Dissertation 13000 words

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation at De Montfort University is first and foremost there to fulfill the academic requirements for a Masters degree: it is a means to an end.  It should be 12,000 to 15,000 words long and be based on research undertaken by yourself. This research usually includes:

· a literature review – secondary research;

· original research in the form of surveys, case studies, questionnaires, etc – primary research; and

· analysis and evaluation leading to appropriate recommendations.

The key difference from other assignments is that  you   choose the topic and the approach to dealing with it. It is  your   topic and you are in control of it. Your supervisor can advise and support, but you should initiate and maintain contact.

Topics should be:

· relevant to you and your programme of study; and

· of some general applicability.

Research strategy

You need to consider an appropriate method to address your research question.

Understanding the framework

This is only a guideline but the standard structure of a dissertation is:

Title page

Abstract

Acknowledgments

Contents

Chapter 1:  Introduction – what, why and how (outline of what follows)

Chapter 2: Literature survey

Chapter 3: Methodological discussion

Chapter 4: Empirical data and research findings

Chapter 5: Analysis

Chapter 6: Conclusion

References

Appendices

What is really important is connectedness: that the various parts of the dissertation fit together:

· the empirical data and analysis needs to relate back to the literature survey;

· the methodology has to be appropriate;

· the conclusions relate to the research question;

· the dissertation does what it claimed in the introduction; and

· the title accurately describes the contents.

Remember to make use of the resources available (for example, dissertation text books), to check your understanding of what constitutes a dissertation.   

Also, please be aware that requirements for a dissertations vary amongst institutions, within institutions, disciplines, levels of study, etc. Please refer to your module handbook for specific details and specifications relevant to you.