The Collaborative Dissertation: Project-based & Internship-based Dissertation 2024

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Loughborough University London (the University) is an exciting and innovative post-graduate campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Collaborative Dissertation (Project-based and Internship-based Dissertation) is a credit bearing module that provides an opportunity for students to complete a unique piece of research under the supervision of an academic either ‘in’ (Internship-based) or ‘with’ (Project-based) an organisation.  This MOU is intended to establish a non-legally binding understanding between a collaborating organisation (Partner Organisation) involved in a Collaborative Dissertation and the University. 

The benefits to any Partner Organisation are expected to be: 

  • The Partner Organisation will receive new insights and ideas from the student(s) through a report that is made available to both the Partner Organisation and the University.
  • At the end of the Collaborative Dissertation the student(s) will be offered the opportunity to present their work to the Partner Organisation.
  • There is no fee for involvement in this interaction.

The Organisation is expected to provide the following: 

  • Completed Collaborative Dissertation research brief (on the Handshake platform) for a student to work on, that is of mutual interest to all parties and is appropriately committed to by key stakeholders within the Partner Organisation – this will include information on the opportunity that will be advertised to students.
  • Attendance of Partner Organisation representatives at suitable networking events organised by the university to allow students to find out more about opportunities with the organisation.
  • A designated ‘Research Lead’ who will review research applications from students and compile a shortlist
  • A review of a completed Video Interview and follow up selection process for all interested student parties to be completed between 2nd-19th April 2024.
  • Confirmation to student and University of outcomes of in person interview by no later than 22nd April 2024
  • Provision of information and data to the students that assists them in the delivery of their Collaborative Dissertation.
  • A designated ‘Research Lead’ who will support the student internally at the Partner Organisation and agree the final scope of the research with the student and their academic supervisor – this will include supervision/line management meetings.

Additionally, for an Internship-based Dissertation, the Partner Organisation will provide: 

  • A Person Specification and description of activities the student will undertake whilst completing their research.
  • A completed health and safety declaration and risk assessment form covering the student whilst they undertake the Internship-based Dissertation before the Internship starts
  • An opportunity for the student to work in the Organisation
  • Remuneration appropriate for a Postgraduate student completing a high-level piece of research – we do not advertise Internship-based Dissertation opportunities that do not pay at least the London Living Wage.

The University is expected to provide the following: 

  • Access to advertise opportunities to students on Handshake and within the university
  • Access to networking events to meet students and potential academic supervisors
  • A list of candidates applying for Collaborative Dissertation opportunities to the Partner Organisation 

Intellectual property and opportunities beyond the projects: 

  • Any rights in the students’ output belong to the students and not the University, including intellectual property and the right to publish. Therefore, if the Partner Organisation wishes to make use of such output independently from the Collaborative Dissertation, they could obtain consent directly from the student.
  • Opportunities may also arise for further engagement with the University as a result of this interaction beyond the completion of the Collaborative Dissertation for example, the Collaborative Project, collaborative research with the academic community and/or an employment opportunity for the students.