The Collaborative Dissertation
As a university, we recognise that not all organisations have the resources and infrastructure to undertake quality research. We also know that our master's students are often eager to engage with organisations and undertake research that makes a contribution to the world beyond academia.
The Collaborative Dissertation provides access to academically rigorous, supervised research for 3 months, that is tailored to an organisation's needs, through collaborative development of a master's dissertation topic.
Whatever challenge your organisation is facing, our students can help you to discover innovative solutions and ideas through the Collaborative Dissertation.
If you are from an organisation and interested in submitting a research topic, please complete this short form and one of the team will be in touch. If you would like to speak to a member of the team first, please get in touch.
Collaborative Dissertation timeline
| Date | Project stage |
|---|---|
|
Nov – Feb 2026 |
Organisations can get in touch to discuss potential research topics and submit a topic/s. You may have existing links with Loughborough University London academics who you can contact, otherwise please email our Learning Partnerships Manager Amy Pyle. |
|
20 Feb 2026 |
Deadline for organisations to submit their research topic/s |
|
2 March 2026 |
Applications open - students start making applications to Collaborative Dissertation research topics |
| 20 March 2026 |
Applications close - student deadline to apply for Collaborative Dissertation research topics |
| 23 March – 10 April 2026 |
Organisations review student applications (this is undertaken in collaboration with academic staff). |
| 10 April 2026 |
Deadline for organisations to make a final decision, and students are informed of the outcome. |
| By end April 2026 |
Student is allocated a Loughborough University London academic supervisor. |
|
26 June 2026 |
Deadline for organisations to provide any data sets they wish the student to use as part of the research. |
| July – September 2026 |
Collaborative Dissertation takes place – student, organisation and academic supervisor work together. |
| Middle – late September 2026 |
Student submits dissertation to the university and shares key findings of their research with the organisation. |
Undertaking a Collaborative Dissertation with the university has been a really positive experience, both the student and academics we worked with were supportive and flexible in adapting their approach in order to make taking part in the research more accessible to those being interviewed. We look forward to collaborating again next year.
Citizens UK