dissertation diary example

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The research diary: why you should keep one

Reading time: Just over 3 minutes

A research diary can take a number of different forms, but it will help you declare your opinions about your research AND allow you to stay connected with the writing process….

After reading The Diary of Anne Frank , at about the age of 11, I started keeping a diary. About three months later, my parents found it, read it (!) and chastised me for my uncharitable thoughts about my younger siblings. (I felt like chastising them for having the nerve to invade my privacy.) After that, I decided it was safer to stop keeping a diary.

Still, there are times when keeping a diary makes indisputable sense . One such time is when you need to do a large amount of research, whether for a book, a report, a thesis or a dissertation. This effort is called a research diary.

Academics who promote research diaries (see a short video by University of Greenwich business prof David Gray on this topic) generally cite four benefits to the process:

• It helps you keep a detailed history of your research as it unfolds
• It provides a reference point for when your thoughts changed/matured during the process
• It allows you to trace the development of your research skills
• It gives you a place to reflect on your research  

I agree with these points but I think there are two additional and far more compelling arguments:

• A research diary will require you to declare your opinions about what you are reading, and not just note the facts. Keep in mind that the world doesn’t need many more facts these days. We are already drowning in them. Instead, we need intelligent and thoughtful interpretations of facts. We need facts placed into context . These statements are especially true if you are working on a thesis or dissertation. Academic writing is essentially a series of conversations. And if you want your contribution to that conversation to be both useful and compelling, you need to offer more than facts; you need to share your opinion. While you are researching, you will likely be tempted to do nothing more than collect facts and citations. This diary — which is meant to record your opinions — will act as a counterweight to that natural tendency.
• A research diary will allow you to maintain your writing habit even while you are busy researching. It’s always dangerous to allow your writing habit to fall by the wayside. Imagine you’re an athlete who suddenly stops training. Or a musician, who suddenly stops practicing. When you return to the task — whether it’s athletic, musical or related to writing — you’ll have to make up for all the practice you’ve lost, which will be time-consuming. Don’t allow this to happen to you! A research diary will allow you to maintain your writing habit in a low-risk way.

What should go into your research diary? Your diary should include a description of what you’ve done each day—the people you met and what they said, books or papers that you read, lectures or conferences that you attended, notes from discussions or conversations, and ideas you want to remember to follow up. But, even more important, it should also include your personal views and opinions of all that you have learned and your analysis of any problems you’ve noticed. Questions, hunches, thoughts and plans for future actions also belong in this free-flowing document. Finally, make a diary entry even if you do nothing else that day. It will help keep you connected with your project and maintain your motivation.

Keep in mind that the diary is PERSONAL and PRIVATE so you are free to be as frank and intemperate as you wish. My experience with my own parents notwithstanding, a diary is not the place to hold back or be circumspect. It’s a place to express your honest and unvarnished thoughts.

You may wonder how or where to keep such a diary . Your answer to this question depends on your own tastes and habits. I always prefer using electronic records, mainly because my own handwriting makes me look like an arthritic 93-year-old. (I also like using Evernote or Google docs because both of these systems allow me access to my notes from any computer, wherever I happen to be.) But if you have a Moleskin notebook that you especially love, or if you just prefer the printed page, then go for it!

Just be sure to lay out the diary clearly so you have the space to add more comments later. But while you should commit to writing every day, you don’t need to set an arbitrary length. Some days’ entries will be shorter and others will be longer and that’s perfectly okay. You might also consider producing an end-of-week or end-of-month summary. This will help you stay better organized and will further refine your evaluative skills.

A diary is a place where you record events, experiences and personal reflections that interest you. It should be fun and easy to keep and entirely safe. Use this technique as a way to maintain your writing habit even while you are researching — it will pay you back a thousandfold.

An earlier version of this post first appeared on my blog on Oct. 23/18.

Have you ever kept a research diary?  We can all learn from each other so, please, share your thoughts with my readers and me in the “comments” section below. Anyone who comments on today’s post (or any others) by Aug. 31/21 will be put in a draw for a copy of my first book 8 1/2 Steps to Writing Faster, Better . Please, scroll down to the comments, directly underneath the “related posts” links, below. Note that you don’t have to join the commenting software to post. See here  to learn how to post as a guest.

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My Dissertation Diary

Disclaimer: this is not to add to your stress if you’re doing a dissertation! I’ve decided to share where I’m up to and how I’m feeling so you can read something relatable, or maybe pick up a new tip. If you’re stressed, you certainly aren’t alone (and that’s a fact – because I’m stressed too!)

For anyone out there that’s yet to do a dissertation, if there’s one thing you take from this diary then let it be this – pick a topic you’re really passionate about and interested in! It took me so long to pick a topic, but in hindsight I’m glad it did – it’s such an important step. I’m finding a dissertation tough, but the one thing that keeps me on task and motivated is my passion and interest in the topic I have chosen. I’ve had to do so much reading and analysis, but it’s made easier by the fact I like learning about my chosen subject. You spend so much time and effort on your work, you need to make sure you enjoy it and will take pride in it.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to play to your strengths as well. I suppose that goes hand-in-hand with enjoying the topic, because if you enjoy it then you’re more likely to be good at it. Last year, I did a research project and as a part of this I did some discourse analysis. I did well on the project and scored highly on the analysis, and so I played to my strengths and I am doing discourse analysis again in my dissertation; it’s the method I find most enjoyable and it’s something I think I’m pretty good at. This is an aspect of my dissertation I quite enjoy, despite the stress!

The most challenging thing for me so far has been the time-balancing coupled with the pressure. It’s your final year and everything counts more, so the pressure is heightened. Then you still have other module assessments and readings to contend with whilst tackling your biggest project yet – your dissertation. It’s sometimes overwhelming when you look at the week ahead and the things you need to do. When I feel this overwhelmed, I sometimes struggle with staying motivated. However, I’ve found creating daily to-do lists help, and also saving Sunday as a day of no work also helps to get refreshed again before a new week.

It’s now been five months since I started my dissertation project. This time five months ago I was in the process of selecting a topic, and now I’m looking at the next approaching deadline which will be for my first draft in a couple of months. In the past five months I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that have helped to make the process that little bit easier. Hopefully by sharing these, they may be of use to fellow students contending with their dissertation and the pressure it brings!

Plan your meetings in advance

Dissertation meeting time is precious. On my course, we’re allowed 6 x 30 minute meetings with our supervisors, and so it’s important not to waste any time. If I have something I want my supervisor to look over, such as a plan, referencing list, or a draft, I email it to them at least 5 days prior to our meeting so they can read it before we meet. This saves time in the meeting; they don’t have to read it whilst you’re sat in their office and instead the time can be better spent providing feedback and asking questions. I’ve also found it useful to list what I would like to discuss, and the questions I’d like to ask before I go. It’s also a good idea to ask your supervisor at the end of each meeting what you should have completed for the next time you see them. This keeps you on task and working at a good pace that you know your supervisor approves of.

Try not to do too much all at once

Everyone works differently, but for me if I try to do too much all at once I end up losing focus and I burn out. I am more productive when I spread my time out and focus on my dissertation for a set time every day. This could be a morning, before moving onto something else in the afternoon. Or it could be just a couple of hours before I head to a lecture. It all depends on what stage you’re at and how best you work. I find this is best when you’re at a stage where you’re reading a lot of material. After a certain point my concentration decreases, and so I find I’m more productive if I split my time rather than trying to contend with a lot of work in one go.

Reference as you go along

We’ve all been there – a deadline is approaching, you’re yet to make a reference list but you can’t find the source / link you used, or whatever notes you did make no longer makes sense. Because a dissertation is such a lengthy project, you’re bound to use more references than you would for a standard essay. I’ve found it useful to keep a Word document of all my references as I go. These are all correctly formatted too to save me time later. Just keep checking it and updating it to make sure you don’t miss any references out or accidentally keep references in that you are no longer using.

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The PhD diary: one tool to improve your writing skills

Are you suffering from writer’s block? Does structuring ideas  give you a headache? This article gives you some ideas to help you to plan and manage your writing time using an indispensable tool for doctoral students: the PhD diary.

The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas . Linus Pauling

Help yourself: write regularly

I started to understand my topic towards the end of my Masters thesis. As a result was, my text was a kind of a rough draft: I should have rewritten it entirely. But I had neither the time nor the energy. The text was disappointing and it did not accurately reflect the findings of my research. I don’t know what happened, but I don’t want to experience this with my PhD thesis, Richard said  when he contacted me.

When I asked him when he had started writing for the first time he answered: when I started to write my paper.

This testimonial shows at least one thing: writing helped Richard to understand his topic.

Like him, many students and PhD candidates never write during their research time. In actual fact, writing helps to activate passive knowledge: the more you know, the stronger the feeling you know nothing. How can you  understand everything you know if you never ask yourself?

Don’t wait  until you need  to write your thesis or your publications to start writing. Before you can write a clear, structured text, you need a lot of writing time.

This is why a PhD diary is indispensable for preparing your research.

What is a PhD diary good for?

• To explore a topic. Brainstorm or mind map all of your ideas, and consider your topic from different perspectives.
• To order your thoughts. Ideas need time to Order comes from chaos. Many people struggle with ordering their thoughts because the want to do three tasks at once: collecting ideas, sorting them out and ordering them – what is more, they try to do this mentally. Rather, write down all your ideas. Once you see them, it is easier to sort them out and to decide in which order you want to present them.
• To make sense of information. You read a lot, you know a lot. But sometimes you might feel like you know nothing. Writing helps to link pieces of information to get a meaningful picture of your topic.
• To record experience. Don’t rely on your memory. During the day, you read a lot, you hear a lot, you experience lots of situations. If you tried to remember everything, you would go crazy. Your brain deletes unnecessary information. If you want to keep it, do something with it. Write it down and write something about it.
• To enhance creativity. Creativity is not only a matter of sudden inspiration. Connecting the dots creates new images, new ideas, and leads to new questions.
• To think out of the box. Try new ideas. People often discard unusual ideas ( they think: this is a bad idea ) whithout examining them. How can you judge if an idea is good or bad when it is out of context? As long as it is only in your head, it has no value. It needs to be written down. You have probably already had ideas which seemed to be brilliant but then, once put in context, turned to be uninteresting. The opposite is also possible. Give your ideas a chance! Write them down! And write something about them.
• To flesh out ideas. Sometimes you feel that you have a genius idea. Go further, develop it, brainstorm about it, imagine ways to make it real, ask yourself what you would need to realize it.
• To develop critical thinking or the development of a questioning attitude. Writing helps you to step back and to interrogate texts, statements, positions. And little by little to find your own position.
• To increase ability in reflection and thinking. The more you write, the more you discover what you know, the more you pose questions, the more you are motivated to find answers.
• To improve writing. The more you write, the less intimidating writing seems to be. You develop your own routine, you find your own voice.
• To overcome writer’s block. One of the reasons for blocks is the sudden quantity of thoughts which need to be sorted out, clarified, structured. If you work regularly on your topic, the day you will have to write you paper or your thesis, most of the strucuration process will have been done.
• Your diary can be a lifeline for your thesis: I often meet participants of my workshop after 2 or 3 years. They tell me how their diary saved their thesis: They had a low point in the middle of their research. After some 20 months, some they felt so demotivated that they wanted to quit their research. Going through their diary showed them how much they knew, how much they had done – and that motivated them again!

📌Always record the date. This will show you the evolution of your thoughts over time. Your diary witnesses your intellectual and scientific development – to see this growth is rewarding.

What can you write in your diary?

• Questions, problems: often the simple act of writing down a question or a problem leads you to the answers or solutions. Even if you do not find them immediately, your brain will work out how to find them.
• Thoughts, observations: record what sounds interesting or important in order to develop ideas about it.
• Brainstorms or mind-maps about a topic. Ideas are rarely clear and structured from the beginning. Brainstorming or mind-mapping helps you to visualize ideas, to collect them, and to generate new ideas.

The best time to work with a clean sheet is long before you’re confronted with one . Seith Godin

• Texts related to your topic (for example about a particular question, an issue, a quotation).
• Outlines: the outline is the skeleton of your text. Once it is solid, then writing your thesis will be easier than if your outline is unclear or mixed up. Creating a good outline is challenging and requires time. Take your time and write out all the options you can think of.
• Feelings: good and bad feelings. If some conflict is occupying your mind, write about it. It can help to get rid of it and to find the calm you need to write. Positive feelings also deserve to be recorded: they will encourage you when you read them on bad days.
• Weekly summaries ( What have I done? What have I found? What should I do next week? ).
• Monthly, weekly and daily SMART goals.

A tip : use colours, symbols and pictures. They will help you to find what you are looking for more quickly. The brain retains colours and pictures better than words.

 Your diary:  your travel companion

The diary is not a lab notebook: it is not meant to be read by your supervisors nor by your colleagues.

The PhD diary is something very personal, where you write what you want, without judging your thoughts, without evaluating the quality of what you write, without paying attention to style, spelling or grammar.

The PhD diary is a paper notebook (A4 or A5 – avoid smaller sizes, they do not motivate you to write longer texts). Sometimes you need to produce long texts with complex, unnecessary sentences, superfluous words, in order to find one interesting idea. This is normal.

Four advantages for a paper notebook

First of all, you have noticed that the best ideas do not come into your mind when you are sitting at your desk, but when you are relaxed – talking with friends in a pub, walking around, waiting to fall asleep or while dreaming. Those ideas are fleeting – if you don’t write them down immediately, they might disappear ( possibly forever).

The computer’s perfect design leads us (unconsciously) to want to write perfect texts. You do not allow yourself to write messy ideas in the computer. But often you need to go through chaos to get structure.

The computer strains your eyes more than paper. If you have great ideas at the end of a working day at the screen, you’ll be more motivated to write for ten minutes in your paper notebook than on your computer.

Last but not least: you have probably noticed that you think differently when writing by hand than with your computer. So, if you work  all day on the computer, activate your other abilities writing by hand.

Read your diary from time to time

From time to time, look at what you have written: not everything in your records will be interesting, but there are surely ideas that you would like to realize.

I meet many people who never read their diaries before they start to write their thesis. And then they discover that they had great ideas which got lost in the mass.

Depending on how much you write, take time to read what you have written (e.g. once a week, twice a month). Identify ideas you would like to develop and do something with them as soon as possible.

If you keep writing regularly in your diary, even just 5 to 10 minutes daily, you will see how your ideas  become clearer, sorted out, structured. Outlining your text and writing your thesis will be much easier .

If you don’t have a diary yet, buy a paper notebook and start now!

Do you already have a PhD diary? Share your experiences below, they will surely help other doctoral students!

Related Posts

Formulate achievable goals for your PhD

The phd defence – the right mindset, finish your thesis with an accountability partner, 4 steps to design your outline, 6 tricks to tame your inner critic while writing your thesis, a golden rule for reading scientific literature, leave a reply.

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Hey Martha, I am a PostDoc now for three years and I started my first diary actually during my master as my (apparently very good) supervisor told me to do so. I needed to develop my style of working with it and discovering its benefits on my own back then. I can just say, that my experiences matches every single sentence in your text. You put it perfectly on spot. By now I supervise students myself and I always tell them to have a diary with some explanation how to use it. I will recommend your text from now on, too! I may have one addition, where I feel many PhD students experience similar. Every now and then I wonder “what have I done the last weeks? I feel like nothing has happened”. Looking into my diary helps me to assess what I have done, to see that I maybe need to focus more on certain things to get these done and I can learn how long certain things take so I have a more realistic time estimate next time there is a similar task. (However, this boils in essence down to having weekly reports as part of the diary). Excellent work!

Hey Klaus, Thank you very much for your message; I am glad to read that you have experienced the benefits of the diary during your research. And that you recommand it to your students! I agree with your additionnal remark – thank you for your remark, it will be integrated in the article! Kind regards, martha

It’s a great source of knowledge; I think it will be helpful for lot of people who are looking for learning more about the dissertation thesis phd diary. Thank you very much for sharing this article.

After the workshop I started with the diary. My works hast truly improved. Thank you for your advices and for your blog. Cordialement, Alice

Great Post! Thank you

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That is the first tiime I frequented your web page and so far? I amazed with the rsearch you made to make this particular putt up extraordinary. Fantastic job!

Thank you very much for this information!

very good put up, i certainly love this website, carry on it

the phd diary is really cool method to develop ideas. thank you martha!

Great post, Martha, thank you :)!

thank you for this article.

Thank you, Martha, I will try those techniques! It is such a relief to rad that I am not the only one struggling with writer’s block…

Good, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Excellent task..

Thanks for your post. I also believe that a diary helps a lot to keep track on my research.

I am in the first year of a Ph.D., I have not started writing anything yet, I just read a bit of literature from time to time, but at the end of this second day of training, I sincerely believe that I must take the habit of writing daily what comes to mind and keep track of all my reflections and my questions, I think it’s very important.

Thank you for your message, Abdeljalil. Congratulations, this is a great decision 🙂 !

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Elevate your writing and move up in your career, start a dissertation diary.

• October 29, 2015
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It quickly became more than a litany of complaints. In the diary, I was able to work through critiques of my work. I began to make connections between what seemed like disparate topics in my dissertation. As I wrote about the interviews I was conducting, I gave myself the opportunity to revisit them and identify what I could have done better, and consequently be more prepared for the next interview. In essence, I was giving myself a workshop to think through the various elements of a very large project.

What I realized while keeping the dissertation diary was that I felt liberated from the shackles of perfection. Working on drafts, I always imagined what my committee would say, or what a reviewer would say – to the point that I became paralyzed, and unable to write. This paralysis was what I had mistakenly labeled writer’s block. In my dissertation diary, I could write whatever I wanted, and however I wanted. Nobody was watching. With this freedom, I wrote more than I ever thought I could.

Not everything from your dissertation diary will make it into your dissertation, but I guarantee you much of it will, albeit in a very different shape. You might devote 4 pages of your diary to dissecting one piece of literature, and improve your understanding so that you can write a more sophisticated literature review. The dissertation diary enables you to write out your ideas in whatever way you desire, helping you to understand what you’re actually writing about.

Writing is ultimately an act of revision. There is no such thing as a perfect first draft, so your focus should be on getting your ideas on paper, no matter how inelegant they may be. As we approach Academic Writing Month (#AcWriMo), where many of you will pledge to write every day, consider creating a dissertation diary not only to write more, but to think more – without concern for everyone else’s opinion.

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My Dissertation Research Diary: The Preamble

Here in the UK, I was also eligible to secure a postgraduate student loan to help with the costs, so discussing all with my wife,  I decided to take the plunge.  The Bible says, that an double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1: 8-10). Fast-forward to 2018, I have already completed 4 of the requisite modules along the MSc Technology Management  pathway, and here I am at the final hurdle:  T802- The Research Project.  T802 basically is a 60-point module, which is the longest duration of a module that I have read since beginning my academic journey with the OU.

The course runs from February  2019, all the way to April 2020. There are 4 tutor-module-assessments (TMAs), which is customary with the OU, but unlike all other modules that ended with a substantial piece of work, called a project of between 2,500-300 words,  T802, culminates with  a dissertation of no less than 10,000 words and no more than 15,000.

Google’s Self-Driving Car Project’s technology road map 

However, writing project logs, keeping copious notes, and contributing to wikis has always been a part of  OU academic life, but blogging really came into its own with studying TU812-Managing Systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction. Which was an excellent introduction to systems thinking. Writing a blog, was an integral part of studying this module.

The module team for T802,  have again encouraged postgraduates to keep a ‘Research Diary.  Hence, the launching of this new series of subjects:  My dissertation Research Diary.   The choice of what form our diary should take was left entirely up to the student. So being a blogger, a published author, former journalist, a seasoned OU student and generally someone who enjoys a good writing challenge,  I decided to use my wordpress space as somewhere, where  I could discuss my thoughts and findings  about my preparation for the dissertation.

In addition to all the  other avenues available to me to bounce off ideas with other students in the forums or discuss issues with my supervisor,  I consider this is a valuable tool to revisit my past postgraduate modules, namely:

• T848  – Managing technological innovation.
• T849  – Strategic capabilities for technological innovation.
• TU812  – Managing Systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction.
• TU811  –  Thinking strategically: Capabilities for technological innovation.

These subject fields are important because, the topic of the dissertation is to be based on the core modules studied for this qualification.  In my case, the compulsory modules for the MSc- Technology  Management were,  T848 and T849. TU811 and TU812 comprising of my postgraduate diploma.

In closing, suffice to say, the task of preparing for this capstone module began many months ago. I am looking forward to bringing my experience of my undergraduate work, and my postgraduate thus far, to this research project.

In my next entry in my diary,  I will be exploring the context of my chosen research idea.  Consequently, you are invited to join me in this challenging, but exciting journey. Feel free to join in the discussion. Ask questions, write comments. One of the aims of a dissertation according to The Open University is that your findings must be of relevance to the wider scientific community, and be of interest to other stakeholders in your chosen sector.

Have a great day!

Hon Natty Dread

Dread, H. (2017).  Google’s Self-Driving Car project: A critique of its innovative technology transfer strategy . [online] Hon Natty Dread reasons the environment, resilience and recovery. Available at:  https://rasalbertwilliams.tech.blog/2017/05/22/googles-self-driving-car-project-a-critique-of-its-innovative-technology-transfer-strategy/  [Accessed 23 Nov. 2018].

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PhD diaries

These diaries are a useful resource to help PhD supervisors and their students discuss and find solutions to various scenarios.

These genuine accounts of the challenges faced by PhD students and their supervisors present useful examples of experiences for students, supervisors and examiners involved in the PhD process. Each diary comes with a list of questions to help guide supervisors through the problem-solving process and could also be shared with students who are facing similar problems.

The PhD diaries below have been developed and generously donated by Professor John Wakeford (University of Lancaster). You can view additional diaries on Professor Wakeford's  website .

Alan's diary

Alice's diary

Having originally failed her PhD, Alice rewrote her thesis with the help of a more structured approach from her new supervisor.

Anthony's diary

When Anthony's supervisor left, the university was unable to find a replacement. Anthony is now taking the university to court to get his fees back.

Charlie's diary

Charlie found her induction rushed and stressful, discovered that her supervisors would be absent for the first two semesters, and had financial issues. 

Cherie's diary

Cherie's current university has a very different culture from that of her former one. She is, therefore, confused, and wonders which is the better approach.

Dan's diary

Dan describes his positive relationship with his supervisor.

Jainaba's diary

Jainaba is an international student. Her two supervisors tell her that her material is not of PhD standard but do not give her appropriate examples to follow.

Jane's diary

Having initially had a good relationship with her two supervisors, Jane started to struggle with an increasing workload and found little support from her supervisors. She is now trying to decide whether she should find new supervisors or give up on her PhD altogether.

Janet's diary

Having failed two vivas, Janet appealed the decision. Her appeal failed. Janet felt she had suffered from poor supervision and that the academic community had closed ranks. She decided to cut her losses and move on.

Kim's diary

Kim had problems with one of his supervisors and so the supervisor was dropped. At his viva, Kim discovered that the examiner was this same supervisor.

After the sudden death of Li's original supervisor, the university has struggled to find a suitable replacement and, two-and-a-half years later, a replacement has still not been found.

Miranda's diary

Miranda feels her supervisor is far too positive and does not give enough critical feedback for her to act on. She has little confidence in her work and is not sure if she is really ready to submit her thesis.

Muriel's diary

Muriel enjoys a good relationship with her supervisors and values both their contributions but struggles to deal with the 'hierarchy' between the two supervisors.

Phil's diary

When Phil started his research project he discovered that the only suitable person to supervise him was on secondment in Australia. His appointed supervisor was inadequate.

Rebecca's diary

Rebecca struggled to fit in at her university and had a strange relationship with her supervisor. She was offered little support when asked to speak at a conference in New Zealand and feels she was treated 'like a clone'.

Brenda's diary

This supervisor was pressured into supervising Brenda, a mature and very confident student. She is having problems with the co-supervisor and has not been able to discuss either the project or the student.

Huw's diary

Huw is an academic who is coming to the end of his contract. He has, however, been forced to take on additional students from a supervisor who has taken early retirement. Huw’s query is how best to secure his own future and the continued supervision of the students he has 'inherited'. 

Warren's diary

Warren took up a fellowship. In his second year Warren obtained funding for two studentships. He appointed Wayne and Christina from Argentina. Wayne was strong academically but had to acquire the necessary technical skills, whereas Christina was excellent technically but had problems with her scientific English. His teaching load is gradually increasing and he is finding that time management is a challenge. 

George's diary

George is a failing student. His supervisor feels he is using his grant inappropriately.

Jan's diary

When one of Jan's supervisors left the university, she was left with a supervisor who was not suitable. She failed her PhD and was given little help with following a formal complaints procedure.

Jennifer's diary

Jennifer only had one supervisor who had very different ideas of what was PhD standard compared to the examiner. Jennifer subsequently failed her viva but could not appeal. She did however make a formal complaint and won back some fees.

Maureen's diary

Maureen has been doing her PhD for 17 years due to interruptions such as sabbaticals, writer's block and inadequate supervision. She has now found someone with the right expertise to supervise her but is unsure whether to proceed.

Paula's diary

Paula suffered a scathing attack by an examiner and failed her PhD. She appealed on the grounds of procedural error, extenuating circumstances (she had mental health problems) and the conduct of the external examiner.

Paulo's diary

Paulo was a part-time student living away from university who found his supervision deteriorated. He failed his PhD viva and was given a year to resubmit.

Ron's diary

Ron was given misinformation regarding the procedure of his PhD viva. He was given one year to resubmit his thesis but is not confident of passing and feels he has lost ownership of his thesis.

Chris' diary

Bren 'inherited' Chris, an ESRC-CASE student in the second year of her PhD. In practice he is now the sole supervisor and has major concerns about the supervisory arrangements and her progress. Chris is currently in her fourth year, lacks motivation and has major problems meeting deadlines.

Dave's diary

Dave is a recently appointed lecturer who as well as pursuing his own research, has been asked to supervise a number of postgraduate students, teach a first-year undergraduate course and become departmental postgraduate tutor. In addition he has been asked to take on the supervision of a difficult student who has had a disagreement with her current supervisor. 

Derek's diary

Derek took over as head of department and had to deal with a student making a formal complaint against one his members of staff.

Georgina's diary

Harry was asked to supervise Georgina, a very capable student. Her demands were very high and when she felt they were not met, she made a formal complaint against Harry.

Joseph's diary

Joseph's supervisor had high expectations for Joseph which he couldn't achieve. Joseph found it difficult to admit he was having problems and became defensive and confrontational.

Linda's diary

Linda's co-supervisor held more knowledge on their student's research, but was frequently away from the university acting as a journalist. Linda was concerned the student was going to fail and so did her best to prevent this from happening.

Lynda's diary

Lynda refused to take note of her supervisor's suggestions. She was hostile towards her supervisor and accused him of letting her down.

Arana's diary

Arana is an international student from Georgia who gained an excellent MA in the UK before commencing a PhD. She describes the different cultures of the further education systems in Georgia and the UK. The latter’s more liberal approach initially caused her problems. She also experienced problems with her level of supervision, particularly after her first year, but she is on track towards successfully completing her PhD.

Batrisyia's diary

Batrisyia is funded by the Malaysian government. Her supervisors had a difference of opinion in how she should proceed with her work. As a consequence, her head of department downgraded her status to MPhil. She appealed and has been allowed to continue with a new supervisory team.

Bunda's diary

Bunda believed that his scholarship would include a teaching position to provide experience and an income. The university did not stick to this verbal agreement however and he now has financial problems.

Charles' diary

Charles is from China and has been told he cannot continue with his studies due to his poor English skills.

Priya's diary

Priya is an international student from India who had successfully obtained an MSc in the UK and was determined, despite the wishes of her family, to undertake a PhD. She was accepted by Barchester University without funding and without other crucial elements in place. She subsequently struggled and failed her MPhil/PhD upgrade

Robin's diary

During a visit to an international university, Robin was asked to supervise Magda. She had problems enrolling her as she had no supervisory experience. Magda also had poor research methodology which needed to be overcome.

Clare's diary

Clare felt pressured into doing a part-time PhD and experienced further problems when one of her supervisors went on extended sabbatical leave. 

Joan's diary

As a mature part-time PhD student, Joan found the available funding inadequate. She also found the work demanding and her supervisor admitted her subject was not in his field of knowledge.

June's diary

June struggled with her self-funded part-time PhD and felt the supervision she received was inadequate.

Josie's diary

Josie reveals her strategy which helped her to complete her thesis on time.

Judy's diary

Judy feels she is suffering intellectual burnout and is finding it very difficult to redraft her thesis to the required length and standard.

Julian's diary

Julian was offered a CASE studentship to undertake a PhD in collaboration with the Council for Scientific Innovation (CSI). Julian found himself disagreeing with some of CSI’s central arguments and becoming more sympathetic towards the views of their rival organisation. The demands of CSI on Julian became inappropriate.

Patrick's diary

Patrick found that there was unsatisfactory collaboration for a CASE award.

Peter's diary

Peter was pressurised into accepting a CASE collaborative studentship between his academic department and an industrial sponsor headed by his professor. His difficult situation was further complicated because his primary supervisor was a new, inexperienced lecturer and the professor was his secondary supervisor.

Amanda's diary

Amanda recounts her experience as an internal examiner and the importance of having an Independent Chair.

Robert's diary

 Robert relates his experiences as an examiner in the case of resubmitted theses.

The Good Supervision Guide

A guide, compiled by a PhD candidate and based on interviews with Faculty Graduate Tutors from across UCL covering examples of what ‘good supervision practice’ means for them. The guide is based on themes which emerged from these conversations.

The good supervision guide for PhDs

Sign up to the monthly UCL education e-newsletter  to get the latest teaching news, events & resources. 

• Study and research support
• Academic skills

Dissertation examples

Listed below are some of the best examples of research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Leeds We have not been able to gather examples from all schools. The module requirements for research projects may have changed since these examples were written. Refer to your module guidelines to make sure that you address all of the current assessment criteria. Some of the examples below are only available to access on campus.

• Undergraduate examples
• Taught Masters examples

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Home » Dissertation – Format, Example and Template

Dissertation – Format, Example and Template

Table of Contents

Dissertation

Definition:

Dissertation is a lengthy and detailed academic document that presents the results of original research on a specific topic or question. It is usually required as a final project for a doctoral degree or a master’s degree.

Dissertation Meaning in Research

In Research , a dissertation refers to a substantial research project that students undertake in order to obtain an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree.

Dissertation typically involves the exploration of a particular research question or topic in-depth, and it requires students to conduct original research, analyze data, and present their findings in a scholarly manner. It is often the culmination of years of study and represents a significant contribution to the academic field.

Types of Dissertation

Types of Dissertation are as follows:

Empirical Dissertation

An empirical dissertation is a research study that uses primary data collected through surveys, experiments, or observations. It typically follows a quantitative research approach and uses statistical methods to analyze the data.

Non-Empirical Dissertation

A non-empirical dissertation is based on secondary sources, such as books, articles, and online resources. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as content analysis or discourse analysis.

Narrative Dissertation

A narrative dissertation is a personal account of the researcher’s experience or journey. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as interviews, focus groups, or ethnography.

Systematic Literature Review

A systematic literature review is a comprehensive analysis of existing research on a specific topic. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as meta-analysis or thematic analysis.

Case Study Dissertation

A case study dissertation is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or organization. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis.

Mixed-Methods Dissertation

A mixed-methods dissertation combines both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to gather and analyze data. It typically uses methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups, as well as statistical analysis.

How to Write a Dissertation

Here are some general steps to help guide you through the process of writing a dissertation:

• Choose a topic : Select a topic that you are passionate about and that is relevant to your field of study. It should be specific enough to allow for in-depth research but broad enough to be interesting and engaging.
• Conduct research : Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic, utilizing a variety of sources, including books, academic journals, and online databases. Take detailed notes and organize your information in a way that makes sense to you.
• Create an outline : Develop an outline that will serve as a roadmap for your dissertation. The outline should include the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Write the introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of your topic, the research questions, and the significance of the study. It should also include a clear thesis statement that states your main argument.
• Write the literature review: The literature review should provide a comprehensive analysis of existing research on your topic. It should identify gaps in the research and explain how your study will fill those gaps.
• Write the methodology: The methodology section should explain the research methods you used to collect and analyze data. It should also include a discussion of any limitations or weaknesses in your approach.
• Write the results: The results section should present the findings of your research in a clear and organized manner. Use charts, graphs, and tables to help illustrate your data.
• Write the discussion: The discussion section should interpret your results and explain their significance. It should also address any limitations of the study and suggest areas for future research.
• Write the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize your main findings and restate your thesis statement. It should also provide recommendations for future research.
• Edit and revise: Once you have completed a draft of your dissertation, review it carefully to ensure that it is well-organized, clear, and free of errors. Make any necessary revisions and edits before submitting it to your advisor for review.

Dissertation Format

The format of a dissertation may vary depending on the institution and field of study, but generally, it follows a similar structure:

• Title Page: This includes the title of the dissertation, the author’s name, and the date of submission.
• Abstract : A brief summary of the dissertation’s purpose, methods, and findings.
• Table of Contents: A list of the main sections and subsections of the dissertation, along with their page numbers.
• Introduction : A statement of the problem or research question, a brief overview of the literature, and an explanation of the significance of the study.
• Literature Review : A comprehensive review of the literature relevant to the research question or problem.
• Methodology : A description of the methods used to conduct the research, including data collection and analysis procedures.
• Results : A presentation of the findings of the research, including tables, charts, and graphs.
• Discussion : A discussion of the implications of the findings, their significance in the context of the literature, and limitations of the study.
• Conclusion : A summary of the main points of the study and their implications for future research.
• References : A list of all sources cited in the dissertation.
• Appendices : Additional materials that support the research, such as data tables, charts, or transcripts.

Dissertation Outline

Dissertation Outline is as follows:

Title Page:

• Title of dissertation
• Author name
• Institutional affiliation
• Date of submission
• Brief summary of the dissertation’s research problem, objectives, methods, findings, and implications
• Usually around 250-300 words

Table of Contents:

• List of chapters and sections in the dissertation, with page numbers for each

I. Introduction

• Background and context of the research
• Research problem and objectives
• Significance of the research

II. Literature Review

• Overview of existing literature on the research topic
• Identification of gaps in the literature
• Theoretical framework and concepts

III. Methodology

• Research design and methods used
• Data collection and analysis techniques
• Ethical considerations

IV. Results

• Presentation and analysis of data collected
• Findings and outcomes of the research
• Interpretation of the results

V. Discussion

• Discussion of the results in relation to the research problem and objectives
• Evaluation of the research outcomes and implications
• Suggestions for future research

VI. Conclusion

• Summary of the research findings and outcomes
• Implications for the research topic and field
• Limitations and recommendations for future research

VII. References

• List of sources cited in the dissertation

VIII. Appendices

• Additional materials that support the research, such as tables, figures, or questionnaires.

Example of Dissertation

Here is an example Dissertation for students:

Title : Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Academic Achievement and Well-being among College Students

This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of mindfulness meditation on the academic achievement and well-being of college students. Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity as a technique for reducing stress and enhancing mental health, but its effects on academic performance have not been extensively studied. Using a randomized controlled trial design, the study will compare the academic performance and well-being of college students who practice mindfulness meditation with those who do not. The study will also examine the moderating role of personality traits and demographic factors on the effects of mindfulness meditation.

Chapter Outline:

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Background and rationale for the study
• Research questions and objectives
• Significance of the study
• Overview of the dissertation structure

Chapter 2: Literature Review

• Definition and conceptualization of mindfulness meditation
• Theoretical framework of mindfulness meditation
• Empirical research on mindfulness meditation and academic achievement
• Empirical research on mindfulness meditation and well-being
• The role of personality and demographic factors in the effects of mindfulness meditation

Chapter 3: Methodology

• Research design and hypothesis
• Participants and sampling method
• Intervention and procedure
• Measures and instruments
• Data analysis method

Chapter 4: Results

• Descriptive statistics and data screening
• Analysis of main effects
• Analysis of moderating effects
• Post-hoc analyses and sensitivity tests

Chapter 5: Discussion

• Summary of findings
• Implications for theory and practice
• Limitations and directions for future research
• Conclusion and contribution to the literature

Chapter 6: Conclusion

• Recap of the research questions and objectives
• Summary of the key findings
• Contribution to the literature and practice
• Implications for policy and practice
• Final thoughts and recommendations.

References :

List of all the sources cited in the dissertation

Appendices :

Additional materials such as the survey questionnaire, interview guide, and consent forms.

Note : This is just an example and the structure of a dissertation may vary depending on the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the institution or the supervisor.

How Long is a Dissertation

The length of a dissertation can vary depending on the field of study, the level of degree being pursued, and the specific requirements of the institution. Generally, a dissertation for a doctoral degree can range from 80,000 to 100,000 words, while a dissertation for a master’s degree may be shorter, typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 words. However, it is important to note that these are general guidelines and the actual length of a dissertation can vary widely depending on the specific requirements of the program and the research topic being studied. It is always best to consult with your academic advisor or the guidelines provided by your institution for more specific information on dissertation length.

Applications of Dissertation

Here are some applications of a dissertation:

• Advancing the Field: Dissertations often include new research or a new perspective on existing research, which can help to advance the field. The results of a dissertation can be used by other researchers to build upon or challenge existing knowledge, leading to further advancements in the field.
• Career Advancement: Completing a dissertation demonstrates a high level of expertise in a particular field, which can lead to career advancement opportunities. For example, having a PhD can open doors to higher-paying jobs in academia, research institutions, or the private sector.
• Publishing Opportunities: Dissertations can be published as books or journal articles, which can help to increase the visibility and credibility of the author’s research.
• Personal Growth: The process of writing a dissertation involves a significant amount of research, analysis, and critical thinking. This can help students to develop important skills, such as time management, problem-solving, and communication, which can be valuable in both their personal and professional lives.
• Policy Implications: The findings of a dissertation can have policy implications, particularly in fields such as public health, education, and social sciences. Policymakers can use the research to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for the population.

When to Write a Dissertation

Here are some situations where writing a dissertation may be necessary:

• Pursuing a Doctoral Degree: Writing a dissertation is usually a requirement for earning a doctoral degree, so if you are interested in pursuing a doctorate, you will likely need to write a dissertation.
• Conducting Original Research : Dissertations require students to conduct original research on a specific topic. If you are interested in conducting original research on a topic, writing a dissertation may be the best way to do so.
• Advancing Your Career: Some professions, such as academia and research, may require individuals to have a doctoral degree. Writing a dissertation can help you advance your career by demonstrating your expertise in a particular area.
• Contributing to Knowledge: Dissertations are often based on original research that can contribute to the knowledge base of a field. If you are passionate about advancing knowledge in a particular area, writing a dissertation can help you achieve that goal.
• Meeting Academic Requirements : If you are a graduate student, writing a dissertation may be a requirement for completing your program. Be sure to check with your academic advisor to determine if this is the case for you.

Purpose of Dissertation

some common purposes of a dissertation include:

• To contribute to the knowledge in a particular field : A dissertation is often the culmination of years of research and study, and it should make a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field.
• To demonstrate mastery of a subject: A dissertation requires extensive research, analysis, and writing, and completing one demonstrates a student’s mastery of their subject area.
• To develop critical thinking and research skills : A dissertation requires students to think critically about their research question, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. These skills are valuable not only in academia but also in many professional fields.
• To demonstrate academic integrity: A dissertation must be conducted and written in accordance with rigorous academic standards, including ethical considerations such as obtaining informed consent, protecting the privacy of participants, and avoiding plagiarism.
• To prepare for an academic career: Completing a dissertation is often a requirement for obtaining a PhD and pursuing a career in academia. It can demonstrate to potential employers that the student has the necessary skills and experience to conduct original research and make meaningful contributions to their field.
• To develop writing and communication skills: A dissertation requires a significant amount of writing and communication skills to convey complex ideas and research findings in a clear and concise manner. This skill set can be valuable in various professional fields.
• To demonstrate independence and initiative: A dissertation requires students to work independently and take initiative in developing their research question, designing their study, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This demonstrates to potential employers or academic institutions that the student is capable of independent research and taking initiative in their work.
• To contribute to policy or practice: Some dissertations may have a practical application, such as informing policy decisions or improving practices in a particular field. These dissertations can have a significant impact on society, and their findings may be used to improve the lives of individuals or communities.
• To pursue personal interests: Some students may choose to pursue a dissertation topic that aligns with their personal interests or passions, providing them with the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic that they find personally meaningful.

Advantage of Dissertation

Some advantages of writing a dissertation include:

• Developing research and analytical skills: The process of writing a dissertation involves conducting extensive research, analyzing data, and presenting findings in a clear and coherent manner. This process can help students develop important research and analytical skills that can be useful in their future careers.
• Demonstrating expertise in a subject: Writing a dissertation allows students to demonstrate their expertise in a particular subject area. It can help establish their credibility as a knowledgeable and competent professional in their field.
• Contributing to the academic community: A well-written dissertation can contribute new knowledge to the academic community and potentially inform future research in the field.
• Improving writing and communication skills : Writing a dissertation requires students to write and present their research in a clear and concise manner. This can help improve their writing and communication skills, which are essential for success in many professions.
• Increasing job opportunities: Completing a dissertation can increase job opportunities in certain fields, particularly in academia and research-based positions.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to Write a Journal Article from a Thesis

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Table of Contents

You are almost done with your PhD thesis and want to convert it into a journal article. Or, you’re initiating a career as a journal writer and intend to use your thesis as a starting point for an article. Whatever your situation, turning a thesis into a journal article is a logical step and a process that eventually every researcher completes. But…how to start?

The first thing to know about converting a thesis into a journal article is how different they are:

Thesis Characteristics:

• Meets academic requirements
• Reviewed by select committee members
• Contains chapters
• Lengthy, no word limits
• Table of contents
• Lengthy research of literature
• IRB approval described in detail
• Description and copies of tools used
• All findings presented
• Verb tenses may vary

Journal Article Characteristics:

• Meets journalistic standards
• Reviewed by a panel of “blind” reviewers
• Word limits
• Manuscript format
• Succinct research of literature
• IRB described in 1 to 3 sentences
• Essential and succinct tool information
• Selected findings presented
• Verb tenses are fairly consistent

Converting your thesis to a journal article may be complex, but it’s not impossible.

A thesis is a document of academic nature, so it’s more detailed in content. A journal article, however, is shorter, highlighting key points in a more succinct format. Adapting a thesis for conversion into a journal article is a time-consuming and intricate process that can take you away from other important work. In that case, Elsevier’s Language Editing services may help you focus on important matters and provide a high-quality text for submission in no time at all.

If you are going to convert a thesis into a journal article, with or without professional help, here is a list of some of the steps you will likely have to go through:

1. Identify the best journal for your work

• Ensure that your article is within the journal’s aim and scope. How to find the right journal? Find out more .
• Check the journal’s recommended structure and reference style

2. Shorten the length of your thesis

• Treat your thesis as a separate work
• Paraphrase but do not distort meaning
• Select and repurpose parts of your thesis

3. Reformat the introduction as an abstract

• Shorten the introduction to 100-150 words, but maintain key topics to hold the reader’s attention.
• Use the introduction and discussion as basis for the abstract

4. Modify the introduction

• If your thesis has more than one research question or hypothesis, which are not all relevant for your paper, consider combining your research questions or focusing on just one for the article
• Use previously published papers (at least three) from the target journal as examples

5. Tighten the methods section

• Keep the discussion about your research approach short

6. Report main findings in the results

• Expose your main findings in the results section in concise statements

7. Discussion must be clear and concise

• Begin by providing an interpretation of your results: “What is it that we have learned from your research?”
• Situate the findings to the literature
• Discuss how your findings expand known or previous perspectives
• Briefly present ways in which future studies can build upon your work and address limitations in your study

8. Limit the number of references

• To choose the most relevant and recent
• To format them correctly
• Consider using a reference manager system (e.g. Mendeley ) to make your life easier

If you are not a proficient English speaker, the task of converting a thesis into a journal article might make it even more difficult. At Elsevier’s Language Editing services we ensure that your manuscript is written in correct scientific English before submission. Our professional proofers and editors check your manuscript in detail, taking your text as our own and with the guarantee of maximum text quality.

Language editing services by Elsevier Author Services:

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What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
• Table of contents
• List of figures /list of tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
• Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
• Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
• Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
• Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
• Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

Pricing depends on the type of task you wish to be completed, the number of pages, and the due date. The longer the due date you put in, the bigger discount you get!

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