06/01/2023, 17:00 How to come up with a topic for your thesis - Paperpile

Research and Writing Guides

Writing a paper? Don't get lost.

Guides > Writing > Writing your thesis

How to come up with a topic for your

thesis

Depending on the level of your studies, you will be required to come up

with a topic for your thesis by yourself or to choose from a list of broad
topics. In either case, you will need to first, choose a specific scope and
second, narrow it down as much as you can.

Finding a topic that suits you

In any case, you can start by asking yourself if you’ve attended any
lecture where you were particularly interested in a certain subject and
go from there. The following questions might help you shine a light on
personal topics of interest.

What aspect of your studies holds a particular interest for you?

Was something mentioned in a discussion that you found
intriguing?
Did you read about a theory or idea that spoke to you?

Ideas for a thesis can stem from many sources, so let your mind wander
https://paperpile.com/g/topic-for-your-thesis/ 1/5
06/01/2023, 17:00 How to come up with a topic for your thesis - Paperpile

and see if anything tickles your curiosity. A thesis is a chance for you to
spend some quality time with a certain aspect of your studies, so you
better think of a topic that not only appeals to you but will also help you
grow in your field.

The easiest method to choose a thesis topic

We can all agree that choosing a topic for a thesis or any paper is one, if
not the most, difficult steps in writing. However, according to Sahlman's
"How to write a Master Thesis fast", choosing a topic for your thesis is
rather easy if you focus on the three following areas:

1 Phenomenon
2 Point of view

3 Context

Suppose that you were to focus on a specific phenomenon as the center

of your thesis. For example, "queer rights" or "climate change". Next,
you choose a point of view. From what perspective do you see the
phenomenon? For instance, “American culture” or “legally/ financially”.
Finally, you narrow it down to a particular context, such as “from 2000
to 2010” or “small German enterprises in 2017”.

By combining the examples of these three areas, we come up with two

potential thesis topics:

The development of queer rights in American culture from 2000 to

2010

Emerging climate change regulations of small German enterprises in

2017

The topic doesn't need to be perfect at first. The idea is to brainstorm

with the topics that most interest you in the beginning and slowly come
up with with a compelling topic you can brag about at friends dinner
parties. Here is a list of the top 100 research paper topics for some
inspiration.

https://paperpile.com/g/topic-for-your-thesis/ 2/5
06/01/2023, 17:00 How to come up with a topic for your thesis - Paperpile

How to choose a thesis topic that will get you a job

If you will be writing extensively about a specific topic it does not only
have to meet the requirements of the academia but it should also

expand your professional horizons. According to the article how to pick

a masters thesis topic, you should be thinking beyond the completion of
your degree. The author states "use your time as a student to make
yourself as attractive to employers as possible." In order to achieve this,
make sure that at least one of the three components (phenomenon,
point of view and context) is of interest in your desired professional
field.

For example, the thesis topics mentioned above would be of great help
to people interested in working in the field of human rights and climate
change. By choosing a thesis topic related to your professional future,
your chances of landing your desired job will be higher, as you could
bring fresh and valuable knowledge to an organization.

Ask your supervisor for help!

If your topic is still not fully shaped, then take advantage of the greater
wisdom of your supervisor and ask for guidance. Arm yourself with
enough possible topics and pay your supervisor a visit. Explain what´s
your specific point of view and/or context of interest and, luckily, they
will steer you in the right direction.

Painless, all-in-one organization and

citations for your papers

Try Paperpile now

Found my thesis topic now what?

https://paperpile.com/g/topic-for-your-thesis/ 3/5
06/01/2023, 17:00 How to come up with a topic for your thesis - Paperpile
Found my thesis topic, now what?
It is certainly not enough to find a topic for your thesis. You also need to
make sure that it is a relevant topic and that you will be able to develop
it. Before you start your research, take look at this list of questions to
ask to find out if the topic for your thesis is good.

Further great tips on finding a thesis topic

5 Tips for selecting a thesis topic - Grad School Hub
How to come up with a thesis topic - GradSchools.com
How to pick a Masters thesis topic - Peter Campbell

Frequently Asked Questions about coming up with a

topic for your thesis

🍃 What is the easiest method to pick a thesis topic? +

💡 Where do I find good thesis topic ideas? +

🕒 How long does it take to find a thesis topic? +

📹 Is there a video tutorial about coming up with a thesis +

topic?

🏳️ Who do I ask for help while finding a thesis topic? +

Related Articles

How to give a good scientific presentation

How to efficiently search online databases for academic

research
https://paperpile.com/g/topic-for-your-thesis/ 4/5
06/01/2023, 17:00 How to come up with a topic for your thesis - Paperpile

Is an encyclopedia a primary source?

Privacy

Terms of Service

What is Paperpile?

© Paperpile LLC 2023

https://paperpile.com/g/topic-for-your-thesis/ 5/5