Dissertation

Hey there,
This might be bit late since the deadline for choosing my modules for the third year is in 3 hours, but I'll give it a go.

I am student of Economics & Finance, second year and currently I am choosing my modules for the third. I have not chosen dissertation.
The problem is, I do want to do postgraduate study. Now I have spoken to my uni and the uni I want to go to and no one requires undergrad dissertation in order to get a place. Plus there's 50/50 chance I will do one in postgrad (as I can also choose a report on my internship). My question is, Do you guys think it is necessity to do one? That it will prepare me for possible postgrad dissertation? I believe it doesn't really matter whether I do one in undergrad and do one in postgrad. Its still the same process.

PS: If I have posted into wrong category I apologise. I just made this account purely for this question.
Thank you!

Reply 1

gutenberg

Many universities don't require their students to do a dissertation, it's often optional, and many do opt out.

I don't think it will necessarily harm your postgraduate chances, provided you do well in the modules you do choose for third year. The one area it could be helpful in, is showing some aptitude for research, something that is important for postgraduate study. But, if your target postgrad course doesn't even mandate a dissertation, then I really wouldn't worry too much. Focus on getting the best possible marks in your final year, and getting good references from respected professors at your university.

Reply 2

arguendo

As someone who chose to do one at UG - it has helped me with PG. Unlike some of my peers, writing 15k words in a few months isn't a terrifying prospect because I've done half that for my UG diss. I'd be struggling a lot more without that experience IMO, but that's me

(No clue if it helped me get my PG places or my funding - my PG apps asked for details of previous research experience, even those which didn't have a compulsory dissertation at PG.)
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Reply 3

MarcoJayPolo

That is precisely what I am thinking. Will I struggle or not? Maybe UG dissertation will be a valuable experience

Reply 4

JamesManc

If you don't HAVE to do one I wouldn't do one bro, why would you make uneccessary stress on yourself?

Reply 5

alleycat393

Do the dissertation if you're looking for research experience and are likely to want a career in research at a later stage. However if your aim is to do a postgrad course that doesn't require an undergrad dissertation and then get a job that isn't in research then don't worry about it.