Programmes

MPhil/PhD in Management - Information Systems and Innovation

  • Graduate research
  • Department of Management
  • Application code G5ZC
  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Closed
  • Overseas full-time: Closed
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of information systems. You will begin on the MPhil and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

As a research-led department of management ranking #5 in our field, we aim to produce top-quality social scientists who are able to conduct original, robust and significant socio-technical research in digital innovation. You will develop a profound understanding of the complex and dynamic interactions between information technology, organisations and society, and learn to define problems and research questions, collect and analyse data, and bring empirical observations to bear on the development of theory.

We have a strong tradition of high-quality research, teaching and knowledge exchange in information systems and innovation, with specific expertise in digital ecosystems, organisational technologies, security and privacy, health and financial services. The Information Systems and Innovation Faculty Research Group is one of the largest groups of its kind in the world.

You will work closely with international and world-class faculty as part of a vibrant community of doctoral students, all of whom are pursuing varied research in different fields of management. The programme also includes a comprehensive qualitative training, studies from a wide variety of countries and the opportunity to specialise in a designated field.

Programme details

Key facts

 
Start date 30 September 2024
Application deadline 15 January 2024
Duration Four years full-time. Please note that LSE allows part-time PhD study only under limited circumstances. Please see lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/Types-of-study for more information. If you wish to study part-time, you should mention this (and the reasons for it) in your statement of academic purpose, and discuss it at interview if you are shortlisted.
Financial support LSE PhD Studentships, ESRC funding (see 'Fees and funding')
Minimum entry requirement 2:1 bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science or a social science discipline, plus high merit (65+) in a Master’s degree or equivalent in information systems or management or a related discipline 
GRE/GMAT requirement GMAT or GRE is recommended for all applicants, but not compulsory (see GRE and GMAT for further information and exceptions)
English language requirements Research (see 'Assessing your application')
Location  Houghton Street, London

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for MPhil/PhD in Management - Information Systems and Innovation

2:1 bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science or a social science discipline, plus high merit (65+) in a Master’s degree or equivalent in information systems or management or a related discipline.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

GRE/GMAT requirement

GMAT or GRE is recommended, but not mandatory. It must be no more than five years before 1 October 2024, and must show full and percentile scores for all sections.

 Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your;

See further LSE Graduate Admissions information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do. See our English language requirements.

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 15 January 2024. See the fees and funding section for more details.

How to apply

To apply onlin go to the LSE Application System

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.  The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD in Management - Information Systems and Innovation

Home students: £4,829 for the first year (provisional)
Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for LSE PhD Studentships, and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding. Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. 

Financial Aid and Funding sorted by research degree programme for applicants in the Department of Management.

Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

Information Systems PhD Seminar Series and Workshops

Throughout the programme all Information Systems and Innovation doctoral students attend weekly research seminars, which feature presentations and discussions from doctoral students, invited speakers and academic members of the Information Systems and Innovation Faculty group.

First year

Research Practicums

In the first year of your 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.
  • Conducting analyses.
  • Evaluating findings and implications.
  • Writing manuscripts for the academic peer-reviewed process with ultimate goal of publication in top-tier academic journal.

Courses & Seminars

In your first year you will take courses to prepare you for research in organisational phenomena associated with IT innovation, and the management of IT-enabled organisational and social change. You will take core quantitative and qualitative research courses and choose an elective course in advanced methods or data analysis methods. In consultation with your supervisor, you will settle on a definite research topic by the end of the first year.

At the end of this first year, your progress is reviewed to establish that you are on track to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status.

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

Courses include:

Research Traditions and Paradigms in IS and Organisations
The foundations of social research and the key issues concerning the status of knowledge and the forms by which it is acquired. You will focus on the ways by which key epistemological paradigms have been applied in the fields of Information Systems and Organisation Studies.

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
An intensive introduction to quantitative data analysis in the social sciences, covering the foundations of descriptive statistics and statistical estimation and inference. You will have computer classes to give hands-on training in the application of statistical techniques to real social science research problems.

Qualitative Research Methods
You will cover the fundamentals of qualitative research methods with opportunities to put those methods into practice. It prepares you to design, carry out, report, read and evaluate qualitative research projects.

Managing Digital Platform Innovation
Dynamics of large-scale digital service platforms and their associated ecosystems, with a focus on facilitating in-depth debates on complex research issues related to platform and infrastructure innovation.

Elective Methods or Data Analysis course

You will choose one course from a selection of options including:

  • Doing Ethnography
  • Qualitative Research with Digital and Visual Data
  • Qualitative Text and Discourse Analysis
  • Multivariate Analysis and Measurement
  • Applied Regression Analysis
  • Social Network Analysis

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, third and fourth year (PhD)

At the start of year two you will submit a research proposal, up to 15,000 words, related to your designated major field for upgrade to PhD. The paper will outline the aims and methods of your thesis, provide preliminary data collection and analysis. You will also need to submit a concise literature review in which the significance of the proposed research is articulated.

In years two to four of the programme, you are expected to dive deep into your research and write your thesis. While writing the thesis you will continue to attend the weekly Information Systems PhD Seminar during term times but can also attend other regular research seminars that may be relevant to your research.

Throughout your PhD you will be expected to show the continued development of research ideas for publication or presentation at conferences, 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.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision

You will be allocated a PhD supervisor on commencing the programme. 

During the first year of the programme, you will participate in Research Practicums, working in collaboration with different faculty mentors. Each research practicum is a 5-10 week engagement, enabling you to participate in research activities and develop your own research skills.

You will also attend and contribute to the Information Systems PhD Seminar Series and Workshops and other workshops relevant to your research question on a weekly basis. These are designed to strengthen your methodological skills and enable you to present your work in progress.

Progression and assessment

Successful completion of work required for each year is a necessary condition for re-registration in the following year. You will need to meet certain criteria, such as achieving certain grades in your assignments.

During the 2nd year of registration you submit a research proposal for your upgrade to PhD.

You are required to complete your PhD thesis within four years and should allow three to six months for revisions and submissions.

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Mental Health Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops. 

IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­– with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers – we have a Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy) and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget

Careers

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

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 prepares 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 Information Systems and Innovation 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.

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus. Experience LSE from home

Visit LSE

Come on a guided campus tour, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour. Find out about opportunities to visit LSE

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders. Find details on LSE's upcoming visits

Contact us

Faculty members are unable to comment on your eligibility without viewing your full application file first. However, if you have any questions regarding the programme please contact the Department of Management PhD Office at dom.phd.enquiries@lse.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

With questions related to the admissions process, please contact the LSE Graduate Admissions team via their getting in touch page.

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