Writing your dissertation- hints and tips.

In a previous blog, your dissertation-we can help!, we looked at how you can access advice and guidance on your dissertation from our Study Skills Advisers. This time we will offer some useful hints and tips to help you with the writing process.

Useful tips for dissertation writing:

• Firstly, don’t wait too long to start. The earlier you start, the more time you have to review your work and seek advice if necessary.
• Choose your topic carefully. Selecting something you are interested in will help you to stay motivated.
• Stick to your plan. This will help you to remain focused and put forward a strong and logical argument.
• Plan your time carefully. Make sure that you allow sufficient time for reading and researching, collecting and analysing data, structuring and restructuring, drafting and redrafting, and proofreading.
• Start to write as soon as you can; this will help to develop your understanding of the topic.
• When writing, try to set yourself realistic targets. This can be both motivating and productive.
• Keep a record of your sources, this will save you so much time later on.
• Continue to question and critique throughout the writing process, both your own work and that of others. Don’t simply accept what you read at face-value; instead consider whether you are convinced by an explanation or interpretation and ask why this is the case. Explore whether there are any valid alternatives.
• Provide evidence to show how you came to a particular conclusion.
• Make sure you leave enough time to proofread your work.

Your dissertation will most likely become one of your greatest academic achievements. It will also help you to further develop your academic research and writing skills, not to mention skills in organisation and time management. You will also be able to show that you can analyse and synthesise detailed and complex information.

Good luck with your writing!

Remember, you can come along to a study skills drop-in- Tuesday 1pm-4pm, Study Skills Zone, Murray Library and Thursday, 10am-1pm, St Peters Library.

We also have a dedicated dissertation drop in on Fridays between 1pm and 3pm, Info Skills Zone, Murray Library. Why not bring along your dissertation and finish the week on a high by getting some writing done. The Study Skills Team are also available to answer any questions you have at this time.

Or you can book a one-to-one appointment with an adviser, simply fill in the online form- One-to-one support