Dissertation Advice
Hi everyone, I know it's early to be asking but this upcoming 24/25 year is my final year, and so my dissertation will be due. I have done one before at undergrad during covid, and annoyingly was 1 mark away from a 1st. Looking back I can see why, so this time around I want to do everything I can to write the strongest possible piece of work. Does anyone have any general, non-topic specific advice? thank you!!!
Reply 1
Hi,
Definitely not early in my opinion, it's always good to start to have a think as early as you can so you're not stressed later on!
I would say start to think about your topic and make sure it's something you're interested in writing about. This seems like a really obvious statement but given the amount of depth a dissertation asks for, you really have to make sure that you're not going to get too bored of the topic.
From here I would probably approach your lecturer/tutor with some proposed research questions, the earlier you figure this out and how to answer it, the better you will do.
I would also say to create a research plan. It helps identifying what sort of materials you need to gather in order to be able to get as many quality sources as possible, and give yourself a rough timeline in when you want to have all of these collected before you start.
Best of luck and well done for starting early!
Meg 🙂
MA Popular Music Student.
Definitely not early in my opinion, it's always good to start to have a think as early as you can so you're not stressed later on!
I would say start to think about your topic and make sure it's something you're interested in writing about. This seems like a really obvious statement but given the amount of depth a dissertation asks for, you really have to make sure that you're not going to get too bored of the topic.
From here I would probably approach your lecturer/tutor with some proposed research questions, the earlier you figure this out and how to answer it, the better you will do.
I would also say to create a research plan. It helps identifying what sort of materials you need to gather in order to be able to get as many quality sources as possible, and give yourself a rough timeline in when you want to have all of these collected before you start.
Best of luck and well done for starting early!
Meg 🙂
MA Popular Music Student.
Reply 2
Original post
by geeblossomsHi everyone, I know it's early to be asking but this upcoming 24/25 year is my final year, and so my dissertation will be due. I have done one before at undergrad during covid, and annoyingly was 1 mark away from a 1st. Looking back I can see why, so this time around I want to do everything I can to write the strongest possible piece of work. Does anyone have any general, non-topic specific advice? thank you!!!
Hi there!
It's great to hear you are starting to think of your dissertation - it is never too early!
Once you get your proposal approved, I would sit with your tutor and draft some deadlines for you to be working towards. This is what my tutor did with me and I found it really helpful in the sense that it kept me on track so I did not fall behind. Related to this, I would set a goal of how many words you want completed by those little deadlines. That way, it breaks the dissertation component up so it does not feel as overwhelming.
Always check in with your tutor/supervisor as they want you to get the best mark possible. Remember, you're likely paired with a supervisor who specialises in your area of research, so definitely take advantage of their knowledge!
I hope this helps!
Estelle
Graduate Advocate
Reply 3
6
Original post
by PG Study ChesterHi,
Definitely not early in my opinion, it's always good to start to have a think as early as you can so you're not stressed later on!
I would say start to think about your topic and make sure it's something you're interested in writing about. This seems like a really obvious statement but given the amount of depth a dissertation asks for, you really have to make sure that you're not going to get too bored of the topic.
From here I would probably approach your lecturer/tutor with some proposed research questions, the earlier you figure this out and how to answer it, the better you will do.
I would also say to create a research plan. It helps identifying what sort of materials you need to gather in order to be able to get as many quality sources as possible, and give yourself a rough timeline in when you want to have all of these collected before you start.
Best of luck and well done for starting early!
Meg 🙂
MA Popular Music Student.
Definitely not early in my opinion, it's always good to start to have a think as early as you can so you're not stressed later on!
I would say start to think about your topic and make sure it's something you're interested in writing about. This seems like a really obvious statement but given the amount of depth a dissertation asks for, you really have to make sure that you're not going to get too bored of the topic.
From here I would probably approach your lecturer/tutor with some proposed research questions, the earlier you figure this out and how to answer it, the better you will do.
I would also say to create a research plan. It helps identifying what sort of materials you need to gather in order to be able to get as many quality sources as possible, and give yourself a rough timeline in when you want to have all of these collected before you start.
Best of luck and well done for starting early!
Meg 🙂
MA Popular Music Student.
Thank you so much Meg, this has really helped me to prepare for my first meeting with my supervisor, I really appreciate it 🙂
Reply 4
6
Original post
by Liverpool Hope UniversityHi there!
It's great to hear you are starting to think of your dissertation - it is never too early!
Once you get your proposal approved, I would sit with your tutor and draft some deadlines for you to be working towards. This is what my tutor did with me and I found it really helpful in the sense that it kept me on track so I did not fall behind. Related to this, I would set a goal of how many words you want completed by those little deadlines. That way, it breaks the dissertation component up so it does not feel as overwhelming.
Always check in with your tutor/supervisor as they want you to get the best mark possible. Remember, you're likely paired with a supervisor who specialises in your area of research, so definitely take advantage of their knowledge!
I hope this helps!
Estelle
Graduate Advocate
It's great to hear you are starting to think of your dissertation - it is never too early!
Once you get your proposal approved, I would sit with your tutor and draft some deadlines for you to be working towards. This is what my tutor did with me and I found it really helpful in the sense that it kept me on track so I did not fall behind. Related to this, I would set a goal of how many words you want completed by those little deadlines. That way, it breaks the dissertation component up so it does not feel as overwhelming.
Always check in with your tutor/supervisor as they want you to get the best mark possible. Remember, you're likely paired with a supervisor who specialises in your area of research, so definitely take advantage of their knowledge!
I hope this helps!
Estelle
Graduate Advocate
Thank you so much for your advice Estelle, this has really helped me find my starting point and given me some great ideas for planning! 🙂
Reply 5
Original post
by geeblossomsThank you so much for your advice Estelle, this has really helped me find my starting point and given me some great ideas for planning! 🙂
You're very welcome, all the best!
Estelle
Graduate Advocate
Reply 6
Original post
by geeblossomsHi everyone, I know it's early to be asking but this upcoming 24/25 year is my final year, and so my dissertation will be due. I have done one before at undergrad during covid, and annoyingly was 1 mark away from a 1st. Looking back I can see why, so this time around I want to do everything I can to write the strongest possible piece of work. Does anyone have any general, non-topic specific advice? thank you!!!
Hey @geeblossoms,
My first piece of advice would be to think carefully about the topic that you wish to research make sure it is something interesting and something that you can explore properly e.g., is there enough information on this topic, check if there are gaps within the research/study as this would then be a perfect thing to research.
Make sure when planning your time based on deadlines you make sure you leave some emergency time so that if anything happens you have time to make the appropriate changes.
Have a think of what your research objectives and aim of your study are going to be of course this will likely change as you do further research on your study but if you can get some ideas this will make it easier for your initial research and also help your supervisor understand your overall aim.
Do lots of reading of different literature relating to the topic a lot of the time you won't use it all within your actual dissertation but its great to get overall ideas.
Hope that helps!
Rebecca
3rd Year Geoenvironmental Hazards Student
Reply 7
Original post
by geeblossomsHi everyone, I know it's early to be asking but this upcoming 24/25 year is my final year, and so my dissertation will be due. I have done one before at undergrad during covid, and annoyingly was 1 mark away from a 1st. Looking back I can see why, so this time around I want to do everything I can to write the strongest possible piece of work. Does anyone have any general, non-topic specific advice? thank you!!!
Hi there,
This is a really exciting opportunity to improve on your dissertation writing skills. My main advice would be to keep in regular touch with your dissertation supervisor. They are your key to improvement and creating the best dissertation. However, if you have a bad supervisor, I recommend trying to change as soon as possible - remember that you are paying for their support and are entitled to it.
Good luck!
Jaz - Cardiff student rep
Reply 8
Original post
by geeblossomsHi everyone, I know it's early to be asking but this upcoming 24/25 year is my final year, and so my dissertation will be due. I have done one before at undergrad during covid, and annoyingly was 1 mark away from a 1st. Looking back I can see why, so this time around I want to do everything I can to write the strongest possible piece of work. Does anyone have any general, non-topic specific advice? thank you!!!
Hi,
I tutor law students and I have a first class law degree myself. If you would like we can have a free consultation regarding your final year and how to get a first on your diss along with application season.
Feel free to private message me.😊
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