A dissertation is a type of writing that is based on comprehensive research. It is a part of the undergraduate or postgraduate degree, and every student should have to submit this.
However, following the proper structure of the dissertation is necessary, and it depends on your field. Therefore, when you start writing the dissertation, you must consult your professor and understand what type of dissertation structure they need.
Also, when your professor does not define any specific structure, you are unsure how to structure your dissertation. Continue reading this blog, get to know the proper structure of the dissertation, and create a well-written piece of work.
Let’s get started!
Contents
The structure of a dissertation is made up of different parts which are divided into paragraphs. This structure helps organize ideas in a research paper and makes it easier for the reader to follow your ideas.
Different academic disciplines have different rules for what your dissertation should look like. It is important to verify with your department what type of structure they require.
A dissertation structure is the arrangement of research contents. It consists of several parts that help the readers to navigate the ideas more easily. Also, it is essential to flow the ideas in the research paper properly.
However, the dissertation structure depends on your topic, field, and approach. For instance, the dissertation for science subjects has a different structure than humanities.
If you want to write a dissertation by research, your word count will be 12000 to 15000 words. However, if you write a dissertation by translating and commenting, the translation will be based on source text comprising 6,000 words. Moreover, the words of your commentary will be around 6000 to 8000 words.
Furthermore, the supervisor provides the dissertation structure plan, so read them first and then start outlining your dissertation. Even so, if not giving any particular instructions regarding the structure, follow the basic outline.
Below are some elements that will help you structure different types of dissertations.
Let us discuss these elements in detail.
A good title for a paper typically includes information about the following:
The title page is the first part of the dissertation, and it contains the following information:
However, some universities or colleges recommend including the supervisor’s name and student registration number on the title page. Also, they have different arrangements of the title page components, so it is better that you inquire with your faculty.
Moreover, for printing and binding, the title page is used as a cover of the dissertation.
This section is optional, but it acknowledges those who helped you write the dissertation. For example, it might include supervisors, parents, friends, funding agencies, or any other person that supported you in writing the thesis.
You don't need to write a lot for your Thanksgiving letter. Just say who you're thankful for and what they did for you. For example, "I'm grateful to my supervisor, Brown John, for his patience and attentiveness." Keep this section no more than one page.
An abstract is a concise and accurate summary of your research work. It tells the readers the overall purpose of the research paper. It is usually about 150-300 words long and covers the following information:
Therefore, keep this information in mind and include it in your dissertation abstract. Also, it is preferable to write it last after the whole research is done. Otherwise, you will end up writing and rewriting the abstract multiple times.
However, some students or researchers prefer to write it first because it provides a framework for dissertation writing.
This section lists all the chapters and headings that you use in the dissertation. This section guides the readers to navigate the document easily and gives an overview of the structure.
However, only write the most useful headings and main parts of the dissertation in this section. You can also automatically create the table of contents in Word.
You can also include the figures, charts, and tables if your dissertation has, and you should show them in a numbered list. Also, add a caption for each table, chart, or anything that you add graphically.
An introduction is a part that introduces the reader to your dissertation. It acts as a guide to your readers and tells what they expect from the rest of the dissertation. Also, an introduction briefly introduces the purpose and relevance of your dissertation topic.
When you write the dissertation introduction, you should include the following information:
Therefore, keep these points in mind and include them in your dissertation introduction. However, write all the information in a clear, engaging, and relevant way.
Here is a dissertation introduction sample for your ease.
The literature review is the main part of the dissertation. To write a good literature review for a dissertation, you need to read the previous work and research on the topic.
For this purpose, you have to do in-depth research and gather relevant information. Read journals, books, and research articles to help you write the literature review easily.
However, when you gather information for the literature review, you need to keep the following questions in mind:
Therefore, you must not summarize the existing studies but develop a well-organized argument for your research.
Also, in this section, you should:
Check this sample for your help.
The dissertation methodology section explains how you conduct your research. In this section, you need to answer two critical questions:
Also, you have to mention some other major information:
Therefore, try to make the methodology convincing and meet your research goals. Here is an example that you can use for your help.
The findings produce the research methodology results. In some universities or departments, the findings and discussions are explained together. However, in others, they are different entities.
Usually, charts and graphs are used to show the findings but not using tables or figures.
The discussion is the section in which you present the data analysis results, interpret and analyze them. The results are explained in detail and discuss how well they fit your research framework. Also, you need to discuss your results regarding the research question.
You need to talk about what you found in your research. What did your research show? What do your research questions mean? Is it the same as what other researchers have found or different? If it's different, why do you think that is?
A good conclusion makes a huge difference in your dissertation. It is the last part where you demonstrate that your dissertation is well-evidenced and well-researched.
It is the final chapter where you answer your research questions. You will state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous parts, but it is important to explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).
In the dissertation conclusion, you should include:
However, write all these things clearly and concisely. Also, try to make it strong and encourage the reader to do further research on the topic.
The reference list includes all the sources you have cited in your dissertation. For the reference list, some use an APA, MLA, and Chicago citation format. However, no matter which format you use, cite the sources properly and save yourself from plagiarism issues.
Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography in your dissertation. This is similar to a reference list, but it also includes resources that you used to inform your thinking but not directly cited in your dissertation. So, make sure you use the right one.
It is part of the dissertation in which you add information that is too large for the main text. It includes:
Your appendices should provide more information that is interesting but not necessary for the analysis. Appendices are not a way to avoid having to write more, so don't put important information here.
Take a look at this template and get an idea of the perfect dissertation.
Here are some fantastic examples of how other people have written their dissertations. These examples may help you get started on writing your own.
Related: Dissertation Examples for Different Academic Levels & Fields
The following are the tips and guidelines that you should follow to write a great dissertation.
When you are writing a dissertation, it can be difficult to stay motivated. You might find yourself feeling like the entire project is too much work and that all of your efforts would not matter in later life if they didn't come out correctly now - but don’t give up.
For your help, we gathered some mistakes that should be avoided and makes your dissertation writing process easy.
Hopefully, this blog must have helped you learn how to structure a dissertation. However, if you need any help regarding a dissertation or a thesis structure, you can contact GradSchoolGenius. Our professional writers will help you write a great dissertation structure.
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So, contact our team now and get the best help in writing your dissertation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, dissertations are written in 100-300 pages. However, your supervisor or institute can guide you on the length of pages of your dissertation.
You can start your dissertation by considering the following main points:
You can reduce plagiarism in your dissertation by properly paraphrasing and citing the research content. Ensure that you are using the correct citation and referencing method. In addition, you can use online plagiarism detection software to check the percentage of plagiarism in your dissertation.