How to Write a Dissertation

 

Is it compulsory for all students to know how to write a dissertation? Yes, at some point in academic life, a dissertation must be completed. After earning your doctor of science degree, it’s time to start searching for the job of your dreams – earning either a Master’s or PhD degree increases your odds for success in any given field. This guide can assist you with this important undertaking. If you need assistance completing this crucial academic milestone on  how to write a dissertation, contact our dissertation writers and order essay today for top-quality help!

Get assistance now.

What is a Dissertation?

At first glance, it may appear to be an extensive amount of work due at the end of a doctorate program. But its true definition remains obscure: an academic argument built upon research and data compiled during studies, with experts defining it as the culmination of all skills acquired by its student. A dissertation therefore represents something larger than just that – it represents all knowledge accumulated during study periods.

Need Assistance on how to write a Dissertation?

Send us your paper specifications and select a writer to complete it quickly.

Get Help Now

This list encompasses methodological and research skills. A dissertation is the culmination of all essays and assignments a student has written during their higher education journey, analyzing data to synthesize it in order to gain insight into their field of study. This could be seen as an opportunity for self-discovery within that chosen field of study.

Doctoral candidates frequently encounter the following difficulties when crafting their dissertations:

Failure to clearly define the dissertation and its objectives.

A tendency to procrastinate until the very last minute.

Absence of research skills

Lacking skills on how to write a dissertation? It may seem intimidating. This guide will assist you in understanding the significance of a doctoral dissertation and how to craft one. Plus, our writing services are available if needed.

How long is a dissertation?

The length of a dissertation depends on where it’s being written and the country in which it’s set. For master’s or MBA levels, dissertations may range anywhere from 15,000 to 25,000 words; PhD theses can reach up to 50,000 words.

Formatting Requirements

Font Size and Format: Use 10-12 points with a clear font such as Georgia from Times New Roman or Arial.

Margins:

• Left margin for all pages is 1.5 inches.
• Right margin for all pages is 1.5 inches.
• Top margin: 2 inches for acknowledgments and table of contents, plus lists of tables, figures and tables within each chapter as well as bibliography at end.
• Other pages should remain at 1.25 inches in margin.

Spacing: For all pages, the bottom margin should be set to 1.25 inches with double spacing: for body text, block quotations, footnotes and bibliographies; single spacing can be used for lists of tables, figures or illustrations within an entry; however double spacing is used between entries.

A proposal is an essential first step in writing a dissertation. It serves as the blueprint or plan of your research.

Your instructor will assign a proposal to help you draft the actual work. It should be approximately 10-15 pages in length, depending on how long they’ve given you. Be prepared for unexpected outcomes when data collection and analysis go against what you had originally intended. To avoid becoming disoriented during this process, ensure you have thoroughly prepared your dissertation proposal prior to beginning to write it.

Similar: How to Write a Successful Research Proposal

Proposal Overview and Length

Outlining and crafting the proposal is essential as the initial step. Our experts have created a template to assist with this task on how to write a dissertation.

2-3 pages Introduction and Synopsis of Relevance -Your topic provides an illustrative introduction, outlining the research question and outlining the main theme of your paper.

3-6 pages Methodology-This section outlines your data collection plan and analysis methods. Be sure to include information about the equipment, resources and tools you will use, as well as a time commitment.

1-2 pages Objectives-Outline your hypothesis regarding what you plan to prove.

6-10 Page Literature Review-What works were able to inform your research? Discuss relevant literature related to your topic.

1-2 Pages– Research Limitations

Your research must include a disclaimer about the limitations of your study. This is essential as others may attempt to undermine or prove your work.

1- Page Research Timetable-This step serves to outline the major sections of your paper, and involves collecting information for each heading.

Remember, your course requirements will determine the structure of your dissertation proposal. While some require aims and objectives be included in a separate section, others may completely disregard methodology or literature review sections. Be sure to clarify this with your professor.

How to Write a Dissertation vs How to Write a Thesis

A thesis is a document written for a Master’s degree, while a dissertation typically leads to Doctorate qualification. While “thesis” may be common in American academic circles, “dissertation” is more frequently utilized by European academic institutions.

These papers are similar to research papers you would write while earning your undergraduate degree. Your thesis requires conducting extensive research on a topic and analyzing data in order to establish its relevance to your chosen subject matter. Your capacity for critical examination of ideas and engaging in detailed discussions are the objectives of a thesis. In some cases, the definition of thesis can be interchangeable with that of dissertation.

Your dissertation may require you to use research from others as a model for creating your own hypotheses, theories, or concepts. Remember: the majority of the information in your document comes from you!

A doctoral dissertation is significantly longer than a proposal, as it includes extensive background information and research. An academic paper, it may take twice or even triple the length of a thesis.

20 Powerful Topics to Get You Started on How to Write a Dissertation

For your reference, here is a list of research paper writers.

Dissertations in Education

• Various drinking styles amongst college students
• University population indicators of flossing behavior
• The impact of homework assignments on international students
• Influence of a taxi driver on influence student behavior
• What types of activities can students participate in when off campus?
• Shocking actions that influence tutors employ to promote creativity among youth.

MBA Dissertation Topics

• Workplace ethics in multinationals like Walmart
• A business plan focused on producing and marketing musical instruments
• A business plan that suggests evaluation of a strategy
• An empirical analysis of a company’s performance and leadership
• Understanding how to deal with the Millennial Generation

Law ideas for dissertations.

• How the “fight against terror” has affected criminal law around the world
• Critical analysis of omissions liability laws
• Review of criminal negligence related to Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007
• Evaluation of criminal justice cases
• Gender and race disparities within criminal justice systems

Technology Dissertation Topics

• How full-text databases affect search engine results
• A review of apps that improve energy efficiency
• Recent approaches to risk management that depend on software development
• Contemporary research approaches in new methods for studying malware, adware and other viruses’ behaviors
• Redundancy and fault recovery for the 4G wireless network

Dissertation’s Research

Before you begin the dissertation writing process, it is wise to search for a database. This will let you compare the structure of various works within your field and order one online if there isn’t one that appeals to you while crafting your own. By doing so, you can use either an excellent example or custom-made dissertation as a starting point for research.

Planning the research phase of your project development is essential. Be thorough and efficient – nobody wants to waste time looking into irrelevant data.

Here are a few tips to assist you in the research process.

Create a timeline to guide you through the research phase. Make sure your dissertation has enough resources to make an impact, and avoid making the common mistake of thinking you must read every piece of literature on their chosen topic. They may spend too much time focused on research rather than writing it up. Establish clear deadlines and stick to them; having both will help ensure everything gets done successfully.

Search the Right Sources. While the internet can be a great starting point for research, it should not be your sole source. Remember that not all information found online is true; double-check everything and ensure its reliability. Google Scholar can help locate trustworthy academic resources while Wikipedia may not be ideal – though some pages do have references lists. That is where librarians come into play – don’t neglect the library! Ask them for assistance finding interesting and unique resources!

Maintain a record of all resources used for your dissertation. Tools like Penzu and Evernote can help organize sources so you don’t get lost or confused.

Need Assistance on How to Write Your Dissertation?

You can count on the support of our scholars.

Get Dissertation Assistance

Deciding On Structure

All dissertations are different. Your location, discipline, topic and approach will all influence the structure of your paper. Humanities dissertations tend to be structured more like essays with an overall argument supporting a central thesis statement. Different themes and case studies are used as organizing elements within chapters.

Writing a dissertation in the sciences or social science usually has chapters that are distinct. In certain qualitative social science fields, results and discussions may be interwoven rather than separate. Additionally, the order of your sections may vary depending on where you reside or which college requires that the conclusion come before discussion. Furthermore, the structure you select will influence the average length of each chapter.

This dissertation structure is the most popular choice in both science and social science disciplines:

• Introduction
• Literature review of all relevant sources
• Description of your method
• A summary of research findings
• Your major results and their significance
• Conclusion

Dissertations in the humanities tend to be structured more like essays. You build your argument by critically analyzing all sources, rather than adhering to a standard structure. You might organize chapters according to case studies or topics instead of following an organized outline.

How to Write a Dissertation Outline

Writing a dissertation begins with selecting topics, questions, titles and purposes. What is the significance of finding an answer to the chosen problem? How best can evidence be collected in order to get answers?

To answer these questions, you will need an outline. It should include:

• Title Page Objectives – Select up to three objectives
• Table of Contents
• List of tables
• Abbreviations alphabetically
• Include your research question or hypothesis in the introduction
• Literature Review – Establish the context for your study topic and how it fits within existing fields of study. Don’t rush! Consult with your teacher or tutor about any sources you might use and the most suitable format for your dissertation.
• Research is the most essential component of a student’s research project.
• Methodology – Explain why you used these methods to answer your research question.
• Findings – Conclude with predictions about where the research will lead you, along with an explanation of data, evidence or case study findings.
• Discussion – Discuss the conclusion of your argumentation, taking into account both literature and methodology.
• Timeframe – Create a schedule outlining how a writer will manage various stages of dissertation writing.
• Conclusions and Recommendations: Analyze your research findings and offer recommendations, as well as a final evaluation of the outcomes. Be sure to exclude any new ideas that weren’t previously considered; these should remain part of the conversation.
• Bibliography/List of References – Create a comprehensive list of all external sources used for research in alphabetical order, including questionnaires, interview transcripts and pilot reports.

It’s not necessary to include all sections in your outline; this depends on the prompt and length.

How to Write a Dissertation Title Page

Your dissertation title page (also referred to as the cover page) should include all pertinent information about your paper. It should include:

• Title
• Your Name
• Type of Document (Dissertation).
• Study at the Same Institution and Department
• Degree Program (Example: Master of Arts).
• Date of Submission

Your title page may also include your student number, supervisors’ names and the logo for your university. Your department usually outlines what should go on the title page and how it should be formatted. Be sure to check if there are any policies at your college or university regarding margins, spacing or font size requirements.

Here’s how it should appear:

Acknowledgements for Dissertation

In the dissertation acknowledgments section, you express gratitude to those who assisted and supported you during research and writing. These acknowledgements can be either personal or professional in nature.

Example: I am immensely thankful to Dr Steven R. for his expert guidance and detailed feedback throughout this project. Additionally, my wife Kate deserves a huge thank you for her patience in supporting me during my long hours of work, providing invaluable advice, and acting as a sounding board whenever needed.

Dissertation Abstract

An abstract is a concise overview of your dissertation. It should provide an overview of your research, giving readers a sense of the topic and why it needs to be discussed. Make sure all elements in your proposal are included, such as hypotheses and research questions.

An abstract should include the following components:

• A problem statement
• Your research methods
• Key findings or results
• Main conclusions and recommendations

A short abstract should not exceed one page, though it can be longer. It typically follows after the title page or acknowledgements.

Table Of Contents

Your table of contents should include all sections and subheadings, along with page numbers. This provides a visual representation of your structure and makes navigating through your academic paper much simpler. Your table must include all dissertation parts as well as appendices; Microsoft Word can automatically generate this table for you.

Tables and Figures

If you have utilized figures or tables in your dissertation, they must be listed here. This list can be automatically generated using Microsoft Word’s Insert Caption feature.

List Abbreviations

Provide an alphabetized list of abbreviations used in your dissertation so readers can quickly discover their meanings. This will make it easier for them to comprehend your message more quickly.

Glossary

A glossary can be an invaluable asset if your readers are unfamiliar with technical terms. It lists them alphabetically and provides each term with a brief explanation or definition.

Dissertation Introduction

Your introduction should provide an overview of your topic, purpose, main significance and what the reader can expect from the remainder of the dissertation.

How do you write a dissertation introduction?

The introduction should:

• Establish your research topic and provide background information
• Define the scope and focus of your study
• Demonstrate your expertise by discussing current research on the topic.
• Be clear about your objectives and questions for research; also indicate how they will be addressed.
• Provide a brief summary of the structure of your dissertation

Be sure that the introduction is engaging, precise and pertinent to your research. Your readers must comprehend what you expect from them by the end.

Dissertation Literature Review

Before beginning your research on the topic, conduct a literature search to gain an in-depth understanding of academic literature related to it. This will ensure you have access to important sources for reference and support your findings during the process.

Conducting literature reviews imply:

• Gathering information from books and journals and selecting the most pertinent ones
• Analyzing and evaluating each source
• Making an overarching point and connecting the sources

Don’t just summarize existing studies; rather, craft a convincing argument and structure that will provide the framework for your investigation.

Your literature review could, for example, include:

• Filling an existing literature gap
• Offering a new theoretical or methodological perspective on the topic at hand, providing a fresh take on an age-old problem that has yet to be solved
• Triggering a theoretical debate
• Utilizing of new information to expand existing knowledge

Your theoretical framework is usually constructed based on a literature review. This section allows you to identify and evaluate key concepts and models that will shape your research. Furthermore, this section permits answering descriptive research questions regarding relationships between variables and concepts.

Methodology

This section, known as the methodology chapter, outlines how you conducted your research. Here, readers can assess whether it’s valid.

When compiling the methodology section, the following should be included:

• Variation in the general approach and type of methodology as the conduct of a qualitative, quantitative or ethnographic research dictates. When collecting data, methods like surveys, interviews or archives could have been employed.
• Information regarding the research method(s), location (including when and with whom), tools used (e.g., statistical analysis or discourse analysis), as well as any tools and materials utilized – be they computer programs, laboratory equipment or anything else.
• Declaration of any obstacles that you faced while researching and how they were overcome.
• Justification or evaluation of your methods as well.

The aim of the methodology is to accurately describe what was done and convince readers it was the most suitable approach for answering your research questions.

Results

After having described your methodology, it is time to report the findings of your research. This section can be organized around topics, hypotheses or subquestions; only include results that are pertinent for meeting the research objectives. Some disciplines require separate sections for results and discussion; in others they are combined.

You can present qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews along with your analysis and discussion. However, when conducting quantitative or experimental research, it is best to separate the results from your interpretation and discuss their significance separately.

When writing this section, it’s wise to include graphs, tables and charts. Be mindful how you present your data; tables and figures should not simply repeat what you’ve already written; rather they should either provide additional insight or help visualize results so they add value to the text. An appendix can contain full versions of all relevant data (e.g. transcripts from interviews).

Discussion

This section of your dissertation is where you analyze and interpret the implications of your research results. This will enable you to assess if they meet your expectations.

If your results are unexpected, please explain why. Consider other interpretations of the data and any limitations that could have impacted them. To demonstrate how your findings align with existing knowledge, refer to other research. Furthermore, you can make suggestions for future research as well as practical actions.

Conclusion

Your dissertation conclusion should address your main research question. A great idea is to end with a reflective essay sample that reflects on what you did and how it was done. Our reflective essay sample can be helpful here. Additionally, you may find recommendations for further investigation in your conclusion. It’s essential that you explain how your research contributes to the field in which it’s being used – what new insights have emerged?

Reference List

It is essential to include the sources you have cited in your reference list. Each style has specific requirements regarding how the sources should be formatted, so familiarize yourself with them before formatting your sources. Harvard referencing is the most popular style used by UK universities while Vancouver referencing is another common choice. Ultimately, the style of referencing you use depends on your department; psychology students typically use APA while humanities students utilize MLA while law students utilize OSCOLA. If unsure, double check its requirements and consult your supervisor or librarian first.

Appendices

Your dissertation should only contain the essential information necessary to answer your research question. Any additional materials, such as interview transcripts or survey questions, that do not fit within the main body should be added to appendices section for convenience.

Dissertation Post-Writing

Once all chapters and any extras have been written, it’s time to consider proofreading and editing. Now that the dissertation writing process is over, take some time out of yourself to relax.

Editing

Proofreading and editing differ. Proofreading focuses more on the shape’ of a document, while editing emphasizes its essence. As part of proofreading, you must correct any grammar, spelling or structural errors you find. Editing does not involve rewriting or changing any text – rather, it involves rereading it multiple times to guarantee its effectiveness. When proofreading or editing, consider whether there are logic connections between each argument as well as any gaps in content that need filling in from research. Here are some tips:

• Reduce the number of chapters in your dissertation that contain irrelevant data. Clarity and quality are more important than quantity in this case.
• Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and other mistakes.
• Proofread your text thoroughly in order to guarantee its flawless quality; look for stylistic and logical issues too; writing can become challenging if you fail to notice flaws.
• To guarantee a higher grade on your paper, seek dissertation writing assistance from professional essay authors or at the very least, some peer feedback.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Dissertation: Safeguard the Work!

 

Once your defense is over, your graduate career is officially over. There are three steps that must be taken before, during, or after this final milestone.

1. Before: Plan ahead and be ready to answer any queries regarding your work. Additionally, ensure you abide by all deadlines and regulations at graduate school.
2. In: Get ready for your presentation and be patient as you defend any weaknesses in data collection or research.
3. After: Celebrate! For a fun surprise, give copies of your dissertation to colleagues and friends!

Are you curious about writing an autobiography? Check out our article for more information on this topic.

Help Me Finish My Dissertation

No paper is too complex for our dissertation writers; if you require “how to write a dissertation” assistance, we have the solution.

Discover Your Writer

Reading Time: 13 minutes