Best tips for getting a first in undergrad diss?

Hi!
I start back at uni next week and we’re finally beginning the actual writing of our diss. It’s due on may 10th, and so far we’ve done a module surrounding research etc to prepare for the writing part.

Anyone who has written a diss - what did you do well or what would you have done better? I’ve heard a good literature review is crucial - would you say so?

Hoping to go into the writing process with a good idea of what to focus on and how I can do the best I possibly can! I’m doing media and comms so my diss is mainly qualitative research if that helps!!

Thanks so much!!!

Reply 1

Thisismyunitsr

Original post by seesey

I received a first in my dissertation but I only wrote 5000 words (it was very short).

You need to do three things.

1) Write your dissertation about something you are actually interested in. It seems obvious but please do it. This will make the writing process so much easier.

2) Start your dissertation ASAP. Like yesterday. The earlier you start the easier it will be to finish and you shall do better.

3) Get support from your tutors/study support etc. You're legitimately paying 9k a year to go to uni so make the most of the study support you have at your disposal!

Good luck. I am sure you'll do well!

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by Thisismyunitsr

I received a first in my dissertation but I only wrote 5000 words (it was very short).
You need to do three things.
1) Write your dissertation about something you are actually interested in. It seems obvious but please do it. This will make the writing process so much easier.
2) Start your dissertation ASAP. Like yesterday. The earlier you start the easier it will be to finish and you shall do better.
3) Get support from your tutors/study support etc. You're legitimately paying 9k a year to go to uni so make the most of the study support you have at your disposal!
Good luck. I am sure you'll do well!

Hey, I was wondering when you started and finished your dissertation?
And also when did you do your fieldwork?

Reply 3

seesey

Original post by Anonymous

Hey, I was wondering when you started and finished your dissertation?
And also when did you do your fieldwork?

I started writing in January, submitted May 10th. I really wish I’d started writing over Christmas because I cut it quite fine with my deadline and would’ve liked a day or so to edit and add any final touches. When they say start yesterday, they mean it 😭

I didn’t conduct any fieldwork as such but I started gathering my data in January also. I began after writing my literature review and my methodology section because I felt that gave me the most understanding and guidance regarding my method and intended outcomes. I was then able to focus on writing my results and discussion sections while the data was fresh in my mind!

I got my result back last week and got a 70! Hope your dissertation goes well for you, and if you have any questions feel free to ask!

Reply 4

Thisismyunitsr

Original post by Anonymous

Hey, I was wondering when you started and finished your dissertation?
And also when did you do your fieldwork?

I started in October and finished in January. I didn’t do any fieldwork as it was unnecessary.

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

Original post by Thisismyunitsr

I started in October and finished in January. I didn’t do any fieldwork as it was unnecessary.

so did you base your disso around secondary sources instead of doing research?

Reply 6

Thisismyunitsr

Original post by Anonymous

so did you base your disso around secondary sources instead of doing research?

I did it based on what would be easiest to research

Reply 7

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post by seesey

Hi!
I start back at uni next week and we’re finally beginning the actual writing of our diss. It’s due on may 10th, and so far we’ve done a module surrounding research etc to prepare for the writing part.
Anyone who has written a diss - what did you do well or what would you have done better? I’ve heard a good literature review is crucial - would you say so?
Hoping to go into the writing process with a good idea of what to focus on and how I can do the best I possibly can! I’m doing media and comms so my diss is mainly qualitative research if that helps!!
Thanks so much!!!

Hi there,

I hope that your dissertation went well, I also just finished my dissertation this year.

I think I learnt a few things from it such as how to time manage effectively although I did struggle with a word count as I picked a topic which I could have written so much about which meant that the final couple of sections of my dissertation were not as well planned and written as the first sections. I would defiantly say to anyone who needs some tips for their dissertations these are my top tips:

Pick a topic that you enjoy but also that you won't get sick of otherwise you will loose motivation to write your dissertation.

Plan out your sections thoroughly and think about what exactly will be included in each section and how many words you plan on writing to avoid some sections being left with little words to full discuss your findings