Dissertation and thesis support

A dissertation is a type of academic report, but unlike many other assignments you might have, you choose the subject, and it usually has a larger word limit (5,000 - 10,000 words) so can be the biggest piece of writing that you do for your degree.  With a dissertation you choose your topic, you select the methodology used, and you usually have to undertake a literature review.  Many students find this very challenging - don't worry though, we can help:

Books

• Carey, M. 2013., The social work dissertation: using small-scale qualitative methodology. 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Fisher, C. M., and Buglear, J., 2007., Researching and writing a dissertation: a guidebook for business students. 2nd ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
• Harrad, S., 2008. Student projects in environmental science. Chichester: John Wiley.
• Naoum, S. G., 2013. Dissertation research & writing for construction students. 3rd ed. London: Routledge.
• Smith, K., Todd, M.J., Waldman, J., 2009.  Doing your undergraduate social science dissertation. London: Routledge.
• Walliman, N., and Appleton, J. V., 2009. Your undergraduate dissertation in health and social care: the essential guide for success. Los Angeles: Sage.
• Walliman, N., and Buckler, S., 2008. Your dissertation in education. London: SAGE.
• plus many more available via Library OneSearch about dissertations, research methods, literature reviews, etc.

Useful links:

• Writing an undergraduate dissertation - Royal Literary Fund
• Literature reviews - an interactive presentation about what a literature review is, and how to go about writing one

Still need help?

• Attend one of our workshops about dissertation research, literature reviews, proofreading, etc.
• Book an appointment to talk to a member of staff.
• Talk with your dissertation or research project supervisor.

Not everybody has to do a dissertation or research project at undergraduate level, but a Masters degree usually has some sort of extended individual project.  If you have done a project like this before, there are some differences from undergraduate level, not least a longer word count (between 12,000 and 20,000 words).  The structure is much the same as an undergraduate dissertation, but you will be expected to investigate your topic in greater detail, and develop your research methodology skills further.

Books:

• Biggam, J., 2015.  Succeeding with  your master's dissertation: a step-by-step handbook. 3rd ed.  Maidenhead: McGraw Hill.
• Hart, C., 2005.  Doing your masters dissertation: realizing your potential as a social scientist. London: Sage.
• Jesson, J., Matheson, L., Lacey, F. M., 2011.  Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques.  London: Sage.
• Murray, L., and Lawrence, B., 2000. Practitioner-based enquiry: principles for postgraduate research.  London: Falmer Press.
• Parija, S. C., and Kate, V., 2018. Thesis writing for Master's and PhD Program.  Singapore: Springer Nature.
• Wallace, M., and Wray, A., 2016.  Critical reading and writing for postgraduates.  3rd ed. Los Angeles: Sage.
• plus many more available via Library OneSearch about dissertations, research methods, literature reviews, etc.

Useful links:

• Dissertation Guide - Royal Literary Fund
• Literature reviews - an interactive presentation about what a literature review is, and how to go about writing one

Still need help?

• Attend one of our workshops about dissertation research for taught postgrad students, literature reviews, proofreading, etc.
• Book an appointment to talk to a member of staff.
• Talk with your dissertation or research project supervisor.

Undertaking a thesis at postgraduate research level requires you to undertake a literature review and conduct original research. The NTU Doctorate Plus programme is here to support you throughout this process with input from a wide range of teams including your Research Support Librarians. Why not take a look at our Research Students page to see what help is available from the library?

Consult the Researcher Development Brochure to see the full range of workshops available to postgraduate researchers including academic writing, research methodologies and practical support for working with long documents, such as your PhD thesis.

Books:

• Churchill, H. & Sanders, T., 2007. Getting your PhD : a practical insider's guide. London: SAGE.
• Dunleavy, P., 2003. Authoring a PhD : how to plan, draft, write, and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation.  Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Hayton, J., 2015. PhD : an uncommon guide to research, writing & PhD life. James Hayton PhD: James Hayton.
• Lee, N.-J., 2009. Achieving your professional doctorate. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Murray, R., 2016. How to write a thesis.4th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• Phillips, E. and Pugh, D., 2015. How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors. 6th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
• plus many more available via Library OneSearch about research methods, literature reviews, etc.

Useful links:

• Theses by previous NTU research students – view these online in the thesis collection in IRep.
• Research Development Gateway – this NOW learning room provides a wide range of resources to support your skills development as you undertake your thesis.

Still need help?

• Attend one of our workshops for more advice on getting started with your literature review, keeping up-to-date and managing your references.
• Book an appointment with your Research Support Librarian.
• Talk with your supervisory team.