Dissertation Support

Writing a dissertation, research study, or journal article?

This may be the biggest cohesive project you have ever undertaken.

Such a project requires a different set of skills than you will have experienced during your taught modules, which are designed around existing readings and pre-determined parameters.

The research approach though requires:

• Self-directed decision making related to the individual topic.
• Extensive literature searching.
• Evaluation of criteria, results and findings.

Planning

Don't be overwhelmed - plan!

1. Pick a topic of special interest to you - this is a large, frustrating, time-consuming process so your choice of topic is crucial to keep you motivated.
2. Be aware of time management, other organisational skills and learn about the tools that can help.
3. Plan your methodology with your supervisor.
4. Compile your search strategy - choose your search terms, resources and selection criteria
5. Be prepared to evaluate the quality of and reference your sources. 
6. Develop your project.

Support: searching

Use the pages in this guide to get tips and tools to help you:

• Decide on your topic,
• Learn about the research methods which are prominent in your subject area,
• Develop your literature review search strategy,
• Access resources through UWS Library and beyond.
• Manage your sources.

Support: writing

The Academic Skills website includes tips and tools you can use to:

• Improve your time management, presentation and writing skills.
• Access appointment options for meeting with an Academic Skills Advisor.

Accessibility Statement

This work in this guide is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.