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.
This opportunity is now open for organisations, and we are taking research questions until 17th January 2025. If you are interested in collaborating, please get in touch or complete the short express your interest form, we’d love to hear from you.
Collaborative Dissertation timeline
| Date | Project stage |
|---|---|
|
4 November 2024 |
Handshake portal opens; partner organisations create an account and submit a research question/s. During this time, please contact our Learning Partnerships Manager Amy Pyle she is happy to discuss potential research questions and answer wider queries from organisations. |
| 27 November 2024 |
Collaborate Ignition event at Loughborough University London campus 5.30-7.00pm. If you are new to Collaborative Dissertation this is a great way to learn more about the process and meet some of our students. |
| 17 January 2025 |
Handshake portal closes; partner organisations research questions submitted. |
| 3 February 2025 |
Applications open on Handshake; students complete their application and video pitch. |
| 7 March 2025 |
Applications close on Handshake; student deadline to apply for a Collaborative Dissertation. |
| 10 - 21 March 2025 |
Video pitches and applications are shared with partner organisations for review and shortlisting and then interview students. |
| 24 March 2025 |
Partner organisations make a final decision and inform student/s of the outcome. |
| July - September 2025 |
Commence Collaborative Dissertation- student and partner organisation work together. |
| Mid - Late September 2025 |
Student submits dissertation. |
“This was our first experience of collaborating with the university, we really enjoyed it and the masters' student brought some great ideas to the conversation. The process itself was insightful and provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic and industrial knowledge and application, and we look forward to supporting more collaborative dissertations in the future”.
Trivandi
“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