Planning your dissertation
What is a dissertation?
All the above require independent research at the end of a taught period of study.
Getting started
Remember you are both the researcher and the project manager of the project. In addition to the information on these pages, you MUST refer to the instructions and guidance given to you for your particular course – different subject areas have different expectations, referencing conventions and support mechanisms for the dissertation. For example, in some areas you are able to define your own dissertation title, whilst in others you will be required to choose from a list, some areas link the dissertation to a particular taught course unit, some require you to submit a research proposal in a particular format.
What does a dissertation look like?
All dissertations will differ in format, style and design. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the particular requirements of your institution and degree.
A typical format guide would require the dissertation to be word-processed with double or one-and-a-half spacing, and a wide left margin to enable binding. Check with your tutor but most (though not all – e.g. art or media) formats would include:
(If appropriate recommendations)
(For example, questionnaires, interview transcripts, pilot reports, detailed tables)
However you decide to divide up your chapters and sections, certain essential contents will most likely be present in some form. These will include:
http://www.socscidiss.bham.ac.uk/about-dissertations.html
You will also be able to draw upon other experience, for example in the analysis and presentation of findings that you may have covered on methodology modules.
See also Stella Cottrell’s excellent chapter ‘Projects, dissertations, reports and case studies’ in The Study Skills Handbook; 3rd and 4th editions are available in the Learning Curve and HE Library.
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