Lots of people will hear the word “dissertation” used now and again, but what is less well known is the formula for writing a great dissertation! Marks for a university dissertation range from 50% for a pass mark, right up to marks in excess of 80 and 90%, where your work has really impressed your supervisor. So, what makes the difference between an average dissertation and one that really makes an impression? Read on and we give you a few tips on what the components of a good dissertation are!
Originality
Good research is original and has significance in that it adds to the subject area you are contributing to. This means that you focus on and explore something that no one else has looked at previously, in quite the same way you propose to. You should do some reading in your proposed subject area to confirm that nobody has answered the precise question you propose to answer. You should also discuss your proposals with your supervisor who will be highly experienced in your field and will be able to give you helpful feedback on whether your proposal is original enough to make an important contribution to the field of study.
Your Supervisor
A good dissertation is rarely just the product of your own thinking and research. You are expected to read and carry out a wide range of research activities and this will include speaking to, debating and thinking about the views of others and of stakeholders who have valuable knowledge to impart. Your first point of contact for all of this activity should be your supervisor, who may be able to point you in the direction of sources and information that is not widely available. From day 1, you should seek to establish a good relationship with your supervisor. Return emails and calls promptly and professionally. Turn up to appointments on time and dressed appropriately. Remember that your supervisor is likely to have a lot of influence in relation to your final grade and whether you pass the dissertation, so it helps to show them respect and treat them respectfully.
Look at Old Dissertations
Sometimes the best way to gain an understanding of what is required of you in writing a dissertation is to look at a dissertation that a student has previously submitted. You should be able to find examples online, or in the university library. Some dissertations go on to be published so you can ask your supervisor to suggest a good one to review.
Looking at old dissertations gives you an idea of the type of structures you need to adopt in writing your own dissertation. You will be able to pick up ideas from how others have conducted similar research to the type of research you want to conduct. You will also pick up key words, phrases and terms that you may have only previously seen in books and research papers. Seeing how people use these terms in formal research gives you an idea of what you are expected to produce in terms of analysis, when it comes to writing your own work.
Get in Touch with an Expert
Another option to consider is getting in touch with an expert academic writer like Oxbridge essays. Their writing team are able to help regardless of the subject or topic, and they’ll happily offer advice if you get stuck. If it makes the difference between grades, then it’s definitely worth asking an expert for a bit of help.