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The words ‘ dissertation ’ and ‘thesis’ both refer to a large written research project undertaken to complete a degree, but they are used differently depending on the country:
The main difference is in terms of scale – a dissertation is usually much longer than the other essays you complete during your degree.
Another key difference is that you are given much more independence when working on a dissertation. You choose your own dissertation topic , and you have to conduct the research and write the dissertation yourself (with some assistance from your supervisor).
Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:
However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.
At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, the dissertation is usually the main focus of your final year. You might work on it (alongside other classes) for the entirety of the final year, or for the last six months. This includes formulating an idea, doing the research, and writing up.
A PhD thesis takes a longer time, as the thesis is the main focus of the degree. A PhD thesis might be being formulated and worked on for the whole four years of the degree program. The writing process alone can take around 18 months.
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Caulfield, J. (2022, May 05). What Is a Dissertation? | 5 Essential Questions to Get Started. Scribbr. Retrieved 18 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/what-is-a-dissertation/
Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples.
A dissertation is a lengthy research paper written as a requirement to earn an academic degree. Typically, students must write a dissertation toward the end of their program to prove their knowledge and contribute new research to their field. Whether a student earns the degree depends on the quality of their paper and how it is presented.
Dissertations are one of the most difficult research papers to write, involving much of a student’s time, focus, and energy. While they follow the basics of a research paper , dissertations have areas that regular research papers don’t. Below, we provide a foundational primer to help you write a dissertation without getting overwhelmed.
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What is a dissertation, how long is a dissertation, dissertation structure and requirements, how to write a dissertation step-by-step, how to write a dissertation faqs.
Think of a dissertation as the “final exam” for earning certain academic degrees. Although different schools in different countries have their own procedures, in general students submit a dissertation with the help of an adviser, and the dissertation is then reviewed by experts in the field to see if it qualifies for the degree. Often, the student must also give an oral presentation on their topic, known as a dissertation defense .
The term dissertation itself is often used interchangeably with thesis paper . It gets confusing because different countries use these terms in different ways. For example, in the United States, dissertation is used when completing a doctorate, while thesis is used for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. In the UK and Ireland, those are reversed, with dissertation relating to undergraduate degrees.
Dissertations can be either empirical or nonempirical , depending on the field of study. Empirical dissertations (or quantitative dissertations) are common for the sciences; they require students to collect original data, with the methods of research also reviewed. Nonempirical dissertations (or qualitative dissertations) instead rely on existing data, although students are expected to provide original and inventive analyses.
Although dissertations are technically research papers, writing them is far more involved and technical than other school papers. To write a dissertation, you use a more complex format, with sections for literature reviews, appendices , and methodology, among others.
There is no universal answer to “how long is a dissertation?” The page length or word count varies depending on the degree, field of study, school, and country.
But here are some rough estimates to give you an idea of what to expect:
As you can see, a doctoral dissertation is a serious investment—you’re essentially writing a book. Keep in mind, however, that these figures are only estimates, and that actual lengths are more flexible. For example, dissertations for science, technology, engineering, and math fields tend to be shorter than non-STEM dissertations.
The focus of your dissertation title page is— surprise! —your title. The title of your dissertation should succinctly explain the topic you’re discussing and directly relate to your research question or thesis statement. Anyone who reads the title should understand what you’re writing about.
As for formatting the title page, that depends on the school and style. Often, you’ll include the name of the university and your program, as well as the date. Check with your adviser for specific details.
This optional section gives you the chance to thank anyone who helped you write your dissertation, in the same vein as a dedication page or acceptance speech. If you choose to include this, try to keep it formal and as brief as possible.
The abstract is a short summary of the dissertation that comes at the beginning of the paper. It outlines all the major points your paper discusses and often mentions the methodology briefly. Abstracts should be only one paragraph, about 300 to 500 words.
The term abstract is often used interchangeably with executive summary . While common usage suggests they’re the same, they’re technically different: An executive summary discusses the findings or conclusion of the research, whereas an abstract does not.
The table of contents lists all titles for chapters, headings, and subheadings, as well as their corresponding page numbers. Moreover, the table of contents also includes the supplementary sections—such as the bibliography , appendices, and optional sections like a glossary, list of abbreviations, or a list of figures and tables.
Data-heavy dissertations may include multiple visual aids, such as figures or tables. If your dissertation uses a lot of these visuals, you can include a full list of them with their page numbers at the beginning of the paper. Think of this like a table of contents for images and charts.
Similarly, if your dissertation includes a lot of abbreviations , you should include an alphabetized key at the beginning of the paper that explains what each stands for. This is especially important if your dissertation relies on abbreviations specific to a certain field that readers outside the field may not recognize.
A glossary defines the complicated words used in your paper, kind of like a mini-dictionary. Like the list of abbreviations, the glossary comes in handy if you use a lot of jargon that won’t be understood by readers outside your field.
The first of the “core chapters” and the de facto beginning of your paper, your introduction sets up your research topic and provides the necessary background context to understand it. Here, you plainly state your thesis statement or research question and give a glimpse of how your paper discusses it.
The introduction is typically structured with each chapter getting its own brief summary. It should hint at your methodology and outline your approach (without going into too much detail), as well as explain the current state of the topic’s research so the reader knows where your dissertation fits in.
How long should a dissertation introduction be? The unofficial rule is 10 percent of the entire paper , so if your dissertation is 20,000 words, your introduction should be about 2,000 words. Keep in mind this is a rough estimate, as your introduction could vary.
During your research, you will have collected and examined the top primary and secondary sources relevant to your topic. As the name suggests, literature reviews are where you evaluate and comment on these sources, not only summarizing their findings but also pointing out flaws and drawing connections between them.
One of the key concepts in a literature review is the research gap , which refers to specific areas of a topic that have not yet been sufficiently researched. These “blind spots” make the best topics for dissertations, and your goal should be filling them in with new data or analysis. The literature review should fully explain the research gap and how your dissertation rectifies it.
Another important aspect of the literature review is defining your theoretical framework , the preexisting theories on which your own research relies. In other words, the theoretical framework is everything your reader needs to know about your topic that has already been proved or established.
The methodology chapter describes how you conducted your research, so the reader can verify its credibility. Typically, you go into detail about how you collected your data, administered tests, and analyzed the data, as well as why you chose the methods you did. You also name any tools or equipment used in your research and state concrete information, such as where and when you conducted tests.
You can also mention any obstacles or setbacks here. If your topic has some biases, mention how your methods avoided those biases.
The nucleus of your dissertation, the results chapter thoroughly explores your findings. This is where you present your data or original analysis, along with any visual aids, such as graphs or charts.
For empirical dissertations, structure the results section by individual data findings, analyzed in depth one by one. For nonempirical dissertations, structure this section by themes, patterns, or trends you’ve noticed in your research.
Don’t forget to relate your findings back to the central research question or thesis statement.
The discussion chapter contextualizes the findings laid out in the previous chapter. What does the data mean for this topic? Did it fit into the theoretical framework? How does it change the way we think? These are the kinds of themes the discussion chapter expounds on.
Feel free to talk about any surprises or unexpected results you had. Transparency is encouraged as a way to establish credibility, so this is a good place to share your personal opinions on how the research went.
As with all research paper conclusions , dissertation conclusions tie everything together. This chapter, the last of the core chapters, should reevaluate your thesis statement or clearly answer your research question. Remember not to present any new data or evidence in the conclusion, but rather review and reiterate the findings you presented earlier.
The bibliography lists the full citations of all the sources used, along with their publishing information. In APA style, the bibliography is called a reference page , while in MLA it’s called a works cited page .
Bibliographies have a specific format, depending on the style you use. Be sure to check our citation guides for APA , MLA , and Chicago styles so you know which rules to follow.
The appendices are different sections of nonessential materials that are still relevant to the topic. While the essential materials should go in the body of the paper, supplemental materials—such as maps, interview transcripts, or tangential explanations—should come at the end of this section. Each piece of content is known as an appendix , the singular form of appendices .
Choosing a topic is of the utmost importance in dissertations, especially for doctorates. You need to ensure not only that your research matters but also that you have enough substance to fill the page requirement.
When choosing a topic, try to frame your ideas in the format of a thesis statement or research question. A thesis statement is a single sentence that encompasses the central point you’re trying to make, while a research question simply poses a question that your research aims to answer.
As we mentioned above in relation to literature reviews, look for a research gap in areas you’re interested in. Which aspects of these topics have not been thoroughly researched or require more data? These make the best dissertation topics.
Once you’ve decided your topic, do some preliminary research until you have a good overview of its current state. You won’t need to fully answer your research question just yet, but after this step you should at least know where to look.
As you review sources , make a note of any substantial findings or prevalent theories in your topic. Jot down any questions you have so you can find the answers later. Also, start thinking about how you will structure your dissertation; this comes in handy when submitting a research proposal.
For advanced dissertations, such as those for doctoral programs, you may need to submit a research proposal before you begin. Here, you discuss your intentions for your dissertation, including how you plan to address a research gap and what methodology you’ll use. The proposal is then accepted or rejected by your supervisor, based on its merits.
Once your preliminary research is finished and your proposal accepted, it’s time to begin one of the most important steps in how to write a dissertation: principal research.
The goal here is to learn as much as you can about your topic, ideally accounting for all available knowledge researchers have amassed up to this point. You’ll want to define the precise parameters of your research gap so you know exactly what to test or analyze yourself.
You’ll also want to review primary sources (reference materials directly related to an event—e.g., eye-witness accounts or raw data from experiments) and secondary sources (reference materials from secondhand sources—books interpreting historical events, analyses of raw data, etc.).
A research paper outline helps you structure your dissertation before you write it. The outline is not an official part of dissertations, but it is extremely helpful for organization. You can rearrange topics, points, and evidence before those parts are written.
Your dissertation outline should cover what you intend to talk about in the core chapters (introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion). If you intend to use direct quotes or passages, make a note of where to find them in your outline so you don’t have to go searching again.
It could take days, months, or even years to write a dissertation, so hunker down for the long haul. If you put a lot of thought into your outline, writing the first draft is just a matter of following along and fleshing out the ideas.
The body of your paper should be simple enough; simply present the data or analysis as best you can, point by point. Your research and findings will speak for themselves.
A lot of students have trouble with writing an introduction . The introduction chapter can be more challenging because it involves thinking broadly and abstractly, as opposed to simply listing details. Likewise, the research paper conclusion also requires a more general treatment of the topic and can be harder to write.
Your adviser is there to help you throughout the entire process of writing a dissertation. Feel free to ask them any questions you have, and regularly check in with them while you write the first draft.
When your first draft is finished, ask your adviser to take a look at it. They’ll be able to spot any problem areas or point you in a new direction. Don’t be afraid to ask—that’s what they’re there for.
In addition to feedback from your adviser, see if anyone else can review your work. Ideally, you could have someone experienced in your field offer a professional opinion, but anyone knowledgeable in dissertations can provide you with useful insight in how to improve yours. The more feedback you get before the final draft, the better.
After compiling all your feedback, write a final draft incorporating all the changes and improvements. While some parts might remain untouched, others may have to be completely rewritten. This is also a good opportunity to cut any areas that don’t directly relate to your main topic. At the same time, you may need to add entirely new sections for issues that weren’t addressed in the first draft.
The last step before submitting your dissertation is to correct any mistakes and finish up your edits. We recommend going through your dissertation a few times, and at least once with a focus on finding grammar mistakes or misspellings. Feel free to run your paper through our online spell-checker to highlight any spelling mistakes.
In certain programs, you’re required to give an oral presentation to a panel of experts on your dissertation topic. This is called a dissertation defense , as the panel will ask challenging questions to make sure your research and findings are reliable.
A dissertation defense can be a nerve-racking experience, not only because it involves public speaking but also because it influences whether you receive the degree. Try your best to stay calm and remind yourself that almost everyone with an advanced degree has gone through it—and if all goes well, you won’t have to do it again!
Dissertations are vastly different, with varying styles depending on the subject, method of research, school, country, and type of degree. Looking at dissertation examples is often useful, but make sure to choose a dissertation example that’s most similar to the one you’re writing.
We recommend searching the NDLTD for a dissertation close to yours. This database allows you to search over 6 million online dissertations by keyword and filter results by language, year, or tag.
A dissertation is a lengthy research paper written as a requirement to earn an academic degree. Typically, students must write a dissertation toward the end of their program to both prove their knowledge and contribute new research to their field. The term dissertation is sometimes used interchangeably with thesis paper .
There are two main purposes of a dissertation. First, it proves a student has the adequate knowledge, skill, and understanding to earn their degree and advance into more challenging fields. Second, it contributes new and original research in an academic area with a “research gap.”
The core chapters of a dissertation are the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. In addition, there are also supplementary sections, such as the appendices, bibliography, glossary, and abstract.
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In this post, we look at the structural elements of a typical dissertation. Your department may wish you to include additional sections but the following covers all core elements you will need to work on when designing and developing your final assignment.
The table below illustrates a classic dissertation layout with approximate lengths for each section.
Your title should be clear, succinct and tell the reader exactly what your dissertation is about. If it is too vague or confusing, then it is likely your dissertation will be too vague and confusing. It is important therefore to spend time on this to ensure you get it right, and be ready to adapt to fit any changes of direction in your research or focus.
In the following examples, across a variety of subjects, you can see how the students have clearly identified the focus of their dissertation, and in some cases target a problem that they will address:
An econometric analysis of the demand for road transport within the united Kingdom from 1965 to 2000
To what extent does payment card fraud affect UK bank profitability and bank stakeholders? Does this justify fraud prevention?
A meta-analysis of implant materials for intervertebral disc replacement and regeneration.
The role of ethnic institutions in social development; the case of Mombasa, Kenya.
Why haven’t biomass crops been adopted more widely as a source of renewable energy in the United Kingdom?
Mapping the criminal mind: Profiling and its limitation.
The Relative Effectiveness of Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C
Under what conditions did the European Union exhibit leadership in international climate change negotiations from 1992-1997, 1997-2005 and 2005-Copenhagen respectively?
The first thing your reader will read (after the title) is your abstract. However, you need to write this last. Your abstract is a summary of the whole project, and will include aims and objectives, methods, results and conclusions. You cannot write this until you have completed your write-up.
Your introduction should include the same elements found in most academic essay or report assignments, with the possible inclusion of research questions. The aim of the introduction is to set the scene, contextualise your research, introduce your focus topic and research questions, and tell the reader what you will be covering. It should move from the general and work towards the specific. You should include the following:
Your literature review is the section of your report where you show what is already known about the area under investigation and demonstrate the need for your particular study. This is a significant section in your dissertation (30%) and you should allow plenty of time to carry out a thorough exploration of your focus topic and use it to help you identify a specific problem and formulate your research questions.
You should approach the literature review with the critical analysis dial turned up to full volume. This is not simply a description, list, or summary of everything you have read. Instead, it is a synthesis of your reading, and should include analysis and evaluation of readings, evidence, studies and data, cases, real world applications and views/opinions expressed. Your supervisor is looking for this detailed critical approach in your literature review, where you unpack sources, identify strengths and weaknesses and find gaps in the research.
In other words, your literature review is your opportunity to show the reader why your paper is important and your research is significant, as it addresses the gap or on-going issue you have uncovered.
You need to tell the reader what was done. This means describing the research methods and explaining your choice. This will include information on the following:
It is a common style convention to write what was done rather than what you did, and write it so that someone else would be able to replicate your study.
Here you describe what you have found out. You need to identify the most significant patterns in your data, and use tables and figures to support your description. Your tables and figures are a visual representation of your findings, but remember to describe what they show in your writing. There should be no critical analysis in this part (unless you have combined results and discussion sections).
Here you show the significance of your results or findings. You critically analyse what they mean, and what the implications may be. Talk about any limitations to your study, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of your own research, and make suggestions for further studies to build on your findings. In this section, your supervisor will expect you to dig deep into your findings and critically evaluate what they mean in relation to previous studies, theories, views and opinions.
This is a summary of your project, reminding the reader of the background to your study, your objectives, and showing how you met them. Do not include any new information that you have not discussed before.
This is the list of all the sources you have cited in your dissertation. Ensure you are consistent and follow the conventions for the particular referencing system you are using. (Note: you shouldn't include books you've read but do not appear in your dissertation).
Include any extra information that your reader may like to read. It should not be essential for your reader to read them in order to understand your dissertation. Your appendices should be labelled (e.g. Appendix A, Appendix B, etc). Examples of material for the appendices include detailed data tables (summarised in your results section), the complete version of a document you have used an extract from, etc.
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This National Dissertation Day, we asked our dissertation advisers to answer some of the most common questions they get asked by students. These range from what you need to know before you start, tips for when you’re writing, and things to check when you’ve finished.
Q: What is a dissertation?
A: A research project with a word count of 12,000+ at Master’s level.
Q: What is the difference between a postgraduate and an undergraduate dissertation?
A: The length for Undergraduate is less than 12,000 words and for Postgraduate it is more than 15,000 words. Level 7 requires a higher level of critical debate, better synthesis of the arguments, and more independence in research. It also requires originality and an attempt to touch, challenge, or expand the body of existing knowledge.
Q: How much time should be spent writing a dissertation?
A: An Undergraduate dissertation is worth is 40 credits (from 360 in total) and should take 300-400 hours. A Postgraduate dissertation is worth 60 credits (from 180 in total) and should take 400-600 hours.
Q: What is the best way to pick a topic and where should the focus be when writing?
A: As per your pathways of study and incorporating your areas of interest, based on previous research papers and contemporary or futuristic issues.
Q: What kind of research do students need to complete before starting?
A: Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students study a module on research methodology and develop a research proposal, based on previous research.
Q: Can dissertations include other media i.e. imagery, videos, graphs, external links to examples?
In most programmes this is not possible, however specific programmes such as MA design, media studies, or architecture may allow various media to be included.
Q: How much support is offered by advisers?
A: Students are offered 4 hours of one-to-one supervision spread over 12-14 weeks of a term.
Q: Are students able to submit multiple drafts?
Yes, this is allowed.
Q: What is the policy on dissertation deadline extensions?
A: A student can be granted late authorisation (two extra weeks) or personal extenuating circumstances, but there needs to be evidence to support the requests.
Q: What are some of the most common mistakes advisers see with dissertations?
A: The following:
Q: What makes a truly great dissertation?
Q: What does excellent collaboration between a student and an adviser look like?
A: Regular planned meetings, mutual respect, and a partnership where both of the parties are motivated and inspired for the research.
Q: What’s one key piece of advice you can give to prospective Master’s students on dissertation writing?
A: Critically read and benchmark previous peer-reviewed research journals in your area of research. Regularly attend supervision meetings and work continuously and not only towards the end of the term. Be honest and ethical in your data collection.
If you need more information about dissertation writing or pursuing a degree, please contact us using the details below:
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Writing a dissertation is a daunting task, but these tips will help you prepare for all the common challenges students face before deadline day.
Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging aspects of university. However, it is the chance for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their degree and to explore a topic in depth.
In this article, we look at 10 top tips for writing a successful dissertation and break down how to write each section of a dissertation in detail.
1. Select an engaging topic Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree.
2. Research your supervisor Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms. Do some research on your supervisor and make sure that they align with your dissertation goals.
3. Understand the dissertation structure Familiarise yourself with the structure (introduction, review of existing research, methodology, findings, results and conclusion). This will vary based on your subject.
4. Write a schedule As soon as you have finalised your topic and looked over the deadline, create a rough plan of how much work you have to do and create mini-deadlines along the way to make sure don’t find yourself having to write your entire dissertation in the final few weeks.
5. Determine requirements Ensure that you know which format your dissertation should be presented in. Check the word count and the referencing style.
6. Organise references from the beginning Maintain an alphabetically arranged reference list or bibliography in the designated style as you do your reading. This will make it a lot easier to finalise your references at the end.
7. Create a detailed plan Once you have done your initial research and have an idea of the shape your dissertation will take, write a detailed essay plan outlining your research questions, SMART objectives and dissertation structure.
8. Keep a dissertation journal Track your progress, record your research and your reading, and document challenges. This will be helpful as you discuss your work with your supervisor and organise your notes.
9. Schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor Make sure you stay in touch with your supervisor throughout the process, scheduling regular meetings and keeping good notes so you can update them on your progress.
10. Employ effective proofreading techniques Ask friends and family to help you proofread your work or use different fonts to help make the text look different. This will help you check for missing sections, grammatical mistakes and typos.
A dissertation is a long piece of academic writing or a research project that you have to write as part of your undergraduate university degree.
It’s usually a long essay in which you explore your chosen topic, present your ideas and show that you understand and can apply what you’ve learned during your studies. Informally, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably.
First, choose a topic that you find interesting. You will be working on your dissertation for several months, so finding a research topic that you are passionate about and that demonstrates your strength in your subject is best. You want your topic to show all the skills you have developed during your degree. It would be a bonus if you can link your work to your chosen career path, but it’s not necessary.
Second, begin by exploring relevant literature in your field, including academic journals, books and articles. This will help you identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas that may need further exploration. You may not be able to think of a truly original piece of research, but it’s always good to know what has already been written about your chosen topic.
Consider the practical aspects of your chosen topic, ensuring that it is possible within the time frame and available resources. Assess the availability of data, research materials and the overall practicality of conducting the research.
When picking a dissertation topic, you also want to try to choose something that adds new ideas or perspectives to what’s already known in your field. As you narrow your focus, remember that a more targeted approach usually leads to a dissertation that’s easier to manage and has a bigger impact. Be ready to change your plans based on feedback and new information you discover during your research.
Your supervisor is there to provide guidance on your chosen topic, direct your research efforts, and offer assistance and suggestions when you have queries. It’s crucial to establish a comfortable and open line of communication with them throughout the process. Their knowledge can greatly benefit your work. Keep them informed about your progress, seek their advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
1. Keep them updated Regularly tell your supervisor how your work is going and if you’re having any problems. You can do this through emails, meetings or progress reports.
2. Plan meetings Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor. These can be in person or online. These are your time to discuss your progress and ask for help.
3. Share your writing Give your supervisor parts of your writing or an outline. This helps them see what you’re thinking so they can advise you on how to develop it.
5. Ask specific questions When you need help, ask specific questions instead of general ones. This makes it easier for your supervisor to help you.
6. Listen to feedback Be open to what your supervisor says. If they suggest changes, try to make them. It makes your dissertation better and shows you can work together.
7. Talk about problems If something is hard or you’re worried, talk to your supervisor about it. They can give you advice or tell you where to find help.
8. Take charge Be responsible for your work. Let your supervisor know if your plans change, and don’t wait if you need help urgently.
Remember, talking openly with your supervisor helps you both understand each other better, improves your dissertation and ensures that you get the support you need.
How to write a successful research piece at university How to choose a topic for your dissertation Tips for writing a convincing thesis
It’s important to start with a detailed plan that will serve as your road map throughout the entire process of writing your dissertation. As Jumana Labib, a master’s student at the University of Manchester studying digital media, culture and society, suggests: “Pace yourself – definitely don’t leave the entire thing for the last few days or weeks.”
Decide what your research question or questions will be for your chosen topic.
Break that down into smaller SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) objectives.
Speak to your supervisor about any overlooked areas.
Create a breakdown of chapters using the structure listed below (for example, a methodology chapter).
Define objectives, key points and evidence for each chapter.
Define your research approach (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).
Outline your research methods and analysis techniques.
Develop a timeline with regular moments for review and feedback.
Allocate time for revision, editing and breaks.
Consider any ethical considerations related to your research.
Stay organised and add to your references and bibliography throughout the process.
Remain flexible to possible reviews or changes as you go along.
A well thought-out plan not only makes the writing process more manageable but also increases the likelihood of producing a high-quality piece of research.
The structure can depend on your field of study, but this is a rough outline for science and social science dissertations:
Introduce your topic.
Complete a source or literature review.
Describe your research methodology (including the methods for gathering and filtering information, analysis techniques, materials, tools or resources used, limitations of your method, and any considerations of reliability).
Summarise your findings.
Discuss the results and what they mean.
Conclude your point and explain how your work contributes to your field.
On the other hand, humanities and arts dissertations often take the form of an extended essay. This involves constructing an argument or exploring a particular theory or analysis through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Your essay will be structured through chapters arranged around themes or case studies.
All dissertations include a title page, an abstract and a reference list. Some may also need a table of contents at the beginning. Always check with your university department for its dissertation guidelines, and check with your supervisor as you begin to plan your structure to ensure that you have the right layout.
The length of an undergraduate dissertation can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by your university and your subject department. However, in many cases, undergraduate dissertations are typically about 8,000 to 12,000 words in length.
“Eat away at it; try to write for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it feels relatively unproductive to you in the moment,” Jumana advises.
References are the section of your dissertation where you acknowledge the sources you have quoted or referred to in your writing. It’s a way of supporting your ideas, evidencing what research you have used and avoiding plagiarism (claiming someone else’s work as your own), and giving credit to the original authors.
Referencing typically includes in-text citations and a reference list or bibliography with full source details. Different referencing styles exist, such as Harvard, APA and MLA, each favoured in specific fields. Your university will tell you the preferred style.
Using tools and guides provided by universities can make the referencing process more manageable, but be sure they are approved by your university before using any.
The requirement of a bibliography depends on the style of referencing you need to use. Styles such as OSCOLA or Chicago may not require a separate bibliography. In these styles, full source information is often incorporated into footnotes throughout the piece, doing away with the need for a separate bibliography section.
Typically, reference lists or bibliographies are organised alphabetically based on the author’s last name. They usually include essential details about each source, providing a quick overview for readers who want more information. Some styles ask that you include references that you didn’t use in your final piece as they were still a part of the overall research.
It is important to maintain this list as soon as you start your research. As you complete your research, you can add more sources to your bibliography to ensure that you have a comprehensive list throughout the dissertation process.
Throughout your dissertation writing, attention to detail will be your greatest asset. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to continuously proofread and edit your work.
Proofreading is a great way to catch any missing sections, grammatical errors or typos. There are many tips to help you proofread:
Ask someone to read your piece and highlight any mistakes they find.
Change the font so you notice any mistakes.
Format your piece as you go, headings and sections will make it easier to spot any problems.
Separate editing and proofreading. Editing is your chance to rewrite sections, add more detail or change any points. Proofreading should be where you get into the final touches, really polish what you have and make sure it’s ready to be submitted.
Stick to your citation style and make sure every resource listed in your dissertation is cited in the reference list or bibliography.
Writing a dissertation conclusion is your chance to leave the reader impressed by your work.
Start by summarising your findings, highlighting your key points and the outcome of your research. Refer back to the original research question or hypotheses to provide context to your conclusion.
You can then delve into whether you achieved the goals you set at the beginning and reflect on whether your research addressed the topic as expected. Make sure you link your findings to existing literature or sources you have included throughout your work and how your own research could contribute to your field.
Be honest about any limitations or issues you faced during your research and consider any questions that went unanswered that you would consider in the future. Make sure that your conclusion is clear and concise, and sum up the overall impact and importance of your work.
Remember, keep the tone confident and authoritative, avoiding the introduction of new information. This should simply be a summary of everything you have already said throughout the dissertation.
Seeta Bhardwa
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All MSc students are required to write a 10,000 - 12,000 word dissertation. This contributes one-third (60 credits) of the overall assessment.
The dissertation is an opportunity to apply the content of the modules studied to a topic of interest to the student. It may address an issue of theoretical or practical importance. Students may relate the topic to their own work and/or their own country, but this is not compulsory. Most important is that the topic chosen is practicable, in the sense that there are adequate sources of reliable information available here at the University of Birmingham or that students can obtain. Please also note that students cannot be allowed to travel to countries or parts of countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all but essential travel.
Preparation for the dissertation starts with a dissertation module during the Spring term. Dissertation proposals are submitted in February and supervisors are allocated by mid-March. Students are expected to prepare and write a draft literature review and fieldwork methodology chapter (if applicable), during the period from March through May. Fieldwork will then be undertaken (if appropriate) in June/July and writing up must be completed by the end of August.
All of IDD’s on-campus taught Masters degree programmes enable students either to carry out individual dissertation related fieldwork in a country and on a topic of their choice or to take part in an organised study visit, in the case of the MPA programme. Students on the MPA (HR) and MPA (Finance) programmes have the option of joining the study tour if they wish to. A contribution towards the fieldwork is made from the tuition fee with an upper limit set each year. The same amount is used per student to cover the study tour. Students other than those on the MPA programmes who undertake desk based dissertations can make a case to use their fieldwork allowance for other suitable academic purposes, such as attending conferences or workshops relevant to their dissertation.
The optional modules listed on the website for this programme may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.
General guidance on dissertations and theses is available from the Cornell University Graduate School Thesis & Dissertation web page . For more detailed guidance, see Guide on Writing Your Thesis/Dissertation .
Note that in the Bibliography (or References or Works Cited) section of the Required Sections, Guidelines, and Suggestions page , the following advice is offered.
Required? Yes.
In University by Think Student Editor February 25, 2023 Leave a Comment
A dissertation is an important part of the majority of degrees in the UK. For many people, it is the longest piece of academic writing they will ever produce. Given that it is such a big project, it can be difficult to know where to start. It helps to have a plan that breaks down your dissertation, setting yourself smaller deadlines and goals. However, to plan this effectively, you need to know how much time you need to set aside to write your dissertation.
Ultimately, everyone will need a different amount of time to complete their dissertation. It depends on a range of factors, such as the degree level and how many other commitments you have. As a rough guide, an undergraduate dissertation is usually the focus of your final year. This means it will take around 6 to 12 months to write. The time increases at higher levels. For example, a PhD thesis often takes around 18 months or longer to write.
Keep reading for plenty more information about how long it takes to write a dissertation, including advice if you’re running behind schedule.
As mentioned, there are lots of different factors to take into account when you are planning how long to spend on your dissertation. Firstly, if you are unsure about what a dissertation is, check out this Think Student article .
One of the main things to make sure you are aware of, is how long your dissertation is supposed to be. An undergraduate dissertation may be as little as 8,000 words. In contrast, a PhD thesis will likely be 50,000 words or more.
Obviously, the higher your target word count, the longer it will take you to write. Your university should be clear on how long they expect your dissertation to be, but for a general guide, have a look at this article from Think Student.
Another really important thing to take into account is how much time you actually have to dedicate to working on your dissertation. This will vary greatly from person to person. It may be that you have the time to spend several hours each day focussed on your thesis. However, this is unlikely.
Often, alongside your dissertation, you will have other lectures or seminars to attend. If you are working a job while completing your degree, this may take a significant amount of time out of your week.
Additionally, everyone needs a work-life balance, so you will not be spending all your free time writing the dissertation.
As a rough guide, undergraduate dissertations take between 6 and 12 months to write, including researching and editing drafts. Postgraduate dissertations take longer – anywhere from 13 to 24 months.
It can be helpful to plan a timetable, setting a realistic amount of work for yourself each week. This way, you can manage your workload for your dissertation alongside any other commitments, while also making sure you are on track in the long-term.
Writing a dissertation is hard work. Of course, the ideal situation is to plan ahead of time and to spread out the work of your dissertation over several months. However, many students find themselves procrastinating, and suddenly realise they have deadlines looming, and not enough time to finish everything they need to do.
Ultimately, one week is not enough time to write a dissertation. These are major projects, and the workload involved is typically enough to fill at least 6 months of full-time education.
Although you may find friends or websites claiming you can write a dissertation in a few days, it is nearly impossible to fit all this work into a single week.
The main reason dissertations take so long is that there is much more work to do than just writing a long essay. Whether you are writing about a science or arts subject, a significant amount of research needs to be done before the dissertation can be written.
Additionally, there needs to be time for a supervisor to look over your drafts and provide feedback and advice, to help you improve before you finally submit it.
If some of this work has been completed already, it may be more manageable to finish writing in a week. For example, you may have completed your research, and just need to write 8,000 words to submit as a first draft.
In this case, you can write a little over 1,000 words a day. As it is not the final version, you know that it doesn’t need to be absolutely perfect – just a first attempt.
However, you never really want to be in the situation of having a week to write a dissertation. They often form big parts of your degree, and can be a valuable, even enjoyable, learning experience. Have a look at this Think Student article for advice on writing your dissertation, including help with planning, to make sure you have enough time.
Although you can attempt to write your whole dissertation in a week, this probably isn’t the best idea if you find yourself in that situation. Instead, you should consider talking to members of welfare staff at your university, whether this is pastoral support or an academic supervisor.
Many people struggle with dissertations, and universities have strong support systems in place to help if you are struggling. Whether there is a particular reason you are behind with your work or not, welfare staff at the university will listen to your situation, and help you work out the best next steps for you to take.
As well as this, it can help to make a new plan for your dissertation. Even if you had one before, you have likely not been sticking to it, if you find you no longer have enough time. Try to work out why your old plan wasn’t working, and what you can change.
Making a clear plan, broken down into small steps and deadlines, can really help you to be productive and get that dissertation finished.
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A master's dissertation is typically 12,000-50,000 words; A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000-100,000 words; However, none of these are strict guidelines - your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation ...
An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000-15,000 words. A master's dissertation is typically 12,000-50,000 words. A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000-100,000 words. However, none of these are strict guidelines - your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided ...
An undergraduate thesis is likely to be about 20 to 50 pages long. A Master's thesis is likely to be between 30 and 100 pages in length and a PhD dissertation is likely to be between 50 and 450 pages long. In the table below I highlight the typical length of an undergraduate, master's, and PhD. Level of study.
If you have to produce 10,000 words in ten days, you have to average 1,000 a day. If you have two days, then 5,000 per day and if you work on it for 12 hours each of those days, you need to turn out 417 words per hour. A tall order, but it can be done.
Careful planning will make the project seem not only achievable but also it will help guide and focus your reading. Spending time on a chapter plan early on can really pay off in the long run. 5. Plan in enough time for editing. It's important to give yourself sufficient writing and editing time.
How To Write A Dissertation: 8 Steps. Clearly understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is. Find a unique and valuable research topic. Craft a convincing research proposal. Write up a strong introduction chapter. Review the existing literature and compile a literature review.
It can be helpful to think of your Masters dissertation as a series of closely interlinked essays, rather than one overwhelming paper. The size of this section will depend on the overall word count for your dissertation. However, to give you a rough idea for a 15,000-word dissertation, the discussion part will generally be about 12,000 words long.
Barring unforeseen events, the normal time range for finishing a dissertation seems to be 13-19 months, which can be rounded to one to one and a half years. If you are proactive and efficient, you can usually be at the shorter end of the time range.
Time to recap…. And there you have it - the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows: Title page. Acknowledgments page. Abstract (or executive summary) Table of contents, list of figures and tables.
Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith. A Practical Guide to Dissertation and Thesis Writing. By Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith. This book first published 2019. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Lady Stephenson Library, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2PA, UK. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data. A catalogue record for this book is available from ...
Acknowledgements. The acknowledgements section is usually optional, and gives space for you to thank everyone who helped you in writing your dissertation. This might include your supervisors, participants in your research, and friends or family who supported you. Abstract. The abstract is a short summary of your dissertation, usually about 150-300 words long.
A master's dissertation is typically 12,000-50,000 words; A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000-100,000 words; However, none of these are strict guidelines - your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation ...
A dissertation is a lengthy research paper written as a requirement to earn an academic degree. Typically, students must write a dissertation toward the end of their program to both prove their knowledge and contribute new research to their field. The term dissertation is sometimes used interchangeably with thesis paper.
The table below illustrates a classic dissertation layout with approximate lengths for each section. Hopkins, D. and Reid, T., 2018. The Academic Skills Handbook: Your Guide to Success in Writing, Thinking and Communicating at University. Sage. Title. Your title should be clear, succinct and tell the reader exactly what your dissertation is about.
15 Essential Dissertation Questions Answered. This National Dissertation Day, we asked our dissertation advisers to answer some of the most common questions they get asked by students. These range from what you need to know before you start, tips for when you're writing, and things to check when you've finished. 1. Before you start writing.
Word limit. Your research dissertation should be around 10,000 words. There is an absolute maximum of 12,000 words. This includes everything apart from figure legends, tables, appendices and references. The marker will stop reading after 12,000 words, and anything after that will not be marked (except for your reference list).
10 tips for writing an undergraduate dissertation. 1. Select an engaging topic. Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree. 2. Research your supervisor. Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms.
A dissertation is nota diary of things done •It is a report not a diary or lab notebook •Do not write the dissertation in the order in which tasks were completed write it in the order that will make most sense to the reader •Decide on what is important and what is irrelevant or less important detail 10
Dissertation. All MSc students are required to write a 10,000 - 12,000 word dissertation. This contributes one-third (60 credits) of the overall assessment. The dissertation is an opportunity to apply the content of the modules studied to a topic of interest to the student. It may address an issue of theoretical or practical importance.
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General guidance on dissertations and theses is available from the Cornell University Graduate School Thesis & Dissertation web page.For more detailed guidance, see Guide on Writing Your Thesis/Dissertation.. Note that in the Bibliography (or References or Works Cited) section of the Required Sections, Guidelines, and Suggestions page, the following advice is offered.
It depends on a range of factors, such as the degree level and how many other commitments you have. As a rough guide, an undergraduate dissertation is usually the focus of your final year. This means it will take around 6 to 12 months to write. The time increases at higher levels. For example, a PhD thesis often takes around 18 months or longer ...
Original Name. By the end of the first week finish the word literature review and the methodology, by the end of the second week finish the 2 chapters, and in the third week finish your 2000 word discussion. If people can write 3/4000 word essays in 2 days, you can definitely finish 11,000 in 4 weeks. In the final week edit and re-edit constantly.
A. iceflyier. 7. Mine was 15000 words and I wrote it in about 3 weeks (researching it as I went along), spent another two weeks editing and polishing it, and handed it in a month before the deadline. I made myself write 1000 words a day, though ended up deleting around 6000 words.