A dissertation is a large project that takes place towards the end of most university courses. It is usually research based however you may be asked to complete a project which is more common in your industry, for example a business plan.
For this guide we will be referring to a dissertation primarily as a research project however most of the advice and information will be relevant to all projects.
The guide will be be separated into two sections: the first will look at the process of completing a dissertation, while the second will look at the end product.
Your dissertation is designed to allow you to demonstrate the knowledge of your subject that you have gained throughout your course as well as that you can apply sector/subject specific conventions to your own work. In undertaking a dissertation you are also demonstrating key employability skills such as the ability to work independently, develop a working relationship with your supervisor, as well as make practical decisions and set your own deadlines (Williams, 2018).
The table below shows the abilities you will be able to demonstrate when completing a dissertation (Greetham, 2019, p.7).
| Understanding | Shows a clear grasp of the issues involved. |
| Analysis | Understand and use concepts appropriately to define a specific problem and potential explanations. |
| Creative abilities | Devise questions/hypothesis and then means of answering/testing them. |
| Problem solving | Identify problems and their solutions. |
| Comparison | Identify differences and similarities. |
| Criticism | Critically assess evidence and arguments. |
| Inductive and deductive reasoning | Come to conclusions based on relevant, consistent argument and reliable evidence. |
| Self-organisation, self-motivation | Manage and sustain a large research project. |
| Writing Skills | Present findings in clear, well-planned written work. |
References:
Greetham, B. (2019) How to Write your Undergraduate Dissertation. 3rd Edition. London: Red Globe Press.
Williams, K. (2018) Planning Your Dissertation. 2nd Edition. London: Red Globe Press.