guide on how to write a dissertation

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Thesis and Dissertation: Getting Started

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The resources in this section are designed to provide guidance for the first steps of the thesis or dissertation writing process. They offer tools to support the planning and managing of your project, including writing out your weekly schedule, outlining your goals, and organzing the various working elements of your project.

Weekly Goals Sheet (a.k.a. Life Map) [Word Doc]

This editable handout provides a place for you to fill in available time blocks on a weekly chart that will help you visualize the amount of time you have available to write. By using this chart, you will be able to work your writing goals into your schedule and put these goals into perspective with your day-to-day plans and responsibilities each week. This handout also contains a formula to help you determine the minimum number of pages you would need to write per day in order to complete your writing on time.

Setting a Production Schedule (Word Doc)

This editable handout can help you make sense of the various steps involved in the production of your thesis or dissertation and determine how long each step might take. A large part of this process involves (1) seeking out the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific document formatting requirements, (2) understanding research protocol limitations, (3) making note of deadlines, and (4) understanding your personal writing habits.

Creating a Roadmap (PDF)

Part of organizing your writing involves having a clear sense of how the different working parts relate to one another. Creating a roadmap for your dissertation early on can help you determine what the final document will include and how all the pieces are connected. This resource offers guidance on several approaches to creating a roadmap, including creating lists, maps, nut-shells, visuals, and different methods for outlining. It is important to remember that you can create more than one roadmap (or more than one type of roadmap) depending on how the different approaches discussed here meet your needs.

Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

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:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project. 

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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How to Write a Dissertation [2024 Guide]

If you’re about to enroll in a doctoral program that requires a dissertation, you might be wondering how to write a dissertation.

A dissertation is a large research paper included in many PhD programs. As a doctoral student, part of earning your degree may include selecting a dissertation topic to conduct original research on and writing a dissertation that details your findings and contributes to your discipline.

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Depending on your school and program of study, you may begin working on your dissertation once you’ve completed all your doctoral coursework.

How to Write a Dissertation

Writing a dissertation is a lengthy process that includes conducting preliminary and principal research as well as writing a first and final draft.

You’ll also maintain communication with your dissertation advisor to gain feedback throughout the dissertation writing process.

These are the 10 major steps that go into creating a dissertation:

• Select a topic you’re interested in . A dissertation topic generally has some area where there’s a current gap in research or knowledge that you can build upon.
• Begin conducting preliminary research on your topic . At this stage, you can begin taking notes of current findings or theories on your topic to gain an understanding of what information is already out there. You can also formulate any questions you may answer later in your dissertation.
• Write and submit a research proposal . The research proposal will be submitted to your dissertation advisor. It introduces what you plan to address in your dissertation and the research methodology you’ve selected.
• Conduct in-depth research . This is when you’ll take a deep dive into your topic and consume as much knowledge as you can to identify gaps in research relevant to your topic and develop your key findings.
• Create an outline for your dissertation paper . It’s recommended to create an outline of your dissertation to break down what needs to be included and how you want to structure the paper.
• Write the first draft . The first draft can help you organize all your ideas and discussions for each chapter. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it may help you identify sections or ideas that may need to be revised later.
• Rework the first draft . After you’ve completed the first draft, you may make changes to the structure of your paper, remove or add sentences, look for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the paper is readable.
• Write the final draft . One of the last stages in the dissertation writing process is working on the final draft. This is where the structure of your paper, your thoughts, and your findings all come together to create a clear and concise dissertation ready for defense.
• Edit the final draft . A final review of your dissertation can help you identify anything you could’ve missed in your first round of editing. You’ll also revise any sections you added.
• Prepare for your dissertation defense . Dissertation advisors usually don’t allow you to move onto the dissertation defense step until they know you’re ready. Your advisor may ask you to make additional changes to your dissertation before you start preparing for the dissertation defense process.

Communicating with your dissertation advisor and other members of your dissertation committee is important to receive valuable feedback. The dissertation committee is there to support you through this process, and they may offer additional sources for you to review to create a stronger dissertation.

You can also look at other dissertations in your field of study to get an idea of how to structure your dissertation and clearly communicate your ideas.

Typical Dissertation Chapters

The structure of a dissertation can vary depending on your topic, discipline, and the guidelines provided by your school.

Major differences in dissertations can be seen between STEM doctoral programs versus non-STEM programs. Although there are some differences, most dissertations include these chapters:

• Introduction . The first chapter of a dissertation is the introduction. It briefly explains your dissertation topic and relevant background information, and it introduces the reader to your thesis statement or research question.
• Literature Review . This section serves as a discussion of the primary and secondary sources you’ve used throughout your research process, and it identifies the research gap that you intend to resolve in the remaining chapters.
• Research Methodology . All of the methods you’ve chosen to conduct your research are described in this section, including when and where you gathered your data, how you gathered data or conducted tests, and any challenges you faced during this process.
• Results . This chapter is reserved for discussing all of your findings, which should answer your research question or address your doctoral thesis.
• Conclusion . The conclusion chapter summarizes your dissertation. It may include answering your research question or revisiting your thesis statement and findings, but it shouldn’t include any new evidence or data.

Along with these chapters, a dissertation also includes a title page, abstract, table of contents, and bibliography. Some dissertations have an acknowledgment page, list of figures and tables, abbreviations page, and glossary.

What Is a Dissertation?

A dissertation is a long-form research paper typically required in PhD programs that introduces a new theory supported by original research. The dissertation process includes finding research gaps related to your topic and conducting original research to address those gaps.

Researching a topic and writing a dissertation is one of the final stages in earning your doctoral degree. Once you’ve completed the writing process and your dissertation advisor has approved your final draft, the next step is presenting your dissertation in a dissertation defense.

What is a dissertation defense ? A dissertation defense, as a final step, is an oral examination where a doctoral candidate presents and defends their research, methodology, and conclusions before a committee of experts to determine if they have met the requirements for earning a PhD.

Can I Get a PhD Without a Dissertation?

Yes, you can get a PhD without a dissertation. Although producing a dissertation is standard for doctoral programs, some PhD programs don’t require a dissertation.

One example is earning a law degree, which usually requires legal writing courses in place of a dissertation. In addition, accelerated PhD programs may not require a dissertation.

Some online doctoral programs in education without dissertation require a capstone project instead. Capstone projects may be delivered as a paper, portfolio, or product intended to solve a real-world problem by applying new research.

How Long Is a Dissertation for a PhD?

Dissertation length can widely vary depending on your program of study and topic. Non-STEM dissertations are usually longer than STEM dissertations.

A dissertation may be anywhere between 80,000 to 100,000 words or about 100-300 pages. Non-STEM dissertations may be closer to 200-300 pages, while a STEM dissertation is usually 100-200 pages.

The length of each chapter in a dissertation also varies. The literature review is typically the longest chapter, generally ranging from 20 pages to 25 pages. Other chapters may be between 10 pages to 20 pages long.

How Long Does It Take to Write a Dissertation?

Writing a doctoral dissertation can take months or years depending on your own writing process, discipline, and topic.

On average, it may take 1 year to 2 years to finish writing a dissertation. The total time it takes to complete a dissertation, including the research process, may be anywhere between 1 year to 3 years or longer.

If your dissertation is closer to 300 pages long, it may take more than 1 year to write it. The writing process may also take longer if your dissertation advisor makes any revision requests. As you can see, how long it takes to write a dissertation depends on a number of factors.

Writing a Dissertation Paper

Writing a doctoral dissertation is a lengthy process that takes about 1 to 3 years. Most doctoral students begin the dissertation research and writing process once all graduate coursework is completed.

The research portion is key because this is when you can take a lot of notes and become an expert on your topic. It can be helpful to approach the writing process step by step. It’s recommended to start with the chapter you feel most comfortable writing first.

If you want to complete a doctoral degree and tackle a dissertation, you can also consult with your dissertation advisor and other members of the dissertation committee for feedback.

How to Write a Dissertation

Select a relevant topic, understand academic requirements, conduct thorough research, formulate a solid thesis, revise thoroughly, seek feedback for finalization.

A graduate school class will not be complete without writing– or at least preparing– a dissertation. How to write a dissertation step-by-step is probably the most important question out there, but as a PhD student with many things to consider, this might not be an easy route for you. 

As many graduate students share the same brunt and difficulty in putting together things for their dissertation, this blog is surely geared to help you create only one thing in particular– a cheat sheet– that will help you navigate the grueling process of crafting your research manifesto in the easiest way possible. 

This cheat sheet, having to consider the different dissertation formats and other auxiliary components that might help enrich your paper, will not just empower you to complete your dissertation in no time. Still, it will also let you be empowered and inspired to value your craft in research and contribute meaningfully to the ever-growing knowledge base of your field of study.

What is a Dissertation?

A dissertation is a substantial academic work, typically required for a doctoral degree. It involves original research, focused on a specific question, and demonstrates extensive knowledge in the field. This lengthy document includes structured analysis and often culminates in a formal defense.

A dissertation represents the zenith of academic pursuits, a testament to scholarly dedication that signifies a transition from student to scholar status. Let's delve into what constitutes a dissertation and its pivotal role in academia.

The Essence of a DissertationFundamentally, a dissertation is a comprehensive, systematically organized document that reports on an original research project. This extensive work is usually a requirement for obtaining a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D. While the exact specifications and structures can differ across various academic disciplines and institutions, certain key aspects universally characterize a dissertation:

Novel Contribution : Central to a dissertation is its contribution of new understanding, methods, or theories to a specific field. This involves carrying out fresh research, which often includes gathering and analyzing new data.

Deep Investigation : A dissertation delves into a particular topic or query in great depth. It encompasses a thorough review of existing literature and an in-depth exploration of the subject matter.

Organized Composition : Typically, dissertations are presented in a well-organized format comprising sections like an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Though the structure might vary slightly, it follows a coherent and logical order.

Scholarly Excellence : Upholding high scholarly standards, dissertations demand critical analysis, sophisticated analytical capabilities, and proficient academic writing. They must conform to the accepted norms of academic citations and referencing.

How to Write a Dissertation Step-by-Step

Writing a dissertation is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Choose Your Topic : Select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Ensure it's specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to allow for comprehensive research.
• Develop a Research Question : Formulate a clear and focused research question or hypothesis. This will guide your research and writing.
• Write a Proposal : Prepare a proposal outlining your research question, methodology, and how your work will contribute to your field. This usually needs approval from your academic supervisor.
• Conduct a Literature Review : Review existing literature to understand the current state of research on your topic. This helps to identify gaps your dissertation can fill.
• Design the Research Methodology : Decide on the methods you will use for data collection and analysis. This could be experimental, survey-based, a literature review, etc., depending on your field.
• Collect Data : Undertake the research as per your methodology. This might involve experiments, surveys, fieldwork, or other forms of data collection.
• Analyze the Data : Interpret your findings, considering how they answer your research question. Use appropriate statistical methods if your study involves quantitative data.
• Write the Dissertation : Start writing your dissertation. Commonly, this includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Edit and Revise : Revisit your draft, refining your arguments and ensuring clarity. Pay attention to the structure, coherence, and academic style.
• Feedback : Share drafts with your supervisor and possibly peers for feedback. Use this to improve and refine your dissertation.
• Finalize Your Dissertation : After revisions and ensuring that all sections are cohesive and well-presented, finalize your dissertation. Make sure all parts are well-formatted and adhere to your institution's guidelines.
• Prepare for the Defense : If your program requires it, prepare to defend your dissertation in front of a committee. This involves presenting your research and answering questions.

Remember, each dissertation journey is unique. The key is to stay organized, consult with your advisor regularly, and manage your time efficiently.

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Key Factors to Consider for a Successful Dissertation

In providing the steps to writing a dissertation, it will be easy for one to understand the factors that could play nice– or dirty– on your preparation process. By now, you might be wondering why these factors are so important in all sorts of writing endeavors.

Different and specialized in dissertation writing, knowing these factors will save you from the rigorous and often brutal process of validating your paper. 

Since you are vying for the highest academic degree, there is virtually no room for errors, and your paper must embody your victory to contribute meaningfully to your field of study, whether theoretically or practically.

Trust me: these factors are not just some sort of advice or pointers that you need to remember once; these are elements that will greatly influence your success on the defense panel. 

Originality

When writing your dissertation, your first question must be in this form or something related to this: “What makes this paper NEW?” If you are planning to do something plain, predictable, or common, then I have to burst your bubbles.

That will not even go through the pre-defense panel, to say the least. You, as a doctoral student, are expected to write a dissertation that “breaks the grounds” of your stream of study. It has to be original or something that continues to unravel the mystery of something unknown.

When talking about this element; you have to likewise involve yourself in the discovery of new knowledge, innovative methodologies, or the expansion of new theories.

Interdisciplinarity

Considered a novel method in advanced research writing and how to write a dissertation, interdisciplinarity explains how other fields or streams of study can help enrich one’s understanding of a question or problem using concepts, methods, and literature from various academic disciplines.

The element of interdisciplinarity may come from different approaches and strategies. It may look something like defining terms in different contexts, synthesizing a body of knowledge, including some insights from other disciplines, and employing methodological pluralism, which uses a variety of research methods to provide holistic findings to complex research questions and enhance the robustness of the dissertation.

Practicality

Practicality is probably the most overlooked element in traditional research writing, and that is okay, as it is unnecessary when your scope is only that much. However, when writing your dissertation, the knowledge from your research must bear fruit that people within your field of study may find useful.

It may be an intervention plan, a physical invention, a theory or model, or an ordinance, among others. The common denominator of these practical things that arose from dissertation writing is their usefulness in providing a concrete solution to an identified problem. 

Extensiveness

The large breadth of effort and knowledge a dissertation paper is trying to provide is more than what you can expect from a research paper done by high schoolers and undergraduates.

In pursuit of new knowledge or expanding a theory, for example, one must find pieces of evidence not often found in the common repositories.

Your literature review likewise demonstrates this element by thoroughly examining findings from reputable sources that are otherwise not used frequently in most scholarly works.

The display of variables in the study is articulated in the most specific way by using tailor-fit conceptual frameworks.

These four elements of an excellent dissertation paper need to be seen throughout the paper, and luckily, a dissertation writing service like Studyfy can make that possible for you.

Our team of experts, PhD holders, and seasoned researchers is dedicated to transforming your academic aspirations into reality by tailoring your paper to your specific needs and guaranteeing originality– a 100% pass from a plagiarism scan!

Tips for Writing a Dissertation

Since this is a cheat sheet for answering the question of how to write a dissertation in no time, I will not give you much of an introduction on this part, but all I want you to know is that you are in for a major treat!

Pre-Planning Phase

• Select a Specific Stream or Subgenre : Identify a field or subgenre with recognizable gaps or understudied aspects to focus your research.
• Develop Unique Research Questions : Formulate precise and original questions aimed at extracting useful findings and contributing to new knowledge.
• Conduct a Targeted Literature Review : Focus on peer-reviewed materials, articles published in reputable journals, and authoritative sources that are open to further exploration.
• Undertake Extensive Background Research : As many dissertation topics are novel, delve into primary sources of information and document them comprehensively to deepen your understanding of the subject.

‍ Manuscript Writing Phase

• Divide Introduction into Chapters : Breaking the introduction or background information into chapters enhances clarity, allows focus on specific aspects of each section, and prevents overwhelming readers with too much information at once.
• Detailed Introduction : Don’t hesitate to extend your introduction if necessary. A detailed introduction sets a solid foundation for your dissertation, avoiding ambiguity and providing clear context.
• Utilize Mixed Method Design : This research design combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, offering a more nuanced view and stronger inference for complex problems.
• Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approach : Present findings in a way that contributes to the broader research ecosystem. Incorporating interdisciplinary insights can enhance the value of your work to other fields.
• View the Manuscript as Iterative : Accept that your dissertation will undergo multiple revisions. Use feedback constructively to avoid repeating issues and continuously improve your manuscript.

Post-Manuscript Phase

• Develop a Submission Checklist : Prepare a checklist to track tasks such as finalizing appendices, reviewing citations and references, and submitting your paper for ethics clearance. Ensuring compliance with these details is crucial for degree completion.
• Refine Your Abstract : Focus on crafting a clear and comprehensive abstract, as it represents the key elements of your paper and is often the first part reviewed by advisors or for presentations and publications.
• Edit and Format According to a Style Guide : After writing, rigorously edit and format your manuscript, aligning it with a specific academic style guide. Consult with your advisor or research committee if unsure about the appropriate style guide.
• Create a Condensed Version of Your Manuscript : Prepare a condensed, annotated version of your dissertation for use during defense presentations. Annotate with potential questions and criticisms to prepare thoroughly.
• Prepare for Presentation or Publication : If your goal is to contribute to your field, prepare your dissertation for potential research conferences or journal publications, expanding its reach and impact within the academic community.

Enjoyed our article?For further assistance, dive into our network of professional writers and access expert dissertation writing services!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to write a dissertation.

The duration for writing a dissertation varies significantly based on research complexity, field of study, and individual work habits. Typically, for doctoral students, the process can span from a year to several years post-coursework. This timeframe encompasses developing a research question, conducting a literature review, crafting a methodology, data collection and analysis, writing, and revisions. Effective time management and regular consultation with advisors are crucial for progress.

For master's programs, this period may be shorter, often around one to two years, depending on the program's intensity and requirements.

If you're struggling with your dissertation and considering alternative solutions, it's important to research and understand the options available, such as the choice to buy a dissertation , ensuring it aligns with your academic goals and requirements.

What is the best way to structure a dissertation?

To effectively structure a dissertation, start with an introduction where you set the stage for your research, stating the problem, objectives, and its significance. Follow this with a literature review that situates your work within the existing body of knowledge, demonstrating how your research fills a gap or adds a new perspective. The methodology section should then detail the methods you used for data collection and analysis, explaining why they were appropriate for your research question. Next, present your results, laying out the data and findings clearly.

In the discussion section, interpret these results, connecting them back to your hypothesis and the literature review. Conclude with a summary of your findings, their implications, and potential directions for future research. Throughout, ensure your work is supported by appropriate references, and include any necessary appendices for supplementary material. This flow ensures a coherent and comprehensive presentation of your research journey.

If you need assistance in structuring and articulating your ideas, a dissertation proposal writing service can be a valuable resource.

What are the essential steps in writing a dissertation?

Writing a dissertation involves several key steps. First, select a topic that's both relevant and interesting to you. Then, write a research proposal outlining your question and methodology. Conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand the existing research landscape. Define your research methodology, detailing how you'll collect and analyze data. After gathering data, analyze it to draw conclusions. Finally, write your dissertation, presenting your research, findings, and conclusions in a structured format. This process includes extensive writing, revising, and often culminates in a formal defense of your work.

How do I choose a dissertation topic?

Selecting a dissertation topic involves identifying a subject that interests you and is relevant to your field. Start by considering areas you're passionate about and explore how they intersect with your academic discipline. Review current research and trends to find gaps or unanswered questions in your field. Consult with your academic advisor or mentors to refine your ideas, and consider the feasibility in terms of resources, data availability, and time constraints. Choose a topic that offers scope for original research, contributes to your field, and aligns with your career goals. It's also important to ensure that the topic is manageable in scale for the duration of your program.

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Dissertation Methodology – Structure, Example and Writing Guide

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Dissertation Methodology

In any research, the methodology chapter is one of the key components of your dissertation. It provides a detailed description of the methods you used to conduct your research and helps readers understand how you obtained your data and how you plan to analyze it. This section is crucial for replicating the study and validating its results.

Here are the basic elements that are typically included in a dissertation methodology:

• Introduction : This section should explain the importance and goals of your research .
• Research Design : Outline your research approach and why it’s appropriate for your study. You might be conducting an experimental research, a qualitative research, a quantitative research, or a mixed-methods research.
• Data Collection : This section should detail the methods you used to collect your data. Did you use surveys, interviews, observations, etc.? Why did you choose these methods? You should also include who your participants were, how you recruited them, and any ethical considerations.
• Data Analysis : Explain how you intend to analyze the data you collected. This could include statistical analysis, thematic analysis, content analysis, etc., depending on the nature of your study.
• Reliability and Validity : Discuss how you’ve ensured the reliability and validity of your study. For instance, you could discuss measures taken to reduce bias, how you ensured that your measures accurately capture what they were intended to, or how you will handle any limitations in your study.
• Ethical Considerations : This is where you state how you have considered ethical issues related to your research, how you have protected the participants’ rights, and how you have complied with the relevant ethical guidelines.
• Limitations : Acknowledge any limitations of your methodology, including any biases and constraints that might have affected your study.
• Summary : Recap the key points of your methodology chapter, highlighting the overall approach and rationalization of your research.

Types of Dissertation Methodology

The type of methodology you choose for your dissertation will depend on the nature of your research question and the field you’re working in. Here are some of the most common types of methodologies used in dissertations:

Experimental Research

This involves creating an experiment that will test your hypothesis. You’ll need to design an experiment, manipulate variables, collect data, and analyze that data to draw conclusions. This is commonly used in fields like psychology, biology, and physics.

Survey Research

This type of research involves gathering data from a large number of participants using tools like questionnaires or surveys. It can be used to collect a large amount of data and is often used in fields like sociology, marketing, and public health.

Qualitative Research

This type of research is used to explore complex phenomena that can’t be easily quantified. Methods include interviews, focus groups, and observations. This methodology is common in fields like anthropology, sociology, and education.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research uses numerical data to answer research questions. This can include statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. It’s common in fields like economics, psychology, and health sciences.

Case Study Research

This type of research involves in-depth investigation of a particular case, such as an individual, group, or event. This methodology is often used in psychology, social sciences, and business.

Mixed Methods Research

This combines qualitative and quantitative research methods in a single study. It’s used to answer more complex research questions and is becoming more popular in fields like social sciences, health sciences, and education.

Action Research

This type of research involves taking action and then reflecting upon the results. This cycle of action-reflection-action continues throughout the study. It’s often used in fields like education and organizational development.

Longitudinal Research

This type of research involves studying the same group of individuals over an extended period of time. This could involve surveys, observations, or experiments. It’s common in fields like psychology, sociology, and medicine.

Ethnographic Research

This type of research involves the in-depth study of people and cultures. Researchers immerse themselves in the culture they’re studying to collect data. This is often used in fields like anthropology and social sciences.

Structure of Dissertation Methodology

The structure of a dissertation methodology can vary depending on your field of study, the nature of your research, and the guidelines of your institution. However, a standard structure typically includes the following elements:

• Introduction : Briefly introduce your overall approach to the research. Explain what you plan to explore and why it’s important.
• Research Design/Approach : Describe your overall research design. This can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Explain the rationale behind your chosen design and why it is suitable for your research questions or hypotheses.
• Data Collection Methods : Detail the methods you used to collect your data. You should include what type of data you collected, how you collected it, and why you chose this method. If relevant, you can also include information about your sample population, such as how many people participated, how they were chosen, and any relevant demographic information.
• Data Analysis Methods : Explain how you plan to analyze your collected data. This will depend on the nature of your data. For example, if you collected quantitative data, you might discuss statistical analysis techniques. If you collected qualitative data, you might discuss coding strategies, thematic analysis, or narrative analysis.
• Reliability and Validity : Discuss how you’ve ensured the reliability and validity of your research. This might include steps you took to reduce bias or increase the accuracy of your measurements.
• Ethical Considerations : If relevant, discuss any ethical issues associated with your research. This might include how you obtained informed consent from participants, how you ensured participants’ privacy and confidentiality, or any potential conflicts of interest.
• Limitations : Acknowledge any limitations in your research methodology. This could include potential sources of bias, difficulties with data collection, or limitations in your analysis methods.
• Summary/Conclusion : Briefly summarize the key points of your methodology, emphasizing how it helps answer your research questions or hypotheses.

How to Write Dissertation Methodology

Writing a dissertation methodology requires you to be clear and precise about the way you’ve carried out your research. It’s an opportunity to convince your readers of the appropriateness and reliability of your approach to your research question. Here is a basic guideline on how to write your methodology section:

1. Introduction

Start your methodology section by restating your research question(s) or objective(s). This ensures your methodology directly ties into the aim of your research.

2. Approach

Identify your overall approach: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Explain why you have chosen this approach.

• Qualitative methods are typically used for exploratory research and involve collecting non-numerical data. This might involve interviews, observations, or analysis of texts.
• Quantitative methods are used for research that relies on numerical data. This might involve surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis.
• Mixed methods use a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

3. Research Design

Describe the overall design of your research. This could involve explaining the type of study (e.g., case study, ethnography, experimental research, etc.), how you’ve defined and measured your variables, and any control measures you’ve implemented.

4. Data Collection

Explain in detail how you collected your data.

• If you’ve used qualitative methods, you might detail how you selected participants for interviews or focus groups, how you conducted observations, or how you analyzed existing texts.
• If you’ve used quantitative methods, you might detail how you designed your survey or experiment, how you collected responses, and how you ensured your data is reliable and valid.

5. Data Analysis

Describe how you analyzed your data.

• If you’re doing qualitative research, this might involve thematic analysis, discourse analysis, or grounded theory.
• If you’re doing quantitative research, you might be conducting statistical tests, regression analysis, or factor analysis.

Discuss any ethical issues related to your research. This might involve explaining how you obtained informed consent, how you’re protecting participants’ privacy, or how you’re managing any potential harms to participants.

7. Reliability and Validity

Discuss the steps you’ve taken to ensure the reliability and validity of your data.

• Reliability refers to the consistency of your measurements, and you might discuss how you’ve piloted your instruments or used standardized measures.
• Validity refers to the accuracy of your measurements, and you might discuss how you’ve ensured your measures reflect the concepts they’re supposed to measure.

8. Limitations

Every study has its limitations. Discuss the potential weaknesses of your chosen methods and explain any obstacles you faced in your research.

9. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your methodology, emphasizing how it helps to address your research question or objective.

Example of Dissertation Methodology

An Example of Dissertation Methodology is as follows:

Chapter 3: Methodology

• Introduction

This chapter details the methodology adopted in this research. The study aimed to explore the relationship between stress and productivity in the workplace. A mixed-methods research design was used to collect and analyze data.

Research Design

This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The rationale for this approach is that while quantitative data can provide a broad overview of the relationships between variables, qualitative data can provide deeper insights into the nuances of these relationships.

Data Collection Methods

Quantitative Data Collection : An online self-report questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. The questionnaire consisted of two standardized scales: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to measure stress levels and the Individual Work Productivity Questionnaire (IWPQ) to measure productivity. The sample consisted of 200 office workers randomly selected from various companies in the city.

Qualitative Data Collection : Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants chosen from the initial sample. The interview guide included questions about participants’ experiences with stress and how they perceived its impact on their productivity.

Data Analysis Methods

Quantitative Data Analysis : Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the survey data. Pearson’s correlation was used to examine the relationship between stress and productivity.

Qualitative Data Analysis : Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software. This process allowed for identifying and analyzing patterns and themes regarding the impact of stress on productivity.

Reliability and Validity

To ensure reliability and validity, standardized measures with good psychometric properties were used. In qualitative data analysis, triangulation was employed by having two researchers independently analyze the data and then compare findings.

Ethical Considerations

All participants provided informed consent prior to their involvement in the study. They were informed about the purpose of the study, their rights as participants, and the confidentiality of their responses.

Limitations

The main limitation of this study is its reliance on self-report measures, which can be subject to biases such as social desirability bias. Moreover, the sample was drawn from a single city, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Where to Write Dissertation Methodology

In a dissertation or thesis, the Methodology section usually follows the Literature Review. This placement allows the Methodology to build upon the theoretical framework and existing research outlined in the Literature Review, and precedes the Results or Findings section. Here’s a basic outline of how most dissertations are structured:

• Acknowledgements
• Literature Review (or it may be interspersed throughout the dissertation)
• Methodology
• Results/Findings
• References/Bibliography

In the Methodology chapter, you will discuss the research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and any ethical considerations pertaining to your study. This allows your readers to understand how your research was conducted and how you arrived at your results.

Advantages of Dissertation Methodology

The dissertation methodology section plays an important role in a dissertation for several reasons. Here are some of the advantages of having a well-crafted methodology section in your dissertation:

• Clarifies Your Research Approach : The methodology section explains how you plan to tackle your research question, providing a clear plan for data collection and analysis.
• Enables Replication : A detailed methodology allows other researchers to replicate your study. Replication is an important aspect of scientific research because it provides validation of the study’s results.
• Demonstrates Rigor : A well-written methodology shows that you’ve thought critically about your research methods and have chosen the most appropriate ones for your research question. This adds credibility to your study.
• Enhances Transparency : Detailing your methods allows readers to understand the steps you took in your research. This increases the transparency of your study and allows readers to evaluate potential biases or limitations.
• Helps in Addressing Research Limitations : In your methodology section, you can acknowledge and explain the limitations of your research. This is important as it shows you understand that no research method is perfect and there are always potential weaknesses.
• Facilitates Peer Review : A detailed methodology helps peer reviewers assess the soundness of your research design. This is an important part of the publication process if you aim to publish your dissertation in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Establishes the Validity and Reliability : Your methodology section should also include a discussion of the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your measurements, which is crucial for establishing the overall quality of your research.

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7 steps to writing a dissertation

While you may be experienced in revising and writing essays, your dissertation requires careful planning, extensive research, and time management to succeed

Your dissertation is a key part of your degree course and a testament to your ability to conduct research, analyse data, and write a clear argument. Dissertations can be challenging, but they are also rewarding experiences that allow you to explore a topic in-depth and make a significant contribution to your field of study.

To achieve your academic goals, it is important to act on feedback, use your supervision time to your advantage, and demonstrate a strong knowledge of your subject. Whether you're writing an undergraduate, Masters , or PhD dissertation, these seven steps can help you stay on track.

1. Choose your topic wisely

Selecting the right topic is the foundation of a successful dissertation. It is important to choose a topic that is:

• Relevant to your academic discipline and interests. This will ensure that you are passionate about your topic and have the necessary background knowledge to conduct meaningful research.
• Intriguing and thought-provoking . A well-chosen topic will inspire you to ask interesting questions and develop original insights.
• Specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis, yet broad enough to provide enough research material. A topic that is too narrow may be difficult to research or produce meaningful findings, while a topic that is too broad may be difficult to cover in the allowed time and word count.

Consider your career goals and what topics are relevant to the field you hope to work in after graduation. It's also important to be open to change, as it's common for students to modify their dissertation topic as they explore the subject more.

Once you have identified a potential topic, seek guidance from your supervisor. They can help you to refine your choice, identify relevant sources, and develop a research plan.

2. Check what's required of you

Read your marking criteria carefully. It is also important to consult the module guidelines and follow the instructions on any additional parts to your main assignment, such as a project plan, literature review or a critical reflection.

Neal Bamford, associate lecturer at London Metropolitan University, reports that his marking process always begins by 'distilling criteria to what students need to provide and how many marks this is worth.'

'Several dissertations I mark don't include a project plan in their submission. This is worth 20% of the overall mark, so students lose out on a significant portion of their grade'.

Before you begin to plan, make sure you understand what's expected of you. Find out:

• what academic writing looks like in your discipline
• the word count
• when and where you must submit your dissertation.

3. Conduct in-depth research

Research at this stage in the process is often referred to as a literature review. This is where you are expected to gather relevant sources, articles, and studies from libraries, and online academic resources to identify the existing research on your topic and to develop your own research questions.

'Form your own opinion and argue for it using research. A history of the topic is always helpful, as it shows that you understand how things got to this point in time,' says Neal.

Be sure to take careful notes on each source and organise them for easy reference. You need to critically evaluate and analyse the sources to ensure their credibility and relevance to your research. This will be helpful when citing your sources in the writing stage.

Don't forget to seek guidance from your advisor throughout the research process. They can provide you with valuable feedback, relevant sources, and support.

4. Develop a strong thesis statement

A well-defined thesis statement is a roadmap for your dissertation. It should concisely state your main argument or research question and provide a clear direction for your paper. Your thesis statement will guide your entire writing process, so take the time to fully understand it before you begin to write.

When writing a thesis statement:

• Be specific and focused - avoid broad or vague statements.
• Remember that your thesis needs to be arguable - it should be a statement that can be supported or proved false with evidence.
• Make sure your thesis is realistic - you need to be able to research and write about it in the allotted time and space.

Once you have a draft of your thesis statement, share it with your supervisor and other trusted peers. They can provide you with feedback and help you to refine your statement.

If your research disproves your original statement, it can be a disappointing experience. However, it is important to remember that this is a normal part of the research process.

'Many of my students believe that if they don't find the answer they're expecting, then their work is worthless,' says Neal.

'This is not the case. You don't have to find the answer to produce valuable research. Documenting your process and conclusions, even if they are inconclusive, can help others to avoid repeating your work and may lead to new approaches.'

5. Proofread and edit

After working on your dissertation for such a long time, it can be tempting to end the process once you have finished writing, but proofreading is an essential step in ensuring that it is polished and error-free.

To help with the proofreading process:

• Read your dissertation aloud . This can help you to catch errors that you might miss when reading silently.
• Change your environment to see your work with fresh eyes.
• Focus on one thing at a time such as grammar, spelling, or punctuation to avoid getting overwhelmed.

To edit your dissertation, begin by reviewing its overall structure and flow. Make sure that your arguments are well-organised and that your ideas are presented in a logical order.

Next, check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation carefully. You can use a grammar checker, but it is important to proofread your work yourself to identify stylistic or subject-specific errors.

'Make sure you understand the reference style your university prefers. Formatting and labelling of images, tables etc. is vitally important and will be marked,' says Neal.

You should also ensure that your dissertation is formatted using the correct font, font size, margins, and line spacing.

6. Seek feedback and finalise

Once you have made your final revisions, seek feedback from your advisor or board members.

To get the most out of your feedback, be specific about what you are looking for. For example, you might ask for feedback on the overall structure and flow of your dissertation, the strength of your arguments, or the clarity of your writing.

Be open to feedback, even if it's negative. Remember that your advisor is there to help you improve your work, so it's important to take the time to understand and implement the feedback you receive.

Once you have addressed all the feedback, you can prepare your final submission. It's important to follow the guidelines carefully before submitting. Be sure to hand in your dissertation on time, as late submissions may be penalised or even rejected.

Online hand in is the most common method of dissertation submission, and you will typically need to upload a PDF file to an online portal. Follow the instructions carefully - you may need to provide additional information, such as your student ID number or the title of your dissertation.

Some institutions still require dissertations to be submitted in hard copy. If this is the case, you will need to submit a bound copy of your dissertation to your department office. You may also need to pay the binding fee.

Be sure to check with your advisor or department office for specific instructions on how to submit your dissertation in hard copy. You may have to submit multiple copies of your dissertation, and you be required to to include a title page, abstract, and table of contents.

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How to write a masters dissertation or thesis: top tips.

It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at undergraduate level. Though, don’t feel put off by the idea. You’ll have plenty of time to complete it, and plenty of support from your supervisor and peers.

One of the main challenges that students face is putting their ideas and findings into words. Writing is a skill in itself, but with the right advice, you’ll find it much easier to get into the flow of writing your masters thesis or dissertation.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation or thesis for your masters degree, with top tips to consider at each stage in the process.

1. Understand your dissertation (or thesis) topic

There are slight differences between theses and dissertations , although both require a high standard of writing skill and knowledge in your topic. They are also formatted very similarly.

At first, writing a masters thesis can feel like running a 100m race – the course feels very quick and like there is not as much time for thinking! However, you’ll usually have a summer semester dedicated to completing your dissertation – giving plenty of time and space to write a strong academic piece.

By comparison, writing a PhD thesis can feel like running a marathon, working on the same topic for 3-4 years can be laborious. But in many ways, the approach to both of these tasks is quite similar.

Before writing your masters dissertation, get to know your research topic inside out. Not only will understanding your topic help you conduct better research, it will also help you write better dissertation content.

Also consider the main purpose of your dissertation. You are writing to put forward a theory or unique research angle – so make your purpose clear in your writing.

Top writing tip: when researching your topic, look out for specific terms and writing patterns used by other academics. It is likely that there will be a lot of jargon and important themes across research papers in your chosen dissertation topic. 

2. Structure your dissertation or thesis

Writing a thesis is a unique experience and there is no general consensus on what the best way to structure it is. 

As a postgraduate student , you’ll probably decide what kind of structure suits your research project best after consultation with your supervisor. You’ll also have a chance to look at previous masters students’ theses in your university library.

To some extent, all postgraduate dissertations are unique. Though they almost always consist of chapters. The number of chapters you cover will vary depending on the research. 

A masters dissertation or thesis organised into chapters would typically look like this: 

Write down your structure and use these as headings that you’ll write for later on.

Top writing tip : ease each chapter together with a paragraph that links the end of a chapter to the start of a new chapter. For example, you could say something along the lines of “in the next section, these findings are evaluated in more detail”. This makes it easier for the reader to understand each chapter and helps your writing flow better.

3. Write up your literature review

One of the best places to start when writing your masters dissertation is with the literature review. This involves researching and evaluating existing academic literature in order to identify any gaps for your own research.

Many students prefer to write the literature review chapter first, as this is where several of the underpinning theories and concepts exist. This section helps set the stage for the rest of your dissertation, and will help inform the writing of your other dissertation chapters.

What to include in your literature review

The literature review chapter is more than just a summary of existing research, it is an evaluation of how this research has informed your own unique research.

Demonstrate how the different pieces of research fit together. Are there overlapping theories? Are there disagreements between researchers?

Highlight the gap in the research. This is key, as a dissertation is mostly about developing your own unique research. Is there an unexplored avenue of research? Has existing research failed to disprove a particular theory?

Back up your methodology. Demonstrate why your methodology is appropriate by discussing where it has been used successfully in other research.

4. Write up your research

Your research is the heart and soul of your dissertation. Conducting your actual research is a whole other topic in itself, but it’s important to consider that your research design will heavily influence the way you write your final dissertation.

For instance, a more theoretical-based research topic might encompass more writing from a philosophical perspective. Qualitative data might require a lot more evaluation and discussion than quantitative research. 

Methodology chapter

The methodology chapter is all about how you carried out your research and which specific techniques you used to gather data. You should write about broader methodological approaches (e.g. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and then go into more detail about your chosen data collection strategy. 

Data collection strategies include things like interviews, questionnaires, surveys, content analyses, discourse analyses and many more.

Data analysis and findings chapters

The data analysis or findings chapter should cover what you actually discovered during your research project. It should be detailed, specific and objective (don’t worry, you’ll have time for evaluation later on in your dissertation)

Write up your findings in a way that is easy to understand. For example, if you have a lot of numerical data, this could be easier to digest in tables.

This will make it easier for you to dive into some deeper analysis in later chapters. Remember, the reader will refer back to your data analysis section to cross-reference your later evaluations against your actual findings – so presenting your data in a simple manner is beneficial.

Think about how you can segment your data into categories. For instance, it can be useful to segment interview transcripts by interviewee. 

Top writing tip : write up notes on how you might phrase a certain part of the research. This will help bring the best out of your writing. There is nothing worse than when you think of the perfect way to phrase something and then you completely forget it.

5. Discuss and evaluate

Once you’ve presented your findings, it’s time to evaluate and discuss them.

It might feel difficult to differentiate between your findings and discussion sections, because you are essentially talking about the same data. The easiest way to remember the difference is that your findings simply present the data, whereas your discussion tells the story of this data.

Your evaluation breaks the story down, explaining the key findings, what went well and what didn’t go so well.

In your discussion chapter, you’ll have chance to expand on the results from your findings section. For example, explain what certain numbers mean and draw relationships between different pieces of data.

Top writing tip: don’t be afraid to point out the shortcomings of your research. You will receive higher marks for writing objectively. For example, if you didn’t receive as many interview responses as expected, evaluate how this has impacted your research and findings. Don’t let your ego get in the way!

6. Write your introduction

Your introduction sets the scene for the rest of your masters dissertation. You might be wondering why writing an introduction isn't at the start of our step-by-step list, and that’s because many students write this chapter last.

Here’s what your introduction chapter should cover:

Problem statement

Research question

Significance of your research

This tells the reader what you’ll be researching as well as its importance. You’ll have a good idea of what to include here from your original dissertation proposal , though it’s fairly common for research to change once it gets started.

Writing or at least revisiting this section last can be really helpful, since you’ll have a more well-rounded view of what your research actually covers once it has been completed and written up.

Masters dissertation writing tips

When to start writing your thesis or dissertation.

When you should start writing your masters thesis or dissertation depends on the scope of the research project and the duration of your course. In some cases, your research project may be relatively short and you may not be able to write much of your thesis before completing the project. 

But regardless of the nature of your research project and of the scope of your course, you should start writing your thesis or at least some of its sections as early as possible, and there are a number of good reasons for this:

Academic writing is about practice, not talent. The first steps of writing your dissertation will help you get into the swing of your project. Write early to help you prepare in good time.

Write things as you do them. This is a good way to keep your dissertation full of fresh ideas and ensure that you don’t forget valuable information.

The first draft is never perfect. Give yourself time to edit and improve your dissertation. It’s likely that you’ll need to make at least one or two more drafts before your final submission.

Writing early on will help you stay motivated when writing all subsequent drafts.

Thinking and writing are very connected. As you write, new ideas and concepts will come to mind. So writing early on is a great way to generate new ideas.

How to improve your writing skills

The best way of improving your dissertation or thesis writing skills is to:

 Finish the first draft of your masters thesis as early as possible and send it to your supervisor for revision. Your supervisor will correct your draft and point out any writing errors. This process will be repeated a few times which will help you recognise and correct writing mistakes yourself as time progresses.

If you are not a native English speaker, it may be useful to ask your English friends to read a part of your thesis and warn you about any recurring writing mistakes. Read our section on English language support for more advice. 

Most universities have writing centres that offer writing courses and other kinds of support for postgraduate students. Attending these courses may help you improve your writing and meet other postgraduate students with whom you will be able to discuss what constitutes a well-written thesis.

Read academic articles and search for writing resources on the internet. This will help you adopt an academic writing style, which will eventually become effortless with practice.

Keep track of your bibliography 

When studying for your masters dissertation, you will need to develop an efficient way of organising your bibliography – this will prevent you from getting lost in large piles of data that you’ll need to write your dissertation. 

The easiest way to keep the track of all the articles you have read for your research is to create a database where you can summarise each article/chapter into a few most important bullet points to help you remember their content. 

Another useful tool for doing this effectively is to learn how to use specific reference management software (RMS) such as EndNote. RMS is relatively simple to use and saves a lot of time when it comes to organising your bibliography. This may come in very handy, especially if your reference section is suspiciously missing two hours before you need to submit your dissertation! 

Avoid accidental plagiarism

Plagiarism may cost you your postgraduate degree and it is important that you consciously avoid it when writing your thesis or dissertation. 

Occasionally, postgraduate students commit plagiarism unintentionally. This can happen when sections are copy and pasted from journal articles they are citing instead of simply rephrasing them. Whenever you are presenting information from another academic source, make sure you reference the source and avoid writing the statement exactly as it is written in the original paper.

What kind of format should your thesis have?

Read your university’s guidelines before you actually start writing your thesis so you don’t have to waste time changing the format further down the line. However in general, most universities will require you to use 1.5-2 line spacing, font size 12 for text, and to print your thesis on A4 paper. These formatting guidelines may not necessarily result in the most aesthetically appealing thesis, however beauty is not always practical, and a nice looking thesis can be a more tiring reading experience for your postgrad examiner .

When should I submit my thesis?

The length of time it takes to complete your MSc or MA thesis will vary from student to student. This is because people work at different speeds, projects vary in difficulty, and some projects encounter more problems than others. 

Obviously, you should submit your MSc thesis or MA thesis when it is finished! Every university will say in its regulations that it is the student who must decide when it is ready to submit. 

However, your supervisor will advise you whether your work is ready and you should take their advice on this. If your supervisor says that your work is not ready, then it is probably unwise to submit it. Usually your supervisor will read your final thesis or dissertation draft and will let you know what’s required before submitting your final draft.

Set yourself a target for completion. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind. You may also only have funding for the year, so it is important to ensure you submit your dissertation before the deadline – and also ensure you don’t miss out on your graduation ceremony ! 

To set your target date, work backwards from the final completion and submission date, and aim to have your final draft completed at least three months before that final date.

Don’t leave your submission until the last minute – submit your work in good time before the final deadline. Consider what else you’ll have going on around that time. Are you moving back home? Do you have a holiday? Do you have other plans?

If you need to have finished by the end of June to be able to go to a graduation ceremony in July, then you should leave a suitable amount of time for this. You can build this into your dissertation project planning at the start of your research.

It is important to remember that handing in your thesis or dissertation is not the end of your masters program . There will be a period of time of one to three months between the time you submit and your final day. Some courses may even require a viva to discuss your research project, though this is more common at PhD level . 

If you have passed, you will need to make arrangements for the thesis to be properly bound and resubmitted, which will take a week or two. You may also have minor corrections to make to the work, which could take up to a month or so. This means that you need to allow a period of at least three months between submitting your thesis and the time when your program will be completely finished. Of course, it is also possible you may be asked after the viva to do more work on your thesis and resubmit it before the examiners will agree to award the degree – so there may be an even longer time period before you have finished.

How do I submit the MA or MSc dissertation?

Most universities will have a clear procedure for submitting a masters dissertation. Some universities require your ‘intention to submit’. This notifies them that you are ready to submit and allows the university to appoint an external examiner.

This normally has to be completed at least three months before the date on which you think you will be ready to submit.

When your MA or MSc dissertation is ready, you will have to print several copies and have them bound. The number of copies varies between universities, but the university usually requires three – one for each of the examiners and one for your supervisor.

However, you will need one more copy – for yourself! These copies must be softbound, not hardbound. The theses you see on the library shelves will be bound in an impressive hardback cover, but you can only get your work bound like this once you have passed. 

You should submit your dissertation or thesis for examination in soft paper or card covers, and your university will give you detailed guidance on how it should be bound. They will also recommend places where you can get the work done.

The next stage is to hand in your work, in the way and to the place that is indicated in your university’s regulations. All you can do then is sit and wait for the examination – but submitting your thesis is often a time of great relief and celebration!

Some universities only require a digital submission, where you upload your dissertation as a file through their online submission system.

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• Dissertation

Can you write a flawless dissertation at the last minute?

Honestly, the answer is a resounding no.

Starting a dissertation can be challenging for some, while others may get stuck in the middle, struggling to complete it.

Explore The Importance of Dissertation in Your Academics

In school, a dissertation is super important. It shows how smart you are, how well you can research, and how you can teach your teacher new stuff. It can make a big difference in how well you do in school and later in your job. We know it can be tough, but we're here to make it easier. Our blog will help you learn how to write a dissertation step by step, so you can do a great job and get good grades.

3-Step  Dissertation Process!

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What is a dissertation.

A dissertation, like other academic writing, presents a scholarly argument based on research and data from a scholar's studies. It typically marks the final year project for UK and global students.

Topics are assigned by the university or proposed by students to their dissertation supervisors. Dissertations, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 words, encompass diverse subjects, often structured with numbered headings, subheadings, and chapters.

Learn More About What is More Important in Dissertation Here

Despite findings' significance, a dissertation's 'process' matters more. You can still excel even without usable data by showcasing understanding of the research process, analyzing it, and explaining why you couldn't answer the question effectively.

How is It Different from a Thesis?

Figure out the difference between Thesis and dissertation here.

Dissertations vs. Theses

• Completion Date: Master's theses typically conclude with a thesis, while doctoral dissertations end with a dissertation.
• Purpose Difference: Theses demonstrate your knowledge, while dissertations contribute new concepts to your field.

Master's Theses

• Similar to Undergraduate Research Papers.
• Involves researching a topic, analyzing gathered information, and discussing its relevance critically.
• Opportunity to explore a subject relevant to your professional focus.
• Uses external research for guidance.

Doctoral Dissertations

• Focused on developing and defending a new concept in your field.
• Owes the majority of information to your research and contributions.

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Explaining the Structure of Dissertation in Detail

Develop academic skills and prioritize planning and structuring your dissertation for success, regardless of your degree program.

 Step 1: Identifying the Research Topic

Precise, well-formulated questions are fundamental in research. Effective research topics require specific search queries. Crafting a successful research topic can be as straightforward as identifying a few questions, but it's not always that simple.

Discover the Qualities that Make a Good Dissertation or Thesis Topic

The essential characteristics of a solid research topic include its uniqueness, precision, and the impact or the contribution it will have to the academic literature.

 Step 2: Creating a Dissertation Proposal

For developing a successful dissertation proposal , you should select a good research topic. This paper is submitted to your supervisor in order to convince him or her how important your research proposal is.

Find out Student Submitted Dissertation Proposal Example Here

Your research should tackle intricate questions, showing its substantial contribution to academic communities. While a dissertation is shorter than a proposal (1,000 to 3,000 words), outlining key points is advisable, even if a proposal isn't required at your university.

Structure the Dissertation Proposal

It is not expected that you have thoroughly reviewed the existing literature at the proposal stage, but you must demonstrate that you have identified a clear research gap. The same goes for your research methodology , but make sure you know if you will be conducting qualitative or quantitative analysis, and how you will collect the required data.

Check Analysis of Qualitative Data Set Here

This is how the structure for your proposal should be:

Dissertation Title

The length of a title should not exceed 12 words, ideally. Your research title should clearly identify the topic.

Explore More about Dissertation Topic Ideas Here

A dissertation topic should be specific, research-worthy, and relevant to your field of study, addressing a significant research question or problem.

Aim of the Research

Give an overview of the study's overall objectives. Describe your research objectives as a researcher, emphasizing what you hope to accomplish.

Objectives of the Research

Your project should address the key research questions. Set fewer than four research objectives for your research. A study's objective or hypothesis should be connected to your research objectives.

Literature Review

To ensure that you are utilizing specific academic sources when conducting your literature review , consult with your supervisor. The literature analysis should be facilitated by researching relevant books, theories, and publications.

Step 3: Starting the Data Collection Process

In the dissertation process, this step is critical: avoid outdated or irrelevant academic sources to safeguard your work. Begin by crafting a methodology chapter to outline your research strategy, which is more straightforward than it sounds—it simply explains how you conducted your research.

To collect data, create your research design, which can involve interviews or online surveys. Allocate ample time for data collection, especially for in-person interviews, as unexpected delays can occur. After data collection, prepare it before analysis begins.

Step 4: Writing the Dissertation

Set weekly targets to boost motivation and productivity. Consider using supervisor meetings as deadlines.

Learn More about Dissertation Samples Here

While writing, deepen your understanding of the topic. Review each section for completeness and ensure clear connections with other content. Maintain a comprehensive source list, take research notes, and back up your work regularly.

Step 5: Proofreading and Editing

Never underestimate the power of proofreading. It's the key to correcting human errors and crafting well-structured, coherent, and polished work. Allocate sufficient time for comprehensive editing, logical revision, and meticulous referencing.

Include relevant citations in your main argument to demonstrate knowledge of influential theories and research. This concludes our guide; feel free to leave questions or comments in the section below, and we'll respond promptly.

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Writing a dissertation requires meticulous planning, research, and organization. By choosing a compelling topic, adhering to a clear structure, and maintaining consistent progress, you can successfully navigate this challenging academic endeavor.

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• Dissertation

How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction

Published on 9 September 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes.

The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction.

Your introduction should include:

• Your topic, in context: what does your reader need to know to understand your thesis dissertation?
• Your focus and scope: what specific aspect of the topic will you address?
• The relevance of your research: how does your work fit into existing studies on your topic?
• Your questions and objectives: what does your research aim to find out, and how?
• An overview of your structure: what does each section contribute to the overall aim?

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Table of contents

How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, frequently asked questions about introductions.

Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write – in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).

It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.

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Begin by introducing your research topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualise your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.

After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.

You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:

• Geographical area
• Time period
• Demographics or communities
• Themes or aspects of the topic

It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.

Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.

Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.

Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:

• Helps solve a practical or theoretical problem
• Addresses a gap in the literature
• Builds on existing research
• Proposes a new understanding of your topic

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Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.

If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .

• Conduct surveys to collect data on students’ levels of knowledge, understanding, and positive/negative perceptions of government policy.
• Determine whether attitudes to climate policy are associated with variables such as age, gender, region, and social class.
• Conduct interviews to gain qualitative insights into students’ perspectives and actions in relation to climate policy.

To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline  of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.

I. Introduction

Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.

Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.

Checklist: Introduction

I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.

I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.

I have clearly specified the focus of my research.

I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .

I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.

I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .

I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .

You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem
• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an outline of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarise the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

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George, T. & McCombes, S. (2022, September 09). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction. Scribbr. Retrieved 9 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/introduction/

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How To Write An Effective Declaration Page For Your Thesis – Template

Published by Alvin Nicolas at March 13th, 2024 , Revised On April 5, 2024

A declaration page stands as a testament to the integrity and authenticity of a thesis. It is a succinct section at the beginning of the document and outlines key information and affirmations regarding the authorship and originality of the work. 

Essentially, it serves as a formal declaration of the author’s adherence to ethical standards and their acknowledgement of the contributions made towards the completion of the thesis. 

A declaration page acts as a cornerstone of academic integrity and helps reinforce the credibility of the research presented within the thesis or dissertation . 

By explicitly stating that the work is original and free from plagiarism, the author not only upholds the principles of honesty but also demonstrates their commitment to scholarly standards. 

Let’s explore this further. 

What Is A Thesis Declaration Page

The declaration page within a thesis serves as a foundational element, providing essential information and affirmations crucial for academic integrity. 

The declaration page, often positioned at the beginning of a thesis, is a formal section dedicated to asserting the authenticity, originality, and ethical adherence of the work presented within the document. It serves as a declaration of the author’s commitment to scholarly integrity and honesty.

This declaration is typically mandated by academic institutions as a requisite component of thesis submission, aimed at upholding rigorous standards of academic conduct.

Purpose Of A Dissertation Declaration

The primary purpose of the declaration page is twofold: to affirm the originality of the research and to acknowledge the contributions of individuals or sources that have assisted in the thesis’s completion. 

By formally declaring the work’s authenticity and adherence to ethical standards, the author establishes credibility and trustworthiness, essential qualities in academic discourse.

Moreover, the declaration page functions as a transparent record of the author’s involvement in the research process , delineating their contributions and attributions. 

It serves as a testament to the author’s accountability and responsibility for the content presented within the thesis, thus safeguarding against plagiarism and intellectual dishonesty.

Key Components To Include

Here are some of the key components to include in your declaration guide. 

Title Of The Thesis

The declaration page typically begins with the title of the thesis , serving as a concise identifier of the research topic or subject matter. The title should accurately reflect the scope and focus of the thesis, providing readers with a clear understanding of its contents.

Name Of The Author

Following the title, the declaration page includes the name of the author, affirming their authorship and responsibility for the research presented within the thesis.

The author’s name serves as a key identifier, linking them directly to the work and asserting their ownership of intellectual contributions.

Declaration Of Originality

Central to the declaration page is the declaration of originality, wherein the author asserts that the work presented within the thesis is their own original creation.

This declaration typically includes statements affirming that the research has not been plagiarised and that any sources or references utilised have been properly cited.

Statement Of Contributions

The statement of contributions provides an opportunity for the author to acknowledge the individuals or entities that have contributed to the completion of the thesis. This may include supervisors , advisors, collaborators, or funding agencies, among others. 

The statement should clearly delineate the specific contributions made by each party, highlighting their roles in the research process.

Acknowledgements (If Applicable)

In some cases, the declaration page may include a section for acknowledgements, wherein the author expresses gratitude to individuals or organisations who have provided support, guidance, or inspiration during the course of the research. 

Acknowledgements may include mentors, peers, family members, or institutions that have facilitated the author’s academic pursuits.

Date Of Submission

Finally, the declaration page concludes with the date of submission, indicating the date on which the thesis was formally submitted for evaluation or examination. 

The inclusion of the submission date serves as a record of the thesis’s completion and submission timeline, ensuring compliance with academic deadlines and requirements.

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How To Write A Declaration Page

Creating a declaration page that is both impactful and professional requires attention to detail and adherence to certain principles. 

Clear & Concise Language

One of the cardinal rules of crafting an effective declaration page is to use clear and concise language. Avoid ambiguity or verbosity, and strive for clarity in expressing your affirmations and acknowledgements. 

The declaration should be easily understandable to readers, conveying your commitment to academic integrity without unnecessary embellishment.

Formatting & Presentation Tips

Formatting plays a crucial role in the presentation of the declaration page. Ensure that the page layout is clean and organised, with consistent font styles and sizes. 

Use headings and subheadings to delineate different sections of the declaration, making it easier for readers to navigate. Additionally, pay attention to spacing and alignment to maintain a polished appearance.

Honesty & Integrity

Honesty and integrity are paramount when crafting a declaration page. It is essential to uphold the highest ethical standards and truthfully affirm the originality of your work. 

Avoid any misleading statements or exaggerations, as they can undermine the credibility of your thesis. Demonstrating integrity in your declaration not only reflects positively on your character but also reinforces the trustworthiness of your research.

Institutional Guidelines & Requirements

Every academic institution may have its own specific guidelines and requirements for declaration pages. Before crafting your declaration, familiarise yourself with these guidelines to ensure compliance. 

Pay attention to formatting specifications, word limits, and any specific language or statements that may be required. Adhering to institutional guidelines demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for academic conventions.

Writing The Declaration Of Originality

The declaration of originality is a crucial component of the declaration page, affirming the authenticity and uniqueness of your work. 

What Constitutes Original Work

Original work refers to content that is created by the author and has not been previously published or plagiarised from other sources. When writing the declaration of originality, it is important to understand what constitutes original work within the context of your field of study. 

This may include original research findings, innovative ideas, or creative interpretations of existing knowledge.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious offence in academia and must be strictly avoided. When writing the declaration of originality, explicitly state that the work presented in your thesis is your own and properly acknowledge any sources or references used. 

Take care to cite all sources accurately and follow citation conventions prescribed by your institution. By demonstrating a commitment to academic honesty, you uphold the integrity of your research.

Declaration Template

I, [Your Name], hereby declare that this thesis entitled “[Title of Your Thesis]” is my own work and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at any university or equivalent institution.

I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project’s design and conception or in style, presentation, and linguistic expression is acknowledged. Where applicable, any part of this thesis containing materials prepared jointly with others has been explicitly identified.

Any views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of [University Name] or any other institution.

Signed: ____________________

Date: [Date]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a declaration in a thesis.

An example of a declaration in a thesis might state: “I hereby declare that this thesis is my original work, conducted under the supervision of [supervisor’s name], and all sources used have been properly cited and acknowledged.”

Where does the declaration go in a thesis?

The declaration typically appears as a preliminary page in a thesis, preceding the abstract and acknowledgements. It is usually located after the title page and before the table of contents, providing a formal statement from the author regarding the originality and integrity of their work.

What is an example of a declaration statement?

An example of a declaration statement in a thesis could be: “I solemnly declare that this thesis is the result of my own research endeavours, conducted under the guidance of [supervisor’s name]. All sources used have been duly acknowledged and referenced according to the conventions of academic integrity and citation.”

What is the declaration format for Phd thesis?

The declaration format for a PhD thesis typically includes a statement asserting the author’s originality of work, acknowledgement of sources, compliance with ethical standards, and declaration of any assistance received. It’s usually structured in a formal, concise manner and is placed at the beginning of the thesis document.

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• How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on April 8, 2022 by Courtney Gahan and Jack Caulfield. Revised on June 1, 2023.

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning.

Paraphrasing is an alternative to  quoting (copying someone’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it’s usually better to integrate sources by paraphrasing instead of quoting. It shows that you have understood the source, reads more smoothly, and keeps your own voice front and center.

Every time you paraphrase, it’s important to cite the source . Also take care not to use wording that is too similar to the original. Otherwise, you could be at risk of committing plagiarism .

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Table of contents

How to paraphrase in five easy steps, how to paraphrase correctly, examples of paraphrasing, how to cite a paraphrase, paraphrasing vs. quoting, paraphrasing vs. summarizing, avoiding plagiarism when you paraphrase, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about paraphrasing.

If you’re struggling to get to grips with the process of paraphrasing, check out our easy step-by-step guide in the video below.

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Putting an idea into your own words can be easier said than done. Let’s say you want to paraphrase the text below, about population decline in a particular species of sea snails.

Incorrect paraphrasing

You might make a first attempt to paraphrase it by swapping out a few words for  synonyms .

Like other sea creatures inhabiting the vicinity of highly populated coasts, horse conchs have lost substantial territory to advancement and contamination , including preferred breeding grounds along mud flats and seagrass beds. Their Gulf home is also heating up due to global warming , which scientists think further puts pressure on the creatures , predicated upon the harmful effects extra warmth has on other large mollusks (Barnett, 2022).

This attempt at paraphrasing doesn’t change the sentence structure or order of information, only some of the word choices. And the synonyms chosen are poor:

• “Advancement and contamination” doesn’t really convey the same meaning as “development and pollution.”
• Sometimes the changes make the tone less academic: “home” for “habitat” and “sea creatures” for “marine animals.”
• Adding phrases like “inhabiting the vicinity of” and “puts pressure on” makes the text needlessly long-winded.
• Global warming is related to climate change, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

Because of this, the text reads awkwardly, is longer than it needs to be, and remains too close to the original phrasing. This means you risk being accused of plagiarism .

Correct paraphrasing

Let’s look at a more effective way of paraphrasing the same text.

Here, we’ve:

• Only included the information that’s relevant to our argument (note that the paraphrase is shorter than the original)
• Introduced the information with the signal phrase “Scientists believe that …”
• Retained key terms like “development and pollution,” since changing them could alter the meaning
• Structured sentences in our own way instead of copying the structure of the original
• Started from a different point, presenting information in a different order

Because of this, we’re able to clearly convey the relevant information from the source without sticking too close to the original phrasing.

Explore the tabs below to see examples of paraphrasing in action.

• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Magazine article

Once you have your perfectly paraphrased text, you need to ensure you credit the original author. You’ll always paraphrase sources in the same way, but you’ll have to use a different type of in-text citation depending on what citation style you follow.

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It’s a good idea to paraphrase instead of quoting in most cases because:

• Paraphrasing shows that you fully understand the meaning of a text
• Your own voice remains dominant throughout your paper
• Quotes reduce the readability of your text

But that doesn’t mean you should never quote. Quotes are appropriate when:

• Giving a precise definition
• Saying something about the author’s language or style (e.g., in a literary analysis paper)
• Providing evidence in support of an argument
• Critiquing or analyzing a specific claim

A paraphrase puts a specific passage into your own words. It’s typically a similar length to the original text, or slightly shorter.

When you boil a longer piece of writing down to the key points, so that the result is a lot shorter than the original, this is called summarizing .

Paraphrasing and quoting are important tools for presenting specific information from sources. But if the information you want to include is more general (e.g., the overarching argument of a whole article), summarizing is more appropriate.

When paraphrasing, you have to be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism .

This can happen if the paraphrase is too similar to the original quote, with phrases or whole sentences that are identical (and should therefore be in quotation marks). It can also happen if you fail to properly cite the source.

Paraphrasing tools are widely used by students, and can be especially useful for non-native speakers who may find academic writing particularly challenging. While these can be helpful for a bit of extra inspiration, use these tools sparingly, keeping academic integrity in mind.

To make sure you’ve properly paraphrased and cited all your sources, you could elect to run a plagiarism check before submitting your paper. And of course, always be sure to read your source material yourself and take the first stab at paraphrasing on your own.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Critical thinking

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
• Paraphrasing  is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely in your own words and properly cite the source .

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To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Gahan, C. & Caulfield, J. (2023, June 01). How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-paraphrase/

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