How to Write a Dissertation: 20 Top Tips

A dissertation is an extended essay which you are usually asked to complete at the end of a course of study or as part of post-graduate work such as a Masters degree. This means that you will be familiar with how to write an essay but a dissertation is different, as you will have already discovered. A dissertation requires extensive research, originality of approach and the ability to sustain an argument over a more in-depth piece of work than that with which you are familiar. Sounds difficult?

The following tips might help:

1. Decide on your topic.

  • This might sound straightforward but it is possibly the most important part of your dissertation so make sure that you choose a topic in which you are interested. It might come from your course or from your own reading but ensure it is capable of being sustained for the required length.

2. Be original.

  • This is one of the most important differences between an essay and a dissertation, as what you are looking for is a topic or an angle on a topic that has not been widely researched before - this is especially important in a post-graduate dissertation.

3. Research your topic thoroughly.

  • The basis of all dissertations and theses is research, therefore you need to read deeply and widely on your topic in order to see what has already been said and identify evidence to be used in support of your argument.

4. Formulate your thesis statement.

  • You will be familiar with this from your essay writing but for a dissertation you need an even stronger proposal to pursue. Your thesis statement should be formed from your reading as well as your own original thoughts and strong enough to sustain over a long piece of writing: it's the root of your dissertation so make it strong!

5. Make notes as your research progresses.

  • During your reading, make notes, not just of what is being said but also of how it fits in with your own ideas. Make sure that you note down carefully where you found the ideas in the correct referencing style - you don't want accusations of plagiarism!

6. Plan the structure of your dissertation.

  • Most dissertations are broken down into an introduction, three chapters and a conclusion, finishing with appendices and a bibliography. Use this as your basic structure and develop from there, giving each chapter a separate working 'title'.

7. Decide which sources to cite and where.

  • If you have made good, thorough notes whilst you were researching this should be easy. Use the plan of your structure to direct where your sources can be most effectively used.

8. Begin to write your introduction.

  • Often the hardest part is beginning and many students leave their introduction until the end. However, if you use your introduction correctly, you will be able to establish your thesis statement and your methodology as well as giving some idea of which major texts you'll be using.

9. Develop your argument cohesively.

  • As with an essay, your dissertation should develop a strong central argument, with each separate chapter addressing a different aspect of the topic. Remember, that as with an essay the different facets should be linked to a central connective.

10. Support your argument with evidence.

  • Every time you make a point in an essay, you support it with evidence and the dissertation is just the same except that you must be even more conscientious about evidence, ensuring that it is both appropriate and helpful to the discussion.

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11. Keep to the point.

  • It is very easy, especially when you are interested in a topic, to stray from the point - don't! It is essential that your central argument is clear and sustained throughout.

12. Analyse thoroughly.

  • One of the most common flaws in the use of evidentiary support is just to quote without comment on what has been said, but you must examine critically how a writer - whether it be critic or creative artist - actually uses language; this will also give you further ideas to pursue.

13. Write in good, clear English.

  • An obvious tip but one which is often overlooked: quite simply, don't throw marks away with errors in punctuation, grammar and/or spelling.

14. Reference correctly.

  • Your college or university will have a required style of referencing to which you must adhere. These are many and various but the style guide for what is required should be available from your department or from the university library: study it and stick to it!

15. Make sure you cite sources thoroughly.

  • This goes back to the notes you made during your research as you should have made clear notes as to where you got your evidence as you were gathering it. If you have done this, in the required referencing style, all you need to remember is to differentiate between your own ideas and those of others but this is essential.

16. Build your argument.

  • Try to sustain your reader's interest by building your argument. This is not just about development, it involves engaging your reader in the thesis so that your argument builds layer upon layer from the strong foundation of your research.

17. Signal your conclusion.

  • As your dissertation draws to a close, don't let it flag but rather indicate to your reader that you have made your point by beginning to use sentences that show you are reaching a climax in your argument which will be summed-up in your conclusion.

18. Write a strong conclusion.

  • Many dissertations simply fizzle out but this is a big mistake as the conclusion is the last thing that your examiner will read so leave a strong impression. A good, effective conclusion includes not only a summation of the main argument and a synthesis of your thoughts but also suggests possible areas of future research.

19. Ensure your bibliography is fully comprehensive.

  • A bibliography should evolve as your research does, so that it is often the case that it almost 'writes itself'! It should never be hastily compiled as a last-minute task and must always be produced in the correct referencing style and include every source you consult, not just those from which you quote.

20. Proof-read carefully.

  • This is essential to ensure that you don't lose marks through silly errors. It is sometimes difficult to see your own mistakes, so ask a friend or colleague to read through your work or failing that, read it aloud.

Good luck!