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Study Skills - Dissertations

An overview of how to plan and write up your dissertation.

Proofreading and Editing Your Dissertation Document

We have lots of helpful advice on proofreading and editing in our Study Skills Libguide however as your dissertation is likely a larger document than you have had to submit previously, taking extra care in your proofreading and editing can ensure that all of your hard work comes through in your writing.

For each chapter there may be specific issues to be aware of and so keeping in mind your module guide as well as any specific guidance from your supervisor can ensure you adhere to the requirements set.

In general terms, Williams (2018) suggest the following key areas to check for when proofreading and editing your final document before submission:

They also suggest that you may wish to review your work in three stages as below:

Adapted from Williams (2018, pp. 141-151)
Step 1

Check the 'big picture'

  • Introduction and Conclusion for each chapter.
  • Have you left enough word count for the introduction and conclusion chapters?
Step 2
  • Add in introduction and conclusion.
  • Edit to make sure points are clear.
  • Check for paragraph structure.
  • References
  • Word count
  • Appearance of pages - indentations? spaces (between paragraphs and sections)
Step 3
  • Add contents page
  • List of tables and figures
  • Abstract
  • Appendices
Step 4

Proofread - take a closer look at your work to check for:

  • Typos
  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Make sure your squiggly lines are resolved
  • References
  • Anything that usually lets you down.

 

References

Williams, K. (2018) Planning Your Dissertation. 2nd Edition. London: Red Globe Press.