service and you should not go beyond this when writing your work. students come to LSE to acquire. Formative assessment is a
Centre). The form should be accompanied supporting evidence of compulsory part of every course and includes: class/seminar
If you believe that you will be unable to meet a summative your circumstances (such as doctor's letter, hospital note, death If a piece of coursework exceeds the set word limit, the markers will discussions and presentations; essays; problem sets; dissertation
assessment deadline because of illness/injury, bereavement or certificate or police report). make a judgement based only on the content up to the word limit. proposals and mock examinations. Formative assessment does
other serious personal circumstances, and you need to request an
not count towards the calculation of a student’s overall degree
extension to the submission deadline, you should do so as early as Other Departments may have different rules on word limits, so do
classification.
possible and in advance of the deadline. be sure to check these if you are taking courses from Departments
outside of Social Policy, before you start your work! Summative assessment tests whether students have acquired
the learning outcomes that are described above. This is achieved
through a variety of methods including closed book and take-
home examinations, presentations, coursework and dissertations.
Social Policy: Departmental Summative assessment counts towards the calculation of a student’s
overall degree classification.
Assessment and Feedback Strategy 1
Marking:
Section 1 – Assessment Aims A marking framework is used by markers for all summative and
Social Policy is an interdisciplinary and applied subject concerned formative assessment. The Departmental marking framework
with the analysis of different societies' responses to inequality and is included in each programme handbook and is also discussed
social need. The Department’s teaching and assessment approach in classes/seminars. Several courses also have course specific
builds on LSE’s commitment to connecting theory with empirical marking frameworks, which you will find on the course’s Moodle
research, and the application of research to ‘real world’ policy page. These are designed to help you as much as possible when
problems. planning your work.
Learning outcomes: For the majority of courses, each piece of summative work is double-
blind marked. The first and second internal examiners then agree the
Upon successful completion of their studies, students will be able to: final internal mark. An External Examiner also receives a sample of
scripts and other assessed material from the top, middle and bottom
• Outline and evaluate contemporary concepts and empirical of the range in order to confirm that internal marking has been
evidence in relation to the main areas of social policy formulation consistent and of an appropriate standard. This provides a third level
and implementation of assessment scrutiny.
• Critically evaluate the suitability, implications and effects of social For some courses a system of single-marking with moderation is
policies in different social sectors and across different national used for summative work. Each script is marked by a first marker,
contexts and a selection of scripts is then ‘moderated’ by a second marker to
2 For further details, see lse.ac.uk/intranet/LSEServices/TQARO/
1 This document has been drafted with reference to the LSE Academic Code ProgrammeSpecifications/SocialPolicy/Home.aspx
16 17ensure marking standards are consistent. Scripts that are single-
marked are also reviewed by the External Examiner as described
Summative:
For assessments set in Michaelmas or Lent Term: feedback
Marking Framework: MSc Programmes
above. Course Convenors will inform students if single marking with is normally provided to students within four term-time weeks This is a guide to the principal criteria used for the marking of both assessed and 'formative' written work. You should check Moodle for
moderation applies to a particular course. of submission and, where possible, prior to future summative tailored marking frameworks for specific courses. The descriptors given are merely illustrative of the standards that markers apply. Feedback
assessment. Along with written feedback, a provisional mark is from markers will usually include specific comments under each of the four headings below. Overall marks/grades awarded will reflect an
Extremely careful consideration is given to ensuring that appropriate provided. overall judgement, based on all four criteria, but will additionally take account of the extent to which students have substantively answered the
methods of assessment are used on each individual course and all
question(s) set.
proposals must be approved at an All Department Meeting. Once For assessments set in the Summer Term: for students whose
approved, final consideration is given by the School’s Undergraduate degree programme is continuing, feedback is normally provided
or Graduate Studies Sub-Committee. within four weeks of the beginning of the following term. CRITERIA
Plagiarism: Final year graduates and undergraduates will receive feedback on Class Mark Structure Awareness
The Department ensures that the School’s rules on plagiarism their dissertations within four weeks of the beginning of the following Knowledge Base Argument / Critical Analysis
and Clarity and use
are clearly communicated to all students. Each programme term in which the dissertation was submitted. and Understanding and Conclusion
of Expression of Literature
handbook clearly sets out the Department’s policy on plagiarism,
signposts students to the School’s guidance, and provides examples Further guidance on how to make the most of feedback to improve Distinction 75+ Exceptionally well Excellent use of Excellent understanding and Argument marshalled in an
of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it. Additional future performance can be found on each course’s Moodle page. rounded argument; extensive literature outstanding exposition of outstanding manner with
sessions that cover plagiarism are incorporated into the teaching for persuasively written well beyond the relevant issues; impressively excellent integration of theory/
dissertation courses. reading list which well informed; insightful conceptual framework;
Section 4 – Communication
is impressively awareness of nuances and searching questioning,
Students are informed of the guidelines on assessment and feedback exploited complexities. No major unbiased approach;
Section 3 – Feedback through the following platforms: room for improvement, given unambiguous evidence of
What is feedback? constraints of essay form original and independent
• This Departmental Assessment Strategy document is included in thought.
• Feedback is information about students’ work that they can use to each programme handbook.
make improvements. 70-74 Excellent, logically Very good use Very good understanding and Well constructed arguments
• This document is also circulated to student representatives at the developed argument; of wide range of exposition of relevant issues; with appropriate use of theory/
• Feedback is an integral part of the teaching and learning process. MT SSLC meeting (the minutes of which will be available to all very well written literature to support well informed; good awareness conceptual framework;
students); and is also provided to External Examiners. argument / points of nuances and complexities questioning, unbiased approach;
• Feedback is a two-way process which is most effective when clear evidence of independent
students engage with it fully. The main formal opportunities students have to receive and discuss thought; good demonstration of
feedback are: originality of thought
The Department is committed to providing timely, regular and
constructive feedback to students and promotes ‘feedback literacy’ • Tutorial meetings Merit 65-69 Very well developed Good use of wide Clear awareness and exposition High standard of critical
among all its teachers and students. We ensure students understand argument; well range of literature to of relevant issues; some analysis with appropriate choice
the full range of feedback methods and opportunities available to • Advice and Feedback Hours expressed support arguments awareness of nuances and and use of theory/conceptual
them. This encourages them to engage actively with feedback, by complexities but tendency to framework; some questioning of
learning to recognise when feedback is being given, the different
• Via email
simplify matters literature
forms it takes, and by understanding how best to use it.
• Via Moodle 60-64 Logically presented Adequate use of Shows awareness of issues but Appropriate choice and use of
When and how is feedback given? argument; clearly standard literature to lapses into description in places theory/conceptual framework;
Students are expected to:
expressed support arguments attempts analysis
Feedback is given in accordance with the School’s Academic Code
• Understand when feedback is being given and what it means Pass 50-59 Poorly developed Use of narrow range Work shows understanding of Weak understanding or use
and the Department makes every effort to ensure that it is delivered
argument; meaning of standard literature issue but at superficial level; of chosen theory/conceptual
in a timely and effective manner. • Ask the person giving feedback for clarification it if is not clear
not necessarily or to support arguments no more than expected from framework; too descriptive and/
Formative: • Discuss feedback with fellow students – peer review can also be entirely clear attendance at lectures; some or analysis too superficial
Feedback on formative work is normally provided within three term- useful feedback irrelevant material
time weeks of the submission deadline. It is provided to support and
Fail 40-49 Confusingly Relies on superficial Establishes a few relevant No choice or use of theory/
foster student learning, and to prepare students for summative work.
structured and repeat of lecture/ points but superficial and conceptual framework; essay
Assignments are returned to students with constructive commentary
argued; meaning seminar notes confused; much irrelevant almost wholly descriptive; no
and guidance for future progress. Feedback is provided in two main
forms: in writing (normally using the standard form, including a mark),
Support on Using Feedback unclear material grasp of analysis with many
errors and/or omissions
or orally (students are expected to take notes). Here is a link (lse.ac.uk/social-policy/Assets/Documents/PDF/
Current-Students/FeedbackHandbookFinal.pdf) to a helpful guide Bad fail < 40 Lacking structure No significant Very little or no understanding No choice or use of theory/
Students are also provided with additional feedback opportunities at and meaningful reference to literature of the issues raised by the topic conceptual framework; essay
on how to make the most out of your feedback. You will also find this
Academic Mentor meetings and Advice and Feedback Hours. argument; difficult to or topic misunderstood; content almost wholly descriptive; no
on each Moodle course page for your PG courses.
understand largely irrelevant grasp of analysis with many
errors and/or omissions
NOTE: marks < 30 signifies work that is significantly flawed or seriously inadequate; marks < 15 signifies work representing only a minimal or
no serious attempt.
18 19You can also read
