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Dissertation Structure

BS4T01
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Aims of The Session

• Set the context for the Dissertation.
• Clarify the purpose of the research project.
• Explore the stages of the Dissertation.
• Introduce the different sections that make up
a complete Dissertation.
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Introduction to Dissertation - what is it?

 A major piece of individual research

 18,000 words
 In-depth enquiry
 Integration of theory and practice
 Integrates taught elements of the course
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What should it contain? (More detail later…)

 A definition of the issue or problem to be

investigated and a clear statement of the research
aim
 A critical literature review
 Methodology
 An efficient presentation and analysis of the data
 Discussion
 Conclusions and reflections
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The Process

 Allocation of supervisors
Proposal submission: 10th May 2024
 Handing in
 15th Sept 2024
 Re-sit January
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Supervision

 Relationship driven by the student

 Based on mutual responsibility
 Agree terms of engagement –
meetings/emails/telephone conversations
 Guidance on, for example:
 Structure
 Organisation
 Presentation
 Literature
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Frequently asked questions

 Confidentiality - yes
 Publication? Possibility if very good.
 Marking – as above
 Supervisor changes – only in extreme cases
 Late submission – no!
 Failure to submit = failure unless mitigating
circumstances
 Others….?
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What a dissertation should

contain…

What a dissertation should look like.

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Chapters of a Typical Dissertation:

(Normally 5 or 6)
1. Introduction
2. Literature review
3. Method and methodology
4. Findings – presentation and analysis
5. Discussion
6. Conclusions and reflections
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Typical Stages of Research

1. Identify Self-
subject area 5. Gather Reflection
information

4. Select
subjects for
2. Carry out study 6. Analyse
literature your data
review

3. Formulate
problem 7. Write up
your work
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What next?

Start thinking about it now – it’s never too early

Make notes
Print out journal articles
Brainstorm ideas

Questions? Comments?