How to write a dissertation

A dissertation is a research project or long-form essay that is required for a majority of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Writing a dissertation is typically the final step in earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) a Bachelor of Science (BS), a Master’s or Doctoral degree - and it’s a pretty big one. 

In this article, we’ll explore the question of ‘what is a dissertation’ and offer tips to help with dissertation writing when on your final stretch to graduation day.

What is a dissertation?

Many soon-to-be university students wonder what a dissertation is exactly. A dissertation is a piece of independent research, typically in the form of a paper or essay, that aims to contribute new knowledge or illuminate fresh insights in a particular field of study. 

For students, writing a dissertation is an opportunity to demonstrate skills across a broad range of academic areas including research, critical analysis, writing and ideation, while addressing important questions within their specific discipline. 

Whether you are studying Biology, Mathematics or a Humanities subject like Drama or English Literature, producing your dissertation is a great opportunity to solidify your expertise in your area of study. More than a mere box-ticking exercise, completing a dissertation can also serve as a gateway to professional development. For many degree programmes in the UK, the dissertation can count towards a percentage of your degree. It can also have an impact on your final grade, for example, it can make up to 30%-40% of your final year mark. Academic breaks offer valuable time for focused research. Discover how to maximise these periods in your reading week here.

How long is a dissertation?

A common question many students ask is, how long is a dissertation? The answer on word count varies depending on the degree level and the academic discipline. 

Typically, an undergraduate dissertation ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 words, while a master's level may be between 15,000 to 25,000. A PhD dissertation can extend anywhere from a whopping 40,000 to 100,000 words or more. This is just a rule of thumb - how many words a dissertation is will depend on your specific degree, so it is crucial to check the guidelines provided by your department.

How to choose a dissertation topic

Writing a dissertation is a complex process. Breaking the process down into smaller steps can make it more manageable. The first step is choosing a dissertation topic. 

It’s a good idea to pick a subject that you have a natural interest in as well as one that is relevant to your field of study. Your dissertation topic should allow for extensive research and analysis while contributing new perspectives to your subject. It's also vital to ensure the topic you want to cover is feasible given your resources and timeline. 

If you are thinking about how to choose a dissertation topic, you might like to pitch a few ideas to your professor ahead of time and ask for feedback. Your lecturers should always be at hand to help with the dissertation process so don’t be afraid to ask. 

Efficient time management is key to meeting dissertation deadlines. Learn practical strategies in our time management for students article.

What is the structure of a dissertation?

The structure of a dissertation will vary depending on your degree level. Generally, they do follow a standard format. 

• Introduction - This introduces your topic and outlines what the argument or theory is. Sometimes, an executive summary is included here. 
• Body - This is the main part of your thesis and features your literature review, research methodology, results and discussion. 
• Conclusion - This is where you conclude your argument, highlight the main findings and provide necessary references. 

How to write a dissertation introduction?

Knowing how to write a dissertation introduction is particularly important as it sets the stage for your whole project. 

Your dissertation introduction should present your objectives in a clear and concise format, as well as the significance of your study. It’s also helpful for the reader to provide an outline of what each chapter will cover, helping guide the reader through the dissertation. Your university should inform you if there is a set format for your dissertation, including how to frame the introduction.

What is a literature review in a dissertation?

A crucial part of your dissertation is the literature review or the footnotes. For those wondering what is a literature review in a dissertation, this is essentially a survey of the existing research related to your topic that you reference throughout your project, providing a backdrop for your work. 

The literature review should highlight key theories, and gaps in current knowledge, and show how your research fits within the broader conversation. The literature review will help frame your dissertation as a true academic piece of writing. 

How to write methodology for a dissertation?

After you report on your data, it’s important to wrap up your research effectively. This should bring you to another critical chapter in the dissertation: the methodology. Here, you’ll detail exactly how you conducted your research, including outlining your data and analysis methods. 

How to conclude a dissertation effectively?

One of the biggest secrets to writing an impactful dissertation is creating a killer conclusion. Take time to learn how to conclude a dissertation properly and summarise all of your key findings succinctly. You might want to discuss the broader implications of your discovery and suggest areas for further research. 

It’s also important to reflect on any limitations you might have faced in your research. Being transparent about the process is sure to win you a few extra points with your reviewer. 

Tips to write a dissertation

If you find that you need help with your dissertation, don’t panic, there are plenty of resources available to guide students through the process. From seeking out planning and writing tips in books to seeking feedback from your professors, support should be readily accessible. 

Don’t be afraid to bounce ideas off of your classmates or iQ Student Accommodation neighbours in the early stages of writing your dissertation, but ensure that you aren’t too influenced by others in your attempt to produce an authentic piece of work.  

The key tips for writing a dissertation are practical: plan ahead, stay organised, be calm, and remain motivated to craft a dissertation you can be proud of for years to come.

Now you have all the tips for to write a dissertation, next steps will be to start preparing your search for graduate jobs and internships.