How to write a dissertation

Writing a dissertation is one of the hardest things you’ll have to do in your academic career. It’s an important step that demonstrates whether you’re capable of conducting independent research and writing a high-quality academic paper. The good news? With the right preparation and planning, it can be easier than you think—and this article will help you get started!

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a research document that is typically produced by students in their final year of study. It usually consists of a critical analysis of relevant literature, an outline of the proposed research method, and an extensive discussion on the results and implications.

The dissertation is often written as part of a PhD program; however, it can also be mandated as part of an undergraduate degree at many universities.

How to plan your dissertation

A good dissertation plan will include:

• A clear understanding of what you are writing about. Decide on a topic and the main question(s) you want to answer, and then ensure that your research questions and methodology are based upon your chosen topic.
• An outline or summary of all the chapters/sections in your dissertation, including their titles, subheadings, page references and word counts (with supporting evidence).
• A thesis statement for each chapter or section which clearly states what you aim to show in relation to each area of research investigated within that chapter or section of your dissertation (i.e., it should be specific).
• A timeline for completing each stage from start until finish

How to research your dissertation

Researching for a dissertation is a big task, which means it’s essential to take the time to get it right. There are lots of different methods you can use to gather information, some more appropriate than others depending on the subject matter and topic. A good place to start is by searching online—you’ll find countless articles, books, and journals that will provide useful insights into your chosen area of research.

If you don’t have access to an internet connection (or if you prefer not using such technology), there are still options available for you: head down to your local library or archive and ask them what they have available on hand that might help with your project. You never know what they might have lying around! It could be something as simple as an old manuscript on waterfowl migration patterns from 1851 that would give you an entirely new perspective on things.

Be sure not to neglect these old-fashioned sources of knowledge—they’re just as effective at getting information as anything else!

How to write your dissertation

• Start with a plan
• Write an outline of your dissertation, including:
• A detailed outline of each chapter in the dissertation
• A detailed outline of each section in the chapters
• From here on out, you’ll be writing a detailed outline of each paragraph and sentence before you get around to writing them, so it’s important to have this step down pat first!

Writing a dissertation can be hard, but with the right preparation and planning, it can be easier than you think.

The first step in writing your dissertation is to come up with a thesis statement. A good dissertation will have a clear thesis statement that you can use as your guiding principle throughout the writing process. To write a good thesis statement:

• Read through all of your research, both primary and secondary sources.
• Think about what conclusions you want to make based on this research and how it relates to the topic of your paper (this should be outlined in detail in your introduction).
• Write down each of these conclusions as potential thesis statements for yourself.

Once you’ve got some potential thesis statements, choose one that best represents what you want to prove with your research and then write it down at least three times using different words so that it sounds natural when spoken aloud (for example: “People who use social media more often are less likely than those who do not use social media much at all”).

Conclusion

Writing a dissertation can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right preparation and planning, it can be easier than you think. By following these steps and keeping in mind what your topic is about and why it’s important, writing will go much smoother.