What is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is a substantial piece of academic writing that presents your research and findings on a specific topic. It’s a chance to contribute new insights to your field of study while demonstrating your skills in research, analysis, and writing.
The word dissertation means “an extended, usually written treatment of a subject,” often submitted for an advanced academic degree, as defined by Merriam-Webster.
Dissertations often involve:
- Selecting a unique topic.
- Conducting extensive research.
- Analyzing data or evidence.
- Presenting your arguments and findings clearly and logically.
Your dissertation will be reviewed by academic experts, so it’s important to maintain high standards of clarity, originality, and thoroughness.
Dissertation vs Thesis
The terms “thesis” and “dissertation” mainly differ by country. In the US, a dissertation is for PhD research, while a thesis is for master’s degrees. In the UK and elsewhere, a dissertation is for undergraduate or master’s research, and a thesis is for doctoral work.
For a detailed understanding of all the differences, visit our Dissertation vs Thesis blog.
How Long Is a Dissertation?
The length of a dissertation depends on your academic level and subject. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Bachelor’s Dissertation: 10,000–15,000 words (approximately 35–50 pages).
- Master’s Dissertation: 18,000–22,000 words (approximately 65–80 pages).
- Doctorate Dissertation: 80,000–100,000 words (approximately 200–300 pages).
Your institution may have specific guidelines, so always confirm the requirements for your program.
Dissertation Writing Format
A strong dissertation structure is essential for writing a successful one. Each section plays a unique role in presenting your research.
Here are the important parts of a dissertation and how to format them for clarity and impact.
Title Page
The title page is the first page of your dissertation. It should include:
- The dissertation title
- Your name
- Department and institution
- Degree program
- Submission date
In some cases, you may also need to include:
- Your student number
- Your supervisor’s name
- University’s logo
Acknowledgements or Preface
The acknowledgments section is usually optional, but it gives you a chance to thank everyone who has helped you throughout your research and writing process. This might include your supervisor(s), research participants, and supportive friends or family.
In some cases, the acknowledgments are part of the preface.
Abstract
The abstract is a concise summary of your dissertation, usually between 150 and 300 words. It is an important section because it introduces your research and gives your audience a snapshot of the work. It should cover:
- Your main research topic and the aims of your research
- The methods you used
- A summary of the main results
- Your conclusions
Tip: It’s often best to write the abstract after you’ve completed your dissertation so you can accurately reflect the content.
Table of Contents
The table of contents lists all the chapters and subheadings in your dissertation along with corresponding page numbers. It helps your reader easily navigate your document. Be sure to include all the main sections and appendices. In most cases, you only need to include Level 2 and Level 3 headings, not every subheading.
List of Figures and Tables
If your dissertation includes many figures or tables, include a list of them after the table of contents. This is particularly useful for longer documents where figures and tables play a significant role.
You can easily generate this list in Word using the “Insert Caption” feature.
List of Abbreviations
If your dissertation uses numerous abbreviations, especially technical ones, consider adding a list of abbreviations in alphabetical order. This will make it easier for readers to refer to specific terms without confusion.
Glossary
In addition to abbreviations, if your dissertation uses specialized terminology that may be unfamiliar to your audience, include a glossary. This should define key terms relevant to your research.
Introduction
The introduction is where you establish the topic, purpose, and relevance of your dissertation. It sets the stage for what follows and should include:
- Background information on your research topic
- The research question(s) and objectives
- A brief overview of existing research, establishing the importance of your work
- The scope and focus of your research
- The structure of the dissertation, outlining what each chapter will cover
Literature Review
The literature review is a critical section where you explore existing research on your topic. This helps position your work within the broader academic field and identifies any gaps that your research aims to fill. In your literature review, you should:
- Summarize key studies and theories related to your topic
- Analyze the credibility and relevance of these studies
- Identify patterns, conflicts, and gaps in existing research
- Justify why your research is necessary to address these gaps
Your literature review may also lay the foundation for your theoretical framework, where you define and analyze the key theories and concepts that frame your research.
Methodology
The research methodology section describes how you conducted your study. This allows your readers to evaluate the rigor of your study. It should include:
- The overall research approach (quantitative, qualitative research, or mixed-methods)
- Data collection methods (surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.)
- Details on where and when your research took place
- Tools and materials used in the research (such as software or lab equipment)
- Data analysis techniques (statistical analysis, coding, thematic analysis, etc.)
- A justification for why these methods are appropriate for your research
Results
The results section presents your findings without interpretation. This should include:
- A clear presentation of the data (using tables, graphs, or charts)
- Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, etc.)
- Inferential statistics (p-values, confidence intervals, etc.)
- A statement of whether the results support or contradict your hypothesis
- Mention any unexpected findings
Additional data that is not directly relevant to the flow of the text, such as raw data or detailed tables, can be added in an appendix.
Discussion
In the discussion section, you analyze and interpret the results of your study in relation to your research question. Key aspects include:
- What your results mean in the context of your research question
- Why your results matter and how they fit within the existing literature
- Any unexpected findings or limitations
- Alternative explanations for your findings
- Suggestions for future research based on your findings
Conclusion
The research conclusion should summarize the key points of your dissertation, restating the significance of your study and your main findings. It should also address:
- Whether your research question was answered
- How your findings contribute to the field
- Suggestions for future research
References
Include a list of all the sources you cited in your dissertation. This should follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE,). Make sure to double-check the formatting for accuracy.
Tip: Use citation management tools (like Zotero or EndNote) to help you format your references correctly.
Appendices
Appendices are used to include supplementary materials that support your dissertation but are not essential to the main argument. This might include:
- Raw data
- Interview transcripts
- Survey instruments
- Detailed tables or additional figures
How To Write a Dissertation
Writing a dissertation includes several important steps, and keeping everything organized is vital. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Choose Your Topic
Choosing the right topic is the foundation of your dissertation. It’s important to select something you’re passionate about, but it should also have enough material for thorough research. Here are some things to think about when picking your topic:
- Align it with your academic field: Your topic should fit within your subject area, making it easier to find resources and support from your professors.
- Availability of research material: Check that you can access plenty of research on the subject. If there’s not much out there, it might be a sign to pick something else.
- Narrow down your focus: Make sure your topic isn’t too broad. Try to focus on one specific question or hypothesis to make your research more manageable.
- Seek guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for advice to help refine your topic and make sure it’s on the right track.
Step 2: Draft a Research Proposal
Many programs require a dissertation proposal before you start your dissertation. This proposal is like a guiding map for your project and will need to be approved by your supervisor or committee. A solid proposal includes:
- Clear research question: State what your study is trying to answer.
- Significance of the study: Explain why your research is important and what impact it could have.
- Planned methodology: Give a brief overview of how you intend to collect and analyze your data.
- Timeline: Show how you plan to manage your time to complete the dissertation.
Step 3: Plan and Outline
Planning and outlining your dissertation is very important for staying organized and ensuring a logical flow of ideas. Begin by creating a detailed outline based on the structure we discussed earlier. This will help you break down your dissertation into manageable sections and keep your writing on track.
Refer to the structure provided above to guide your outline, ensuring each section is clearly defined and supports your overall argument.
Step 4: Conduct Research
Research is at the heart of your dissertation. You’ll need to gather both primary and secondary sources to support your work:
- Primary Sources: These are original materials you collect, such as data from surveys, experiments, or interviews.
- Secondary Sources: These are existing materials, such as books, journal articles, and reports, that provide context for your research.
- Organize your research: Keep detailed notes and a record of all your sources. This will save you time later when it’s time to reference them in your dissertation.
Step 5: Write Your Dissertation
Writing a dissertation is a long-term project, so break it into manageable sections. Here’s how to approach the writing process:
- Write consistently: Set aside regular time each day or week to work on your dissertation. This will help you build momentum.
- Focus on clarity: Be clear and direct in your writing. Avoid jargon, and make sure your arguments are easy to follow.
- Use formal language: A dissertation requires a formal, academic tone. Be professional, but also ensure your writing is accessible.
- Cite all sources: Always give credit where it’s due by citing any work or data you use in your dissertation. This will help you avoid plagiarism.
Step 6: Revise and Edit
Once you’ve written your first draft, take time to revise it. Pay attention to the following:
- Logical flow: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one to the next. The reader should easily follow your argument.
- Formatting: Make sure you follow your institution’s formatting guidelines, including margins, font size, and citation style.
- Grammar and style: Check for any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. Your writing should be polished and professional.
- Get feedback: Share your draft with your supervisor or peers to get feedback. They may spot areas that need improvement.
Step 7: Prepare for Submission
Before you submit your dissertation, make sure it’s perfect. Double-check the following:
- Title page, abstract, and table of contents: These should be formatted correctly and include all necessary information.
- Correct formatting: Ensure all chapters, references, and sections follow the proper formatting guidelines.
- Complete sections and appendices: Make sure you’ve included all the required sections and any appendices that support your research.
Feel free to download the dissertation PDF guide below for offline access and easy reading.
Dissertation Examples
Examining examples of past dissertations can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Universities often have online repositories where you can access these works.
Take a look at these dissertation writing examples for inspiration.
- Example Dissertation #1: Quantum Search Algorithms for Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization Problems Using Grover's Search and Quantum Walk Algorithms with Advanced Oracle DesignA dissertation by Abdirahman Sheikh Hassan Alasow exploring the application of quantum search algorithms for solving complex optimization and constraint satisfaction problems, focusing on advanced oracle design.
- Example Dissertation #2: Crossover of Supervisors' Perceptions of Co-worker Support to Employees' Well-BeingA dissertation by Shalene Joyce Allen investigating how supervisors’ perceptions of co-worker support influence employee well-being, offering insights into workplace dynamics.
- Example Dissertation #3: Undergraduate Students of Color Raising Children and Persisting in Higher EducationA dissertation by Kimberly Denise Alvarez examining the experiences and resilience of undergraduate students of color who balance parenting responsibilities with their pursuit of higher education.
- Example Dissertation #4:Characterizing the Role of the Complement Receptor C3aR in Regulating Inflammatory Responses and Mitochondrial Function in Activated MacrophagesA dissertation by Jesse Alan Corcoran exploring the role of the C3a receptor in inflammatory responses and mitochondrial function in macrophages, contributing to immunology and cell biology research.
- Example Dissertation #5: Urgent Care Program Influences on an Integrated Health Care SystemA dissertation by Craig H. Carter analyzing how urgent care programs impact integrated health care systems, focusing on patient outcomes and system efficiency.
10 Dissertation Writing Tips
Here are some fresh dissertation tips to keep in mind as you go through the process:
- Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute! Starting early gives you ample time to research, write, and revise. It also helps reduce stress as deadlines approach. - Stay Organized
Keep all your research materials, notes, and drafts organized. Use folders or digital tools to categorize your information so you can easily find what you need. - Break It Down
Writing a dissertation can feel overwhelming. Break it down into smaller tasks, like writing one chapter at a time or completing one section per day. This will make it more manageable. - Seek Feedback Regularly
Don’t wait until the end to get feedback from your advisor or peers. Regular check-ins can help you stay on the right track and make adjustments along the way. - Stay Consistent
Set a daily or weekly writing schedule and stick to it. Consistency helps maintain momentum and ensures that you're making steady progress. - Balance Research and Writing
It's easy to get caught up in research, but don't forget to write! The more you write, the clearer your ideas will become, and you can always refine your research later. - Keep It Clear and Concise
Avoid the temptation to overcomplicate your writing. Stick to clear and concise language that gets straight to the point. Your goal is to make your argument easy to understand. - Take Breaks
Dissertation writing can be mentally draining, so make sure to take regular breaks to recharge. A little time away from your work can give you a fresh perspective. - Proofread Thoroughly
Never skip proofreading! Read your dissertation multiple times, or even better, have someone else read it to catch any mistakes or unclear sections. - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you're stuck or unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your advisor, fellow students, or online resources for help. Getting input from others can improve the quality of your work.
Dissertation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your dissertation is ready for submission:
- Title page includes all required details (name, title, university, degree, date).
- Acknowledgements section thanks all contributors to the research.
- Abstract provides a clear and concise summary of key results or arguments.
- Table of contents includes chapter titles and page numbers (excluding title page, acknowledgements, and abstract).
- Introduction introduces the research topic and its relevance.
- Introduction clearly defines research questions and objectives.
- Introduction includes an overview of the dissertation’s structure (reading guide).
- Literature review critically evaluates existing research, identifies themes, and addresses a gap in the literature.
- Theoretical framework is explained, outlining key theories and models.
- Methodology section thoroughly describes data collection and analysis methods.
- Results section objectively reports all relevant findings.
- Discussion interprets the results, highlights limitations, and explains the significance.
- Conclusion provides a clear answer to the research question.
- Conclusion explains the implications and contribution of the research.
- Recommendations for further research or practice are provided.
- Appendices include any supplemental information if applicable.
- In-text citations are included for all referenced ideas or sources.
- Reference list is complete and correctly formatted.
- Citation style is consistent throughout the dissertation.
- Formatting guidelines provided by the university are followed.
To Sum it Up,
Writing a dissertation may feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. By following the steps in this guide, you can make steady progress.
Remember, regular feedback, consistency, and taking breaks are key. Your dissertation doesn’t need to be perfect from the start, refining it along the way is part of the process.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to completing your dissertation with confidence. However, if you're short on time or need professional assistance, SharkPapers.com is here to provide expert dissertation writing help.
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